The Christmas We Didn't Expect

Gary Millar

Theologically rich. Heartwarmingly profound. David Mathis is a sure guide to both the simplicity and the complexity of Christ’s coming, and he leads us in a way which is deeply thoughtful, refreshingly insightful and thoroughly worshipful. This daily devotional manages to be soaring and searing at the same time. It will cause you to marvel at the Lord Jesus Christ and to think long and hard about what (and how) we’re celebrating, and it will breathe new life into the Christmas season. I look forward to using it and pray that others will do the same.

Joni Eareckson Tada

Christmas contains so many delightful surprises, whether presents tucked secretly under the tree or much-loved visitors arriving at your door with arms full of gifts. These delights pale in comparison, though, to the astounding surprises you’ll discover in The Christmas We Didn't Expect. David Mathis reveals fascinating twists and turns on every page of the Christmas story. There is always something new to learn about Christ’s birth, and this fresh collection of insights truly delivers. My husband, Ken, and I are already planning to use this remarkable book for our devotional reading this Christmas—and we urge you to join us!

"jammed with rich theology"

David Mathis has written this set of daily devotionals for advent that help us see how unexpected the birth and person of Jesus are. The thing I really like about this book is that it goes beyond what we’d expect, Mathis helps you think about the importance of Jesus being both fully God and fully man and more.... continue reading

"use this book as an opportunity to slow down, contemplate Christ, and worship every day"

Mathis takes mysterious, grand concepts that people have written entire scholarly works about, and breaks them down into short, expressive readings that build on each other in the weeks to Christmas.... continue reading

“The best Advent devotions ever”

I bought this book last year for myself and it increased my understanding about Jesus’s coming to earth. There was so much to consider that I couldn’t retain everything. So I used the book again this year and plan to do so during future Advents. I’ve recommended it to others and given a copy to another copy.

“A great Advent devotional”

This is an excellent book. Each day has a Bible verse, a few pages to read and concludes with a prayer. The daily reflections not only made me think, they also taught me something new and gave me a new perspective. The book lives up to its title of showing us how the first Christmas did not happen the way people would have expected. For example, I learnt that the Magi were not only astrologers but possibly sorcerers and magicians, whom the Old Testament would have despised. It also helps us to think about the divinity and humanity of Jesus, and what that meant for him as he was growing up.
I would highly recommend this book when you are looking for a devotional for next Advent.

“Interesting and challenging”

A friend recommended this book and I’m glad I took her advice and bought myself a copy.
It has some original ideas and was an interesting and at times challenging read.

“a real eye-opener!”

I studied this book myself during advent and was blown away by the amount of questions it raised about a story we all feel we know so well. Once I discovered a friend was also using it, we had regular discussions about the fresh insights into different aspects that we had gained. I've recommended to our Vicar that this is the book we as a church use for our Advent Reflections in 2021.

“Something for everyone”

As a pastor of a small church I encouraged our folks to join with me in using this book as an Advent devotional. I was encouraged by the number who took me up on the challenge and even more so by the informal feedback throughout Advent as people engaged with the text.
As someone who has preached regularly through the Christmas story some of the "surprises" were already known to me, but yet the author's words and the depth of content still stimulated my mind and warmed my heart. However, for me there were also new insights on words and phrases which I had not thought about previously, which were thrilling to ponder and be challenged by to keep me focused in this special time of year.

“This was a different Advent book in a good way.”

The Christmas we didn’t expect was different to some Advent studies I’ve read but it made me think more about the whole of the Advent “story” and beyond. I can recommend it.

“Great Study of Advent”

Having followed John Piper's website for many years, David Mathis is often featured, his great study of Advent in daily readings unpacks what was happening as the Son of God came to earth. Taking a look at the individuals we all know so well and with the aid of Bible verses explains how they were involved and some interesting background information. Each day's reading culminates in a prayer to centre the readers' thoughts. A book to enjoy for many Christmases to come!

“Good for scholars”

Obviously, I am only part way through as it’s 15th December.
I found it very instructive and useful for my daily devotions, but a little bit deep to suit my taste. I will continue as it is useful and I am getting a lot from it.