- Description
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The Christmas season is often one of the busiest and most stressful times of the year, and it’s easy to lose sight of what makes it special. Helping us refocus on what’s truly important, well-known pastor and author John Piper leads readers through twenty-four short meditations on Advent. The devotionals—drawn from Piper’s extensive preaching and teaching ministry—lead readers to ponder afresh the birth of Jesus, Israel’s long-awaited Messiah and the Savior of the world. Reflecting on several Scriptural texts, this accessible volume aims to direct individuals, families, and churches to the most glorious dawning of indestructible joy the world has ever seen: the incarnation of the Son of God.
Customer Reviews
- Amazing Advent inspiration!
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"It happened in a city. Not in Narnia. Not in Middle-earth. Not in a galaxy far, far away. It happened in a city about 7,000 miles away from Minneapolis. The city still exists today.... The city's name is Bethlehem."
John Piper shares, each day of advent, about the JOY of Christmas, and the true message behind Jesus' birth and life. This is the perfect read during December, and I certainly enjoyed it myself. Each day gave me a good 'seed' to ponder about, and my thoughts would often return to the little teaching at other points in the day. Overall, I enjoyed this book very much, and will probably reread it again some year in the future.Overall - The Meaning Of Christmas
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The Dawning of Indestructible Joy by John Piper is a short devotional book meant to be used in the days leading up to Christmas in December. It contains a short passage and discussion for each of the 24 days leading up to the big day itself and aims to cover the significance and importance that Christmas has to believers.
Although short, it contains a wealth of information on why the Christmas season is so important and why Christians should remember exactly why Jesus Christ came to earth all those years ago. It is presented in small chunks, so it can easily be incorporated into daily devotionals or as a short message to start the day.
I listened to this audio book during August, so the contents weren't totally applicable but I am bound to revisit it at Christmas time as it contains a lot of knowledge and insight about the events surrounding Jesus' birth in a manager.
The narrator was very good – he has a strong, commanding voice and helped to communicate the text very efficiently.
This book would be a great devotional to use during the Advent season when the world's attention is on presents, holidays and trees to refocus on the real meaning behind the season.
This audio book was gifted as a part of the christianaudio Reviewers Program in exchange for my unbiased review of this work. More information can be found about this and other Christian audio books at christianaudio.com.Overall - a great way to relfect on the true meaning of Christmas.
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Every year many people celebrate the Christmas holiday.. Sadly the true meaning of the holiday is often drowned out by shopping for presents and putting up a tree.. But the real meaning behind Christmas is to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ..
This audio book : The Dawning of Indestructible Joy, Daily readings for advent. is a great refection on the real meaning behind Christmas..
Although I read this in August it still put me in the Christmas Spirit. I Love how this audio book is broken up into small sections, it really allowed for deep reflection without feeling overwhelmed with too much text.. Also this gave me the opportunity to listen to a daily audio portion several times in the same day..
Another thing I loved about this audio book is that the narrator was both engaging and warm.. adding something special to the text as he read it with great enthusiasm .
I plan on using this audio devotional in December to stir my spirit up to celebrate the birth of my Savior Jesus...
I was given the opportunity to review this book through christianaudio Reviewers Program (christianaudio) http://christianaudio.com .I was not required to leave a positive review. Thank you christianaudio..
Overall - Show ALL Reviews
- Devotions revealing the joy and magic of Christmas.
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Christmas is a time for joy, a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, but oftentimes we get caught up in the hustle and bustle of purchasing and wrapping gifts, decorating our homes, and sending greeting cards. With this lovely book (or audio book) we are reminded to deepen and strengthen our faith and understanding.
The Dawning of Indestructible Joy is broken down into twenty-five devotions, each guiding us through Advent, December 1 to Christmas Day. The topics are clear and different from other devotional books I’ve read. These devotions reveal clarity to what advent it all about, why Christmas happened, what mercy promises us, and enjoying God’s grace.
Audio Production Quality: I’m not a fan of background music that is often found in audio books, so I was pleased this one does not have it. The quality is clear, with no popping, skipping, or any other unwanted distractions.
Audio Narration: To be honest, I wasn’t drawn in by the introduction. It felt disjointed with the announcements of the related Bible verses. I understand it is needed, but I feel it would flow smoother in a physical or ebook, because the eye naturally skips over references like this. I found it a tad distracting in an audio read. My attention wasn’t full until the actual devotions begun.
Maurice England, the narrator, is a good fit. His authoritative and smooth voice gives this audio book a pleasant sound. With his deep tone, he presents his reading like a preacher would. There wasn’t anything about the narration that I didn’t like, and would most certainly purchase another audio book with Mr. England as the narrator.
Overall, The Dawning of Indestructible Joy is an uplifting, inspiring read. Although I listened to my copy during summertime, it has brought the joy and magic of Christmas.
Publisher: christianaudio
Audio Length: 1:49:17
Pages: 98
First Lines (introduction): It was a drenching moment for me that Advent. A man in our church had just prayed the words of John 1:14-16 in a pre-service prayer meeting. God granted me in that moment that the word “fullness” fill me. It was an extraordinary experience. There was a kind of Holy Spirit soaking.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a Review Copy from christianaudio. I was not required to write a positive review. The options I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
Overall - A different perspective on Jesus birth
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The Dawning of Indestructible Joy is a daily devotional to be read (or listened to) during the Advent season. There are devotionals for each day of Advent. John Piper leads us through Advent with various topics based on scripture that relate to the birth of Jesus. Though I listened to this book in August, the lessons that are present in the book regarding the Joy, peace, love and grace that came through the birth, life and death of Jesus provide us with yet another view of the significance of this singular event in human history.
Many of the devotionals and related scriptures are familiar to many of us, but I have never heard many of the scripture passages explained in the context of Christmas.
I enjoyed the book very much and look forward to listening again during this year’s Advent season in preparation for Christmas. The recording was very well done with clarity.
I was given a free audio version of this book for my agreement to review it but this has not influenced my personal impressions of the book.
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