The Purpose of Christmas (Hardcover)

by Rick Warren (Author)
Key Phrases: The Bible, Jesus Christ, God's Christmas

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

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.

About the Author
Rick Warren was born in San Jose, California and founded Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, CA., with one family in 1980. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from California Baptist University, a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary. Rick and his wife, Kay, live in Trabuco Canyon, California and have three children.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 132 pages
• Publisher: Howard Books; 1 edition (November 4, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416559000
• ISBN-13: 978-1416559009
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (43 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #42,978 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a blessing and encouragement at a much needed time, November 7, 2008

By	systems therapist "systems therapist" - See all my reviews

Christian's firmly believe that they KNOW the purpose of Christmas, that they believe they celebrate the birth of Jesus and that they are just "fine". In this personal letter to all readers, Pastor Rick Warren reminded me that although I know the purpose of Christmas and I believe that I celebrate it, I have/had truly forgotten the childlike wonder and was not rejoicing in the celebration of the greatest mircle of all. My heart has been blessed by the message that this book carries. I hope to celebrate Christmas differently this year with a better attitude and an improved outlook, despite the impending gloom of our economy and position as a country.

Thank you Pastor Rick for the opportunity to share this message with my children. We will be reading this book at bedtime together and each night celebrating The Purpose of Christmas.

17 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Friend changed my life when he gave me this book, November 21, 2008

By	Robert Faraday "Book Reviewer" (Columbus, Ohio) - See all my reviews

Like most people, I've "done" Christmas every year since I was a baby, but honestly, I had never really thought about it much personally. Of course I knew it was the birth of Jesus, but didn't figure that had any relevance to me. It was just an historical event. Then, a week ago, a good friend of mine gave me a copy of this book. It was short, so I thought I'd read it. WOW.... I mean seriously... I had no idea! How did I miss this all these years? Warren explains why Christmas is such a "big deal" around the world, but more important is how he clearly lays out the implications and benefits to your personal life. I did what he said and I will never be the same person anymore. I'm free! I still don't know enough to explain it so I just ordered 9 copies to give to my friends.
This will be the best Christmas because now I get it. JONATHAN FARADAY (Robert is my brother)

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another Great Book from Rick, November 27, 2008

By	Kathleen L. Robinson - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Thanks for reminding me of the meaning of Christmas!! In today's world we have gotten so caught up in the 'work' involved with celebrating Christmas - decorating the house, shopping, cooking, attending parties, etc that we forget the real meaning of Christmas.

I have been looking for something different and yet meaningful to give to friends and family this year for Christmas and I think this is just the right gift. With the state of the economy and things going on in the world around us I think that it's a great time to be reminded of the meaning of Christmas and at the same time give the gift of eternal life.

Thanks for writing a simple book that brings people back to God and those that have never known Him a book that they can relate to and begin a walk with Christ.