Christmas begins what Easter celebrates. The child in the cradle becomes the King on the cross. The promise of Christmas brings a lifetime of hope. The gifts of Easter reveal God’s self-giving love.

Because of Bethlehem/He Chose the Nails is a collection of two video-based Bible studies for Christmas and Easter by Max Lucado.

Because of Bethlehem

Because of Bethlehem, God knows what it's like to be human. Because of Bethlehem, when we talk to him about tough times, he understands. He's been there. He's been here. Because of Bethlehem, we know he doesn't say, "Clean up before you come in." He offers, "Come in and I'll clean you up." Because of Bethlehem, we no longer have marks on our record...just grace.

In the midst of your hectic Christmas season, Max will help you:

Revive your wonder that the One who made everything chose to make himself nothing for us.
Rekindle your connection to the Christ of Christmas who offers lasting hope.
Lay down your endless Christmas to-do list and receive what Jesus has already done.
Heal your heartache by embracing the God who is always near you, always for you, and always in you.

He Chose the Nails

The last moments leading up to Jesus’ death were not left up to chance. God chose the path; he selected the nails. Our Lord planted the trio of crosses and painted the sign. And in those details are gifts Christ provided for us. The cross. The thorns. The nails. His seamless robe. The empty tomb. God didn’t have to give us all these things, you know. The only required act for our salvation was the shedding of blood, yet he did much more. So much more.

In this Easter season study, Max will help you:

Experience Lent as a time not to just give up something, but to prepare to receive good gifts from God.
Take comfort that Jesus understands everything you face in this life.
Receive the grace of Christ's work for us, and cooperate with God's work in us to make us more like him.
Stand firm in the promise that you are forgiven, and you are welcome in God’s presence, no matter what you've done.