A Christmas Carol Special Edition: The Charles Dickens Classic with Christian Insights and Discussion Questions for Groups and Families by Stephen Skelton [Paperback]

Charles Dickens (Author), Stephen Skelton (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2009

Celebrate the season with Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim, Jacob Marley, and the Spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Future—and discover how the greatest Christmas classic was based on the greastest story ever told.

This special edition includes the complete text of A Christmas Carol along with notes and discussion questions written from a Christian perspective.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

“We heartily recommend this little volume
as an amusing companion, and a wholesome monitor,
to all who would enjoy in truth and in spirit
‘A merry Christmas and a happy New Year.’”
Charles Mackay, Morning Chronicle, December 19, 1843
Since its publication in 1843, the tale of a miserly old man and the ghosts who visit him has been bringing the true spirit of Christmas into hearts and homes. Whether you’ve read the story a thousand times or have only seen the movie, A Christmas Carol Special Edition will enrich your enjoyment of this holiday favorite with:
? The complete text of the Charles Dickens classic.
? Annotations offering interesting insight into the story’s biblical allusions, the author’s faith, and compelling Christian themes throughout.
? Discussion questions designed to engage and promote dialogue among readers of all ages on such subjects as regret, repentance, and redemption.
? A list of related resources to enhance your study.
Enjoy A Christmas Carol Special Edition in your home, study group, book group, or Advent celebration and learn how to say with Scrooge:
“I will honour Christmas in my heart,
and try to keep it all the year.”

About the Author

Charles Dickens has held the title of the world's most celebrated nineteenth-century novelist for more than two centuries. Incredibly, his popularity continues to grow today. In addtion to A Christmas Carol, his legendary literary works include Oliver Twist, David Copperfield, A Tale of Two Cities, and Great Expectations.

Stephen Skelton is the producer of a best-selling video-based Bible study series, which includes The Mayberry Bible Study and The Beverly Hillbillies Bible Study. He lives with his family in Nashville, Tennessee.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Standard Publishing; Annotated edition (September 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0784723915
• ISBN-13: 978-0784723913
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 5.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #851,205 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The new standard!, December 14, 2009

By 

Haley Mathiot "Haleyknitz" (North Carolina) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Christmas Carol Special Edition: The Charles Dickens Classic with Christian Insights and Discussion Questions for Groups and Families by Stephen Skelton (Paperback)

We all, at one point or another, have heard the story of A Christmas Carol, whether we read the book in school, watched a movie with the family, or saw the Muppets version on youtube (which, by the way, is my favorite. I heartily recommend it.). But there is so much more to the story that we don't grasp because of how our culture has changed. This is the way it is with every classic book. But A Christmas Carol is a story that needs to be understood in it's full impact because of the story it tells and the lessons it teaches. Stephen Skelton has made it possible.

The Special Edition of A Christmas Carol is a small book, perfect to fit in a small handbag (or a stocking!) with a beautiful cover. The book itself is printed with Dickens' story in the main section of the pages, and the notes, subtext, and annotations printed in the outer margins. After every "Chapter" (called a Stave in the text) there is a discussion section, perfect for any age group, either young children or mature Christians. The discussion features Bible verses and questions, and relates events, topics, and themes from A Christmas Carol to our everyday Christian walk with God. Extra verses and topics follow the end of every discussion section for those older individuals who wish to go further into studying the themes targeted in the book: Selfishness, Regret, Repentance, Salvation, and Rebirth. At the end of the book is a list of resources for further study.
The story of A Christmas Carol remains, to this day, a classic in literature because it is a wonderful story of sin and greed turned around to Christianity and charity through allegory and parable. It has proved itself a wonderful story to every reader, and will continue to do so forever. Hopefully, this will be the edition that becomes the standard.

Recommendation: All ages. Wonderful for family discussions or group Bible studies. Perfect Christmas gift or stocking stuffer!
**Thank you to FSB Associates for providing my review copy!**

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Reviews from Brizmus Blogs Books, December 23, 2009

By 

A. Baker "brizmus" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Christmas Carol Special Edition: The Charles Dickens Classic with Christian Insights and Discussion Questions for Groups and Families by Stephen Skelton (Paperback)

Somehow, in my 27 years of life, I had NEVER read a Christmas Carol. I've seen about a bagazillion adaptations, so, for me at least, the not reading it thing is just weird. Now that I have finally read it, it far surpassed my expectations. As with most things, the book is just better than all of the adaptations. Dickens's writing is so pure and innocent; he makes you feel that, with a little push in the right direction, anyone can be good. This book is a classic for a reason, and all the hype surrounding it is well-deserved. I would have loved to see Dickens himself do a reading.
Reading it with Stephen Skelton's insight made the reading experience even more satisfying. Every time there was something I didn't understand (or I thought I understood but actually didn't), Skelton was there with an explanation. I felt like I was really able to get righ into Dickens's head and understand the true meaning of his words.
Each chapter was followed by a study guide separated into 4 sections filled with insightful questions. I really enjoyed thinking through some of my answers to these questions, as they helped me to feel truly connected to the story and understand how Dickens's message can apply to how we celebrate Christmas and to me in my daily life. The first two questions in each section, while applying to adults as well, were written so as to be applicable to and easily understood by children. Because of this, it was a great book for parents to read with their children or for a bible study group, as the questions could easily lead to lively conversation.
I'd also like to point out that, while spiritual, I am not a Christian, and yet I still found the study sections thought-provoking and enjoyable.
A superb read!

5.0 out of 5 stars Informative & Enlightening, January 6, 2012

By 

JW - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A Christmas Carol Special Edition: The Charles Dickens Classic with Christian Insights and Discussion Questions for Groups and Families by Stephen Skelton (Paperback)

Stephen Skelton has done a great job of clarifying the Old English, as well as the subtleties of Dickens' imagery & spiritual/Christian intentions. This story is about so much more than just a "Christmas miracle"; it's an allegory with deep spiriutal implications, which this edition has put on the "bottom shelf" for much easier grasping by the contemporary audience.