Christmas in Proper Perspective
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Dr. Stephen Nichols has collected a series of meditations and reflections on Christmas gathered from throughout the history of the Church. This collection does a wonderful job of placing Christmas into its proper place within the context of Gods plan of redemption that He is working out in history. Christmas, Nichols highlights, does not begin in Bethlehem. It begins at creation. It does not end with the wise men; it ends in heaven. Dr. Nichols has organized all of the writings around the central theme of peace but the book is anything but redundant. He has done a wonderful job of selecting writings that reflect on various different aspects of the incarnation and work of redemption so that the readers attention is continually directed to a different aspect of the Christmas message. The book includes an impressive array of perspectives from Leo I to Bonhoeffer, from Ambrose to Wesley, from Augustine to Wesley, from Luther to Piper, and many others.

The result is a book that has an almost devotional quality. Rather than a systematic presentation of doctrine beginning with A and working through to Z, the great and deep truths of Christmas are examined like a precious stone that is turned all different directions so that the light might glimmer and refract off of each surface and angle. It more closely represents a classic liturgy than a modern study. In fact, the book ends with an adaptation of portions of historical liturgical readings and songs for use in either church or home.

Although the book will no doubt be beneficial to any Christian who wishes to gain deeper insight into the Christmas story, I think its main benefit may be as a resource to preachers looking to expand the scope and depth of their Christmas or Advent sermons. The meditations in the book are so rich that I found myself repeatedly wanting to preach on the underlying scriptural passages so I could share the themes and truths highlighted in the book. I think many preachers will similarly be encouraged to dig a bit deeper into a number of scriptural passages with their congregations.

While I have always celebrated Christmas, I have never been a fan of how it is usually done. I recall teaching my children when they were younger that there were two distinctly different holidays that were celebrated at the end of the year and that unfortunately sometimes people (even in church) get them a bit mixed up. What Dr. Nichols has done in this book, however, is to call our attention to the true wonder of Christmas that should characterize the Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus. That wonder should be with us every single day of the year.

* I received a free copy of this book from Reformation Trust Publishing as part of their book review program. Reviews are not required to be positive and the opinions I have expressed are my own.
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So often we think only of what we can get at Christmas.  Here is a couple who think only of each other.  What a different world it would be if we all thought that way.
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I used this book to do an indepth study of Christmas and the traditions surrounding it. Very well done. Learned quite a bit. I enjoyed the author's approach that Christmas, no matter what it started out has, is now a commercially controlled holiday and that when people yearn for the goodness and wholesome old days, they never really existed, at least in America. The Origins of Christmas did a better job dealing with the ancient history of Christmas in the early church, but that was not why this book was written.
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The War on Christmas separates the biblical truths of Christmas and the traditions that have surfaced throughout the years. It offers responses to typical arguments against Christmas, including ones I have heard before - Boy do I wish I had this book when those arguments had occurred! Not that I would tell anyone what to believe but I DO want to stand up for my beliefs and be able to effectively explain why we celebrate the way we do and how it is not sacrilegious to put up a Christmas tree - Yes, we were once told that decorating a Christmas tree means we are worshiping it... And to that, the book gives this response: "Some have reminded me of the decorated trees in Jeremiah 10: 1-6. Explain that it wasn't the tree that was sin but the hearts of those who used them to honor false gods. If they had done it to honor God then the outcome would have been different. If someone honors God with a decorated tree (as opposed to false gods) then how can it be sinful?"

This book covered all of the arguments my family has heard against celebrating Christmas, and more! It is not only very thorough and backed up all of my beliefs, but it is also in an easy to read format with graphics and little tidbits of information throughout. I recommend this book to anyone to who wants to understand Christmas better, but particularly to those who have personally experienced the war against Christmas.

I received this product in exchange for an honest review.
3590997
This is a slice-of-life look at Christmas as it was celebrated in England in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. I enjoyed this peek into the quaint British traditions.
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I had initially heard about this picture book via the author's interview and reading of the book on a radio show.  What a treat it was indeed to read my own copy during the Christmas Season!  It's a simple story of loss and heartache, and then the restoration of hope and the realization of a simple theme: being the giver of gifts.

Along with the standard Christmas music and lights that I set up every year, a reading of this book will take its place as part of that tradition.
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This book is filled with out-of-the-box perspectives on Christmas and Jesus. Whether you know the Christmas Story by heart or aren't sure what to think about it, Sammy uses his words to open up your eyes and see something you may have not seen before. Great for yourself or as a gift--tis the season!
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Lori Copeland has written another book to remind us what is the true meaning of Christmas. The town of Nativity has been suffering from the lack of economy and have called in a financial consultant to help them with their money woes. However as soon as Jake arrives, he gets off to a bad start with the townsfolk by nearly wrecking their beloved Christmas tree. Jake soon finds that the town is so involved with tradition in keeping an ideal Christmas that it's easy to see why they are in debt. As he tries to wean them from their long standing traditions, both him and the town learn what should be important during the holiday season. This book is a really great way to get into the holiday season but it also shows what we should also be focusing on. The town, while having good intentions, seem to be set in their ways and didn't want to change things even though they were suffering. Even when told how their continued ways would bring on the town's demise, they were still adamant on keeping things just as they were because they were comfortable with it. I could totally understand Jake's frustration with the townsfolk and Roni. They needed help but wouldn't accept it. This book has several lessons running throughout it which really makes you think about not only the holiday season but what we put importance on.

