Customer Reviews

The Purpose of Christmas

5 star:		(52)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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)

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.

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.

From the author who brought us The Purpose Driven Life, this holiday season Warren calls us to

"remember the reason for the season."

This little book explains the birth of Jesus and offers inspiration regarding the salvation of man through the word of God. It also gives hope for the reconciliation of past deeds or dysfunctional lifestyles.

Although deeply religious in context, it does not delve too deep into Christian ideology. If you are caught up in the rat race that is life, this book will help to slow you down and refocus your energy on the things in life that are important.

The Christmas Purpose is a wonderful book to share with family and friends over the upcoming holiday season.

The Purpose is a small book, just a bit over 125 pages, so there is really not an exploration in depth of Christian ideas or ideals. Sometimes it seems as if Rick Warren is skimming over many - almost free associating - jumping from unhappiness to addictive habits to fear of death. With that said this little book can give an education on basic Christian ideas.
If you are looking for the ordinary Christmas book... the sweet little stories that invoke the `Christmas spirit', this isn't what you are looking for; instead it is what many times we seem to need... a good reminder of what is the pure first true purpose of Christmas.
As holidays approach , especially Christmas, many people get depressed. Rick Warren says "you don't need any human approval to be happy" instead you should be focusing on God's love and this will lead to a better identity and feeling. There are many reassuring montages of Christian ideas and beliefs..." you can have a lot to live on and still have nothing to live for." this is what the book is striving to present
Probably the best point that is made is the astounding fact that many are celebrating Christmas without the true purpose of Christmas... so if this is what your goal is - then this might be book you want to look into.

"The Purpose of Christmas" by Rick Warren is a great title for the person who either needs:

1. To be reminded of or who wants to learn for the first time
2. Why Christmas is celebrated.

Being a follower of Jesus Christ for several years, I belong in the first category. I love decorating our house (inside and outside), watching special Christmas shows and movies, attending socials, driving to local neigborhoods seeing lights, etc. However, if I am not careful, I can let the activity crowd out Jesus Christ in my life.

Warren's 3 main points revolve around what Christmas is for:

1. A Time For Celebration - Believers celebrate Jesus Christ's birthday.
2. A Time For Salvation - Jesus Christ offers eternal life for anyone who accepts His free grace. We cannot earn our way into heaven through good works or thoughts. Jesus has taken care of everything!
3. A Time For Reconciliation - Christmas is a great time to think about and pursue peace with God and others.

The book is around 120 pages and is a great little book.

Read, enjoy, and be encouraged. Don't let the humbugs or politically correct take away your Christmas joy!

Highly recommended.

Pastor Rick has stuck to the basics and provided an encouraging, simple, but complete answer to the question, "What's the big deal?" It is a big deal and Rick Warren, in just a few pages outlines the most powerful message in the history of humanity. 2000 plus years ago, the course of humanity changed forever and the opportunity to change your humanity changed forever as he explains in his book. Easy to read, easy to grasp, no ivory tower philosophy here, just basic truths of Christianity and why the world marks this day.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, as did my wife. I highly encourage anyone Christian or not, to read it to get a better understanding of the message and the reason for the season. Maybe it will help some less tolerant become a little more tolerant even if they are not believers, they might learn through Rick's book to have a little more respect and compassion for those who do believe. We're not supposed to be tolerant and compassionate toward just a select few or towards those who meet the right criteria, but toward all and peace on earth toward all!

Merry Christmas!

Kevin Brett
Author: "Jack: The Christmas Collie"
Jack: The Christmas Collie

I have never written a book review before, but I was inspired to do so after reading this book. Rick Warren sums up the meaning of Christmas in a message to believers and unbelievers alike. It is a short, simple message but a very powerful one. It is a better message than most Christmas sermons I have heard in years of attending church. It's for those who hate Christmas and for those who love it. It also speaks to those who love it but may have slipped into loving the "cultural" Christmas more than the One the holiday honors. I plan to buy several copies to send to friends and family members. The Christmas holiday is over, but the message in this little book is significant regardless of the season.

Rick Warren's book, The Purpose of Christmas, describes with simplicity and clarity the true message of Christmas. What does Christmas mean to you? Is it the shopping? Is it spending time with family? Is it giving to others? The true meaning and purpose of Christmas can be found in the story of Christ's birth. Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of the Savior of the world.

The hurried activities during the holiday season can cause us to take our eyes off the manger. The manger was God's way to bring Salvation to us. God sent his Son to give us freedom from sin, guilt, bitterness, and addiction. By looking to Jesus and trusting in Him you can be free. While reading this book you will be reminded that you were saved for a purpose. Your salvation was not a random act but a planned redemption. We should always be ready to share this Christmas message with others.

Jesus is the reason for the season and this book is a wonderful reminder of why we celebrate His birth. An easy read for anyone not familiar with the gospel and an encouraging read for anyone who has forgotten why we celebrate Christmas each year.

I was given this book by christianreviewofbooks.com to review