Written by David W Wiersbe and Warren W. Wiersbe
Published at Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group
About the book
The real meaning of Christmas from A to Z
Throughout the centuries so many traditions have woven themselves into the celebration of Christmas that it can be difficult to understand just what the season of Christ's birth is all about.
In C Is for Christmas, David and Warren Wiersbe cut through the fancy wrapping paper and pretty bows to give the background of the events surrounding Jesus' birth. They also explain the reasons for our various Christmas symbols and beliefs. From angels and Bethlehem to yuletide and Zechariah, the authors shed light on a wide variety of Christmas-related topics.
If you feel like something has been missing from your celebration of Christmas, the information in this unique collection is sure to deepen your appreciation for this beautiful season.
My Thoughts
Since Advent is just around the corner (it will start on December 2nd this year), I would like to present you what I consider to be the Advent devotional for adults. This book is a guide that will decorticate all that is Christmas related and explain the reasons for all the symbols we see during this season. I have discover a jewel of a book that explains in clear details the whys and hows some things happened to become some of our most cherished Christmas traditions or decorations.
Take the word Christmas for example. I already knew that Christmas meant Christ’s Mass which was meant to referred to a special worship service held on December 25 in honor of the birth of Jesus Christ. The word appeared during the twelfth century and originates from the words Christes maesse. But there is one thing I learned while reading about the word Christmas. And here’s what the authors have taught me:
That the first syllable of Christmas comes from the word “Christ” is indisputable. In Greek the name Christ is Χρίστος (christos). The first letter looks like the English letter X. Every vocation has its shorthand, and those in the church used the letter chi (X) to represent Christ in words that began with “Christ-“. So “Xmas” is an honorable abbreviation for Christmas. It was not intended to take Christ out of Christmas (although in these politically correct days some want to do just that).
Reading this, I pondered and wondered if people who are promoting Xmas knows about the signification of the X. I suspect that it is not and it gives me a new perspective in how to react when I see Xmas. Now, instead of being offended I will chose to praise my Lord and Saviour. Now I will pray a quick prayer to say thank you to God for sending His son for me. Now I will reflect on the humble beginning of Jesus in our world so many years ago.
It was also interesting to learn more about Bethlehem. I won’t go into details for this word but did you know that Bethlehem means “house of bread”? Knowing that Jesus is the Bread of Life, that we will never hunger when we have Him in our lives, it makes perfectly sense. This something I didn’t know.
I know many homeschooling families will do Advent devotions with their kids this Christmas. We will too. But I have also decided that my personal morning devotions in December during Advent will be coming from this book. I am looking forward to discover a new aspect of the Christmas season this year.
If you are interested in learning more about the history, the personalities, and meaning of Christ’s birth, I strongly suggest that you get the book C is for Christmas this week-end and start reading it on your way to work or early in the morning during Advent. I think you will enjoy it and grow in your faith at the same time.
C is for Christmas is available at your favourite bookseller from Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group, even amazon.ca and amazon.com
The book is also available on Kindle.
Disclaimer: The book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.
No comments:
Post a Comment