The Surprising Savior - by Dave Furman (Hardcover)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

Christmas is a celebration of God coming to us and becoming one of us. The anticipation and preparation that leads up to the big day each year is but a taste of what those who were waiting for the Messiah experienced so many years ago. In The Surprising Savior, Furman sets out to examine the familiar stories anew, while stepping back and appreciating the mind-blowing nature of every little detail surrounding the first Christmas.

Readers are invited to see God at work in the lives of unlikely individuals, in unexpected places, with unanticipated timing. By exploring Christmas through the lens of the book of Luke, you will find hope and encouragement in your own seasons of waiting and be reminded of how God often works through the weak, humble, and ordinary to accomplish his extraordinary purposes.

With twenty-five daily devotions, the book helps Christians refocus their hearts and marvel at the true reason for the season, while thoughtful questions encourage personal reflection or meaningful conversations with family and friends. Acknowledging the many emotions and challenges that often accompany this time of year, it gently points readers to God's enduring faithfulness in every season.

Review Quotes

"If you are looking for a resource that will guide you into and through the Christmas season, you will find The Surprising Savior just the thing. Whether you read it on your own or with friends or family, you will find it a helpful and stirring guide to the wonder of God becoming man so that he could save his people."
Tim Challies, Author of From the Rising of the Sun; blogger, challies.com

"If you are looking for a companion for the Christmas season, a slow journey through Luke's gospel is a wonderful way to go. And if you want a voice commenting on that story, Dave Furman's devotional is a great way to go. Read and marvel at what God has done for us."
Darrell L. Bock, Senior Research Professor of New Testament, Dallas Theological Seminary; Executive Director for Cultural Engagement, the Hendricks Center; author of two-volume Luke commentary, Baker Exegetical Commentary series

"In The Surprising Savior, Dave Furman offers an accessible, warm, and biblically rich companion for the Advent season. Dave's pastoral heart for his reader shines through on every page, and his delight in the Christmas story and the upside-down gospel of Jesus is contagious. If you are looking for an Advent devotional for yourself, your church group, or your family, I recommend this one!"
Caroline Cobb, Singer-songwriter; author of Advent for Exiles

"Who doesn't love a surprise? This wonderfully-written Christmas devotional tells you about the greatest surprise ever--the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I greatly enjoyed and spiritually benefited from this marvelous collection of Advent devotions, and know you will too!"
Andreas J. Köstenberger, Author of The First Days of Jesus; cofounder, Biblical Foundations; theologian-in-residence, Fellowship Raleigh; host, Oak Tree Cottage

"Whether you find yourself anticipating a Christmas season of warmth and good cheer or bone-cold weariness, Dave's devotional reflections will gently reset your focus on the powerful reality that God has come near. Interwoven with his unexpected stories from the Middle East, he makes this familiar story come to life in new, refreshing, and God-honoring ways."
John Dyer, VP and Professor, Dallas Theological Seminary

"Dave Furman has a gift for helping readers see familiar texts with fresh eyes. The Surprising Savior reminds us that the incarnation wasn't just unexpected--it was God's decisive answer to our deepest waiting. Warm, accessible, and pastorally rich, it's a perfect Advent companion for families and individuals alike."
Darren Carlson, International Director, TLI; Lead Pastor, Redeemer Church Bozeman; author of Witness: Missional Devotions from the Book of Acts

"So good! Bringing a fresh look to familiar texts, Dave helps fix our eyes on the long-awaited Savior. His heart and gifting as a pastor shine through in vivid illustrations and thoughtful application that stir the heart to worship. You'll be refreshed and strengthened as you spend Advent with these devotions."
Marwan Aboul-Zelof, Lead Pastor, City Bible Church, Beirut, Lebanon

About the Author

Dave Furman, ThM, was one of the founding pastors of Redeemer Church of Dubai and currently serves as the Chancellor of Gulf Theological Seminary. He is the author of Being There and Embracing God in Your Suffering. He is married to Gloria, and they have four children.