The Purpose of Christmas (Hardcover)

~ (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

Rees is the Pastor of Life Mission at Saddleback Community Church, in Lake Forest, CA.  Rees is also a certified life coaching specializing in purpose discovery and career fulfillment.  Rees is the author of several books and shares his messages nationally and globally through churches and conferences.  Discover more online at www.erikrees.com.

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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 (44 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #958 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #2 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > Authors, A-Z > ( W ) > Warren, Rick
  #4 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > Christianity > Holidays > Christmas
  #21 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > Christianity > Christian Living

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 39 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.

18 of 22 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)

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Change-Your-Life, 12-months-of-the-year, Christmas book., December 7, 2008

By	Harold Wolf "Doc" (Wells, IN United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

My purchase of this book was intended for my wife, but thankfully I read it prior to gifting it. We'll reread it, together. It's a perfect Christmas book. It is, by title, a Christmas book, but it offers so much more. It's more about finding the Gift that Christmas is and living it year-round.

From the author, Rick Warren, of "The Purpose Driven Life", this book is something of a "Reader's Digest" version of that book. It is a doable, one to two hour read that touches faith, grace, and life.

This Christmas, my wife faces losing her mother very soon. My own mother died one week prior to Christmas just 3 years ago. If it isn't death that is this moment's issue in your life; if it's a lost relationship, if it is hardship, or maybe illness--this book will help put it all in focus. This book can give you the true Christmas meaning, and it doesn't even have to be December.

Rick Warren gifts readers another fine book of hope by presenting God's hope and love. Gift idea: If you missed Christmas, give it for Valentine's, or St. Patrick's, Flag Day, or just someone's BIRTHDAY. After all, the book explains, Christmas is all about His BIRTHDAY.