Customer Reviews

Christmas from the Back Side

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

My study group found this book to be helpful and enriching. We used it as an Advent study. Kalas has an unique way of looking at Scripture from another angle. We have used several of J. Ellsworth Kalas' books in our study group. Kalas has a signature question in every study guide: What insights did you receive from this chapter? This gives each member of the group the opportunity to share personally. His work challenges us to look a little further in God's message.

J. Ellsworth Kalas has a knack for approaching familiar Scriptures "from the backside" in order to grab the attention of readers and small group participants. His Christmas From the Back Side is no acception. We used it in our church for a four-week book study on Wednesday nights during Advent. It invites readers to use their imagination and life experiences to think about major and minor characters, their motives, reactions, and circumstances. It brings home the underlying messages in a new way.

This book is great for Sunday Schools or small groups. He uses bible verses about Christmas to guide the book. Each chapter opens with particular verses about one aspect of the Christmas Story. His analysis is really good. No matter what your background I think this book will open your mind to Christmas. You will at least once have an "awe yes" moment while you read this book. He will get your mind turning for sure. The only reason I gave it three stars is because compared to his other books it has less "awe yes" moments than Kala's fans would expect. It will for sure give you a new tool to take a look at Christmas with.