Living In Light Of The Manger - by Sheila K Alewine (Paperback)

About the Book

If the manger only has meaning during our holiday celebrations, we've missed the point of the story. Jesus was born so that we could be born again. Discover the purpose and power of the manger through 40 daily devotions. Perfect to introduce the gospel to friends, co-workers, and neighbors, especially at Christmas.

Book Synopsis

Each year children and adults alike gather in sanctuaries, community centers, schools, and parks to portray that first Christmas nativity. Some are extravagant displays with live animals, beautiful costumes, and professionally designed sets. Others are simple representations with children dressed in bathrobes and a borrowed doll from the nursery to play baby Jesus. But the story is the same. A tiny baby has changed the world.

If the manger only has meaning during our holiday celebrations, we've missed the point of the story. Jesus was born so that we could be born again. The events of His birth and the people who welcomed Him have many lessons to teach us about the glorious gospel and how Jesus came to change our lives.

This Christmas season, take time out of your busy life to remember the manger. Set aside your hectic schedule. Grab a cup of coffee and sit for a few minutes each day and learn what it means to live in light of the manger.

Review Quotes

This devotional is a wonderful way to prepare for the Christmas season. I have gained many new insights that I will never forget. From her emphasis on Day One that we need to consider the creation story in order to fully understand the manger story, Sheila asks the reader to always focus on "the bigger picture" that Jesus is a part of. In turn, that fuller perspective gave me a new "framework" to see the complete picture and that resulted in awe and thankfulness! I have known Sheila for many years and her love for God and His Word comes clearly through these pages. I highly recommend this book as a wonderful gift for yourself or for others.

I put this little book, Living in the Light of the Manger, in with my Christmas decorations. I went looking for it in May because I realized I should leave it out year round. The message is clear... why not choose to be mindful of the manger - of God's amazing and even outrageous, extravagant plan to redeem mankind - every day? I can remember stopping in the middle of this study and sending an email to the author just to thank her! I had felt like that the Christmas story was one I was very familiar with, but I can tell you, this little book has highlighted passages, my exclamation points added, hearts, stars, smiley faces, and even some dried tears on the pages! It is not a long book but it is one that will bring to your mind new views on familiar passages. This insight into the grand love of God is needful, and not only can affect us all - it DOES affect us all. Page 21: "But the fact is, the manger's presence affects us all. It speaks of God's favor, His blessing, and His commands. It changes us. It challenges us. And it stands before us, calling us to believe." Incidentally, there are 7 sections - all vital to the strong Christian AND to one just now seeking to know the Christ of Christmas. If a group wants to use this - as a sharing discussion topic, I would recommend setting aside 8 sessions. (The last section has 9 short lessons, and they are too profound to gloss over quickly.)

My family followed this devotional through the Advent season as a morning devotional and thoroughly enjoyed it. The author's perspective on the Christmas story is refreshingly unique yet absolutely true to God's scriptural account. I recommend this devotional for any family, small (or large) group or individual who want to gain a deeper understanding of why Jesus came into this world in the way and at the time that He did.

"Living in Light of the Manger" is a thoughtful, well-written Christmas devotion. In this age of the commercialism of Christmas, it is more than a book about the birth of Christ in a manger It reminds us that Christmas is good news that can change our lives and lead to sharing the story with those who are spiritually lost. The devotion examines the birth of Christ from seven perspectives - the purpose of the manger; the promise of the manger; the presence of the manger; the passion of the manger; the power of the manger; the people of the manger; and the person of the manger.

The meaning of the manager takes on a true meaning in this book. It is a simple easy to read and understand book for believers and nonbelievers alike. It shows a path to salvation through Jesus Christ our Savior born in a manger. An amazing book. Hope she writes more.

About the Author

As a young mom, Sheila fell in love with Bible study when asked to join a Precept study on 2 Peter. Throughout the years of raising their daughters, working full-time and serving in ministry, she has loved studying and teaching in the Word. Now at this time of "empty-nest" life, she is enjoying the opportunity to try her hand at writing to encourage other believers. Sheila and her husband reside in Hendersonville, NC, where they have established Around The Corner Ministries to equip and encourage followers of Christ to share the gospel where they live, work and play. They love spending time with their two daughters and sons-in-law, and are excited to welcome their first two grandchildren the summer of 2017.