I was EXTREMELY geeked to read about the lamp from A Christmas Story! It's one of my family's favorite Christmas movies and we always get a kick out of watching it every year. In fact my sisters' bought a miniature version of the lamp for my husband for Christmas while we were dating.

The only little qualm I had with the story is how fast Roni and Jake's relationship progressed. He's been in town for only a few weeks and by the end of the story they are already in love. I just didn't feel like it was very realistic and not very encouraging to other advice that tells you not to fall in love too quickly. Other than that, I enjoyed the book. It's a quick read and it does get you in the holiday spirit. It's good to have reminders of why we celebrate Christmas and where to place importance on during this hectic season.
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My family and I (two grown girls who still love stories) shared this book over Christmas. We took turns reading it to one another. I must say, this is highly recommended. This book has a certain, how shall I say, slyness to it -- it covers many "modern" topics: divorce, IKEA, and the general difficulty of "keeping it together" in a modern world. Nonetheless, here is this almost anachronistic figure of Mr. Moose, who speaks with his arch language and his old-fashioned manners, and tells quite a story.

It also presents Santa (Father Christmas) in a rather unusual light, not at all the timeworn "ho, ho, ho!"

Above all, this book captures the childlike spirit of Christmas, the magic and the wistfulness. It belongs in your Christmas box.
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This heart-warming story captures the true meaning of Christmas in a modern, realistic way. Perfect for the holidays, it is sure to teach children the joy of giving to those less fortunate. The colorful illustrations also help bring the story to life in a way that children will be mesmerized. This book could easily become a "must read" for the family as a holiday tradition.
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This book is a joy to read. It is a good reminder of the true meaning of Christmas.
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We purchased this book when it first was published a couple of years ago, and it has been a regular addition to our holiday reading list. We found it a wonderful reframing of the traditional nativity story, and a nice counter narrative to the consumerism that overwhelms this time of year.

We had just been talking with some friends about how they were trying to teach their children about doing kind actions and giving more that gifts this holiday season. When I saw that this book was available again on Amazon I ordered it quickly so that we could share this very applicable story with our friends as a holiday gift this year
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This is a delightful illustrated book - well written by caring parent and very able Alaskan author MUKKOVE JOHNSON. Short daily devotions combine with Scripture. Exactly what we need to remind us - and especially little ones - that in the midst of commercialism, CHRISTMAS IS ABOUT JESUS.

Consider buying this as a gift book or for libraries. Suitable for any time of the year but particularly as Christmas approaches.

A very deserving 5-stars. Congratulations Mukkove - and keep writing.

Review contributed by Eliza Earsman, author of DAYS OF ELIJAH (REVISED): A TRUE STORY.
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Kathleen M. Carroll is managing editor of books for St. Anthony Messenger Press and has also written&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/A-Franciscan-Christmas/dp/0867169869/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">A Franciscan Christmas</a>,<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/A-Mary-Christmas/dp/1616364750/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">A Mary Christmas</a>, and&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/St-Francis-A-Short-Biography/dp/1616365218/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">St. Francis: A Short Biography</a>.

She wrote in the introduction to this 2011 book, "In these pages, I'd like to offer another perspective---a minority report, if you will. I'd like to tell a little bit about the history of Christmas and how our Western celebration of it has developed over the centuries. I'd like to share some of what I've learned about the origins of some of our most cherished traditions. And, most of all, I'd like to share the good news that even if every last foot soldier of evil were in fact on a mission to destroy Christmas, they'd have no chance. A Catholic Christmas looks at the Christmas season through the lens of the liturgical year... I invite you to make this Christmas a Catholic Christmas by learning how much we owe to the Church in keeping the ancient traditions of our faith alive." (Pg. 2-3)

She observes, "the single most persuasive reason for settling on late December was more political---there was a longstanding Roman celebration already being observed around that date... The selection of December 25 as the date for Christmas is a profound reminder to us that ordinary things do not somehow 'corrupt' what is holy... The Church does not minimize Christmas by locating it on the date of a pagan feast; rather, it elevates that feast and the people who celebrated light and life and family in the centuries before Christ." (Pg. 14, 16) Later, she adds, "So, whether you believe there is enough historical reason to celebrate the birth of Jesus on the 25th of December, the Church makes it easy. A feast is whenever the Church says it is." (Pg. 31)

While admitting that "much of what is said about [St.] Nicholas is legend," she notes, "You will still find Nicholas listed in the various dictionaries of saints... And you will still find Nicholas listed in the Roman Calendar on December 6. There is is assigned an 'optional memorial.' In other words, churches and communities on that day may choose to celebrate either the liturgy in honor of St. Nicholas or the liturgy for a weekday in Advent." (Pg. 45)

She says, "there is also a secular holiday known as Boxing Day. The origins of this holiday are shrouded in a cloudy past, but essentially it was seen as a day to give gifts to the poor and needy. One legend tells of metal boxes being left outside churches, in which money and gifts could be placed for distribution." (Pg. 89)

This book, like her earlier "Franciscan Christmas" book, will be of much help to Catholics (and other Christians) preparing for the Advent/Christmas season.
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Love Love Love it. This about the true meaning of Christmas..not what is a shoved in our face today.
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nice story to read to children around christmastime....focuses on the real meaning of Christmas rather than Santa and all that fluff
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This unique, beautiful book looks at many things we traditionally associate with Christmas and explores how they point us back to the true meaning of the holiday - our Savior's birth.  The illustrations are classic masterpieces, and poems by Milton and Chesterton and ohers add to Williams' thoughtful, beautiful prose.  I am reading this again for the fourth year in a row - grateful for the peace and wisdom it offers at this time of year.