Christmas Books I Have Been Reading

In the past several weeks, I have been reading or re-reading several Christmas books.

The best one was a new one for me, “A Bethlehem Christmas” by Charles R. Swindoll. Chuck takes the very familiar Christmas story and writes it as if he were the personality in the events. He starts with Mary, then moves to Joseph and finishes with the angel, Gabriel. The way he does it opened my eyes and led my imagination in a way that I saw this story in such a different way. It made me see things and make them even more unforgettable. If you have time, I’d advise you to read this different take on the Christmas story.

I also re-read “The 12 Ways of Christmas” by David Jeremiah. I think this made my 3^rd time to read this book. We all need to be reminded of the 12 truths of Christmas that we get so busy preparing for the event that we forget what the event is really about.  David reminds us about things like wonder, giving, humility, simplicity, reflection, and even traditions. The candor and wisdom, David, reflects God’s ways of Christmas into our own hearts and makes us become closer to the true reason of this special time of year.

Finally, I re-read Rick Warren’s “The Purpose of Christmas”. This was a 2^nd time to read this book, but I was reminded so much of why I need to be celebrating now. God sent His Son to come to earth to grow and lead the people until His death on a cross where He shed His blood to save me from death. This book is well worth taking the time to read.

Out Live Your Life by Max Lucado

This is a wonderful book. I am reading it for the second time. I borrowed it from our county library and have to return it Monday. I am thinking it is one I want for myself, so I can mark things and make notes in it.

Out Live Your Life: You Were Made to Make A Difference
This book makes you really think. Our culture has messed with our minds so much that we think we are doing what God wants, but we are far from that. God can use you and me. Look at what Jesus used--tax-collector, fishermen, women, etc. There was nothing special about the disciples. They were blue collar workers, ditch diggers, housewives, people like you and me. We also need to get away from I, me, mine. It is all, us, ours.

Max talks about us getting back to the church as it was in the first twelve chapters of Acts. In Acts 1:8, Jesus calls all of us to be His witness. Not just Peter, or John, or Mary, He calls all of us. We all have to do our part. There are no personal pronouns used.

Max tells us in simple terms. God take ordinary people and uses them in extraordinary ways. He did it in the past and He can do it today. Max show us a way to use our God-given talents that can change us forever.

Please read this book. You will be glad you did.