About Me I am a retired librarian and I now support books and authors through my reviews.

I have always loved to read and I was able to share that love through my work as a public librarian for 22 1/2 years. I now promote literacy by reading, and then writing reviews. I love to support authors by sharing my reviews with others!

Saturday, November 9, 2019

Before Christmas: The Story of Jesus from the Beginning of Time to the Manger by Bill Crowder: Review & Giveaway


About the Book



Book: Before Christmas
Author: Bill Crowder
Genre: RELIGION / Holidays/Christmas & Advent
Release Date: October, 2019

Embrace the majesty of the Messiah

Bill Crowder invites you to explore the backstory of the first advent. He brings you on a journey into the very heart of God, to a greater understanding of what it means that “the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world” (1 John 4:14).

 Walk through Scripture to see and know Jesus in a richer way. Examine His character as God, His relationship with the Father, His appearances in the Old Testament, and more. Understand how these pre-Bethlehem truths lead into the Savior’s birth and the events of that first Christmas—and, most importantly, how it all comes together in God’s great story of redemption and rescue.

You’ll embrace the majesty of the Messiah and celebrate Christ’s birth with renewed joy and wonder.


Click here to get your copy.

MY THOUGHTS.....

With just 89 pages, this certainly isn't a long book but it is overflowing with the 'good news' of Christmas! New believers and mature Christians alike will find it to be both inspiring and illuminating because it reminds us that the actual birth of Jesus Christ is just part of the story. There was so much that happened "Before Christmas" that we need to better understand. Author Bill Crowder uses Bible scripture from both the Old and New Testament and the lyrics of Christmas hymns to justify his thoughts and to lead us to better understanding. Long before he came to earth as a baby, Jesus Christ has always been!

In the acknowledgements of Before Christmas Crowder tells us that this book's 'real reason and purpose is Jesus the Christ. His coming at Bethlehem to be our Redeemer is the still the best story of all.' In six chapters we learn His Character as God--His Relationship with the Father-- His Preparation for the Cross-- His Role as Creator-- His Appearances in the Old Testament--His Announced Arrival and then, in the conclusion, The Christmas Story.

I recommend it to read, study, and use as a devotional because Before Christmas is perfect for both the Advent Season and for the weeks leading up to Easter.

I received a complimentary copy from Celebrate Lit and a favorable review was not required. These are my own thoughts.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

About the Author



Bill Crowder, who spent over twenty years in the pastorate, is vice president of ministry content at Our Daily Bread Ministries. He is a contributor to Our Daily Bread and the author of nine books, including My Hope Is in You, Seeing the Heart of Christ, and For This He Came. He and his wife, Marlene, have five children.
 

More from Bill

During my years as a pastor, I found Christmas and Easter to be challenging. Certainly I love those seasons (for very different reasons), but finding creative ways to retell these important stories was often difficult. But, at one such season I realized that the story we tell at Christmas is not really the whole story. By entering the story at Nazareth or Bethlehem, we enter too late. We can’t simply start with the Baby in the manger—we need to go back. Before time began. To the eternal Christ. Unless we seek to understand Him, we’ll never fully appreciate who He was and why He came. That is the Christmas story.  – Bill Crowder

Blog Stops

The Power of Words, October 31
Mary Hake, October 31
A Rup Life, November 3
Texas Book-aholic, November 4
janicesbookreviews, November 5
A Reader’s Brain, November 7
Emily Yager, November 8
Older & Smarter?, November 9
God is Love, November 10
She Lives To Read, November 12
Inklings and notions, November 13

Giveaway



To celebrate his tour, Bill is giving away the grand prize package of a copy of the book, Starbucks Holiday Blend Coffee, and $10 Amazon card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

7 comments:

  1. I really appreciate getting to read about your book since I have so many in my family who are huge readers. Thanks for sharing  and for the giveaway.

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  2. This sounds like a wonderful read.

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  3. What a great way to prepare for the Christmas season!

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  4. Connie, thank you for the wonderful review! This book sounds perfect for preparing to celebrate Christ. Thank you for being part of the tour.

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  5. What a perfect way to start the holiday season.

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