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.
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 frustrating trend of replacing Christmas with "X-mas" in newspapers, magazines, advertisements, and elsewhere has almost become an epidemic. It seems like you cannot walk into a store without the glamorous, consumer bonanza that has replaced the real Christmas being forced down your throat.
Rick Warren of The Purpose Driven Life fame has delivered a new book that redirects the readers attention back to what Christmas was, is, and always will be about: the birth of the King.
Warren writes with his typical good humor and succinct clarity. His books are as enjoyable for a long standing Christian as they are an unbeliever. This is a fantastic book to buy for a non-Christian friend or coworker. It is not preachy or inaccessible, but does consistently direct the reader to the person of Jesus Christ.
The Purpose of Christmas is enjoyable, well written, and warm and would make an excellent stocking-stuffer.
