If you have always wondered what is the purpose of Christmas, this
book is for you. I rate