The Purpose of Christmas
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Overview
Hailed by The Economist as the “the most influential pastor in America,” and by Time as one of the 100 most influential people in the world, the bestselling author of The Purpose Driven Life expounds on the profound origins of Christmas, describing it as an opportune time to welcome peace into our lives.
In his powerful yet compassionate voice, Pastor Rick Warren sounds the clarion call to “remember the reason for the season,” taking readers back in time to the most wonderful story of all—the birth of the baby Jesus. When he was just a small boy, young Rick asked his parents if they could celebrate Christmas with a birthday party for Jesus—and the tradition began that the Warrens have upheld for over fifty years. Now through stirring imagery and compelling personal insights, The Purpose of Christmas honors the significance and promise of this cherished holiday. Pastor Warren encourages readers to identify and confront what drains peace from their lives. Warren explains that the way to respond to these peace robbers is to learn how to surrender to God’s will and not feel defeated or discouraged when life does not go as planned. True peace of mind is found by having an unshakeable faith in God—knowing that His empowering Spirit will guide His children through life’s challenges.
Beautifully written, The Purpose of Christmas will stir readers to honor the true significance of Christmas and to nurture God’s gifts of love and peace in this world.
Synopsis
The Purpose of Christmas DVD study for groups and families features three sessions taught by Rick Warren on why we celebrate Christmas and how it can change our lives forever.
Glenn Masuchika - Library Journal
Warren (founder, Saddleback Church, Lake Forest, CA; The Purpose Driven Life) has written a warm and fuzzy holiday book commemorating what he sees as the three purposes of Christmas: to celebrate the Christian God's love for you, to seek salvation through Jesus Christ, and to strive for reconciliation with Jesus Christ and God. This is neither a scholarly exposition on the meanings of Christmas nor a deeply theological meditation on questions of faith and divinity. The wisdom in this book does not rise above Warren's closing advice: "Hold a birthday party for Jesus this Christmas." Warren's book does well what it is supposed to do-it gives noncontroversial, unblemished, feel-good holiday cheer to the believer. There are books written to add to the intellectual and spiritual wealth of the public, and there are books written to be personal gifts given with a whole heart from one evangelical Christian to another. This is a gift book, and it's not recommended for library collections.
Editorials
Library Journal
Warren (founder, Saddleback Church, Lake Forest, CA; The Purpose Driven Life) has written a warm and fuzzy holiday book commemorating what he sees as the three purposes of Christmas: to celebrate the Christian God's love for you, to seek salvation through Jesus Christ, and to strive for reconciliation with Jesus Christ and God. This is neither a scholarly exposition on the meanings of Christmas nor a deeply theological meditation on questions of faith and divinity. The wisdom in this book does not rise above Warren's closing advice: "Hold a birthday party for Jesus this Christmas." Warren's book does well what it is supposed to do-it gives noncontroversial, unblemished, feel-good holiday cheer to the believer. There are books written to add to the intellectual and spiritual wealth of the public, and there are books written to be personal gifts given with a whole heart from one evangelical Christian to another. This is a gift book, and it's not recommended for library collections.
—Glenn Masuchika