John Piper is a gifted pastor who knows how to bring the truth. Whether in spoken word or his writings, I am always left with a greater understanding of the Bible, who God is, and my need for our great Savior Jesus Christ. In "The Dawning of Indestructible Joy," we are led closer to Christ as we approach the Christmas season. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, we are reminded of God's awesome promises. This book gives us devotions from December 1 to 25, and we are reminded of God's greatness and salvation plan.

The Dawning of Indestructible Joy by John Piper is such quiet, powerful truth delivered in a way that humbles the reader. It is an amazing advent devotional that you will want to reflect on over and over. This book was intended for the Advent Season but I find that the truths here are truths for all through the year. You cannot reflect too often on what Christ has accomplished by coming to earth and dying for the sins of the world.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

In The Dawning of Indestructible Joy, John Piper has written a series of devotional meditations on various Bible passages. He includes reflections on texts from Micah, John, Galatians, and Colossians as well as various segments of the account of the birth of Christ. Throughout each meditation he makes use of supporting texts that define and explain Christmas from multiple other places in the Bible.

This devotional is not a retelling or an explanation specifically of the Christmas story itself but rather an in depth look at all of the implications of the Christmas story for our lives.

Throughout the book the gospel is clearly explained. It is not a sentimental journey through the Christmas season but a tool to expand the reader's understanding of the gospel as revealed in the Christmas account.

Reading this devotional, I was expecting a more focussed look at the details of the Christmas story itself. While I was disappointed in this, The Dawning of Indestructible Joy is a useful tool in contemplating the bigger picture of the Christmas story and its implications for us. I would rate it a four out of five stars. I received a complimentary copy from Crossway Publishers in order to write an unbiased review.

I love John Piper! This is a great Advent book that really helps you understand and focus on the true meaning of Christmas....in a nutshell.....God's glory and our peace. Great for preparing our hearts as we wait expectantly, not just for the day we celebrate Jesus' birth, but also for the day of His return.

Excellent companion for advent. Does a great job describing what advent is and why we should celebrate it. Devotions are short but packed with detail and awe inspiring information. Beautifully written. One of the best advent devotionals.
I received a digital copy of this book from netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Excellent Advent book with poignant daily readings.

I needed a reset on my Christmas spirit this year so when I saw this book up for review I knew I wanted to read it. I have highlighted so much.

I have shared before that I have been struggling with joy recently so the title of this book alone was enough to draw me in. I know God's joy is indestructible but I needed to really get it. Reading this small chapters everyday this month has helped.

John talks about when Peter writes to be awakened or stirred up: "is to feel some measure of the joy God intends for Christmas to bring. "Behold, I bring you good news of great joy" (Luke 2:10). Not small joy. Not modest joy. But "great joy." If we don't feel this when we ponder the incarnation of the Son of God, we need awakening." We need to be "stirred up.""

And those words are only the beginning. There is so much more good stuff in this book. I know it's a little late to dive into this book now but you could always grab it for next year and get stirred up. Or honestly, why not read it anytime of year, we always need to be reminded of the greatest gift of all, don't we?


A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley.com. All opinions are my own.

This is the season of Advent, where Christians are preparing their hearts to celebrate Christmas. One way to help us retain our sense of focus and attention on Jesus is through daily devotionals. Christmas is a time of joy. There is no need, no excuse, and no necessity to be glum about things. The eternal fullness of God's joy makes our temporal struggles on earth insignificant. Piper admits that he tends to be "dull, spiritually drowsy, halfhearted, lukewarm" and this book is partly a personal stirring up of the soul to wake up to the dawn of joy. For we don't need a lot of new stuff. We need a timely reminder about the reason for joy. This book is a 30-day reminder. Reminders such as:

How Jesus came on a "search-sand-save mission" that we be beneficiaries of His atoning work of grace
How we can be set free from the tyranny of money and power to embrace the One who is above all powers
Christmas is not about giving presents but receiving all of Christ, that we may learn the heart of all giving, and forgiving
Christmas proclaims the Truth of God's love, and this lasts forever and ever
Our truest treasure is far beyond anything we could ever imagine
We are reminded about the joy of Christian service
The promises of God will always be fulfilled, in God's time.



My Thoughts
December is often filled with tempting jingles and sounding music at malls and shopping centres. Marketers are very adept at coming up with enticing sales and seductive product offerings to make us think about consumerism in an already saturated materialistic society. Like the old hymn: "This world is not my home," Many conservatives would shun enjoyment of things on earth and to constantly think of heaven. Piper believes otherwise, that both heaven and earth are to be embraced. In fact, he admits that his "Desiring God" platform is an unabashed form of "Christian Hedonism" as described by "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him." This book about joy is Piper's unique way of learning to experience the fullness of God's joy on earth when we have that heavenly joy in us. For most of us, we simply need reminders. We need to be awakened to the beauty of joy. We need historical truth to be brought alive to existential reality. After all, Christians of all people, ought to be the happiest and joyful people in this world. Come Christmas, let all believers sing and shout for joy, knowing that the Lord has come, and the Lord will come again.

Dr John Piper is founder and teacher of desiringGod.org and chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary. For 33 years, he served as pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Rating: 4 stars of 5.

conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of Crossway Publishers and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.

The Dawning of Indestructible Joy is a great little Advent book. It is so worth your time to spend with your family to do the Advent to Christmas or if you are just one person it is just as great for you as well. As the author wrote that this book was, "like the Apostle Peter at the end of his life as he wrote his second letter. Twice he told his readers why he was writing to them. In the first chapter he said, "I think it right as long as I am in this body to stir you up by way of reminder". I Peter 1:13 , then in the last chapter, he said it again, "I am stirring up your sincere Mind by way of reminder.". II Peter 9:1. His aim was first to remind them. And, then, by reminding them, to stir them up.". That is what the author wanted to do for you in this Advent book. I went through and it does just that. Here are some chapter names the mercy HE promises, freed to be part of GOD's family, HE came to serve, graciously and Tenderly frustrating, the gift you cannot buy, receive HIS reconciliation, something worth singing about and many more. Do not miss out on this precious book this Advent and next year to come.

Strong, joy-filled material from Piper, as ever ! Helps restore the wonder - strongly recommended devotional to read during Advent

What a good, concise book that gives perspective into the true meaning of Christmas! A great daily devotional to walk you through Advent and bring your Christmas season back into focus.