The Purpose of Christmas

My wife read this book and really enjoyed it. (I will be reading it before the end of December.) We have bought copies for each of our children. She thought Rick did a good job of explaining the biblical purpose of Christmas in a nonthreatening way.

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.

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)

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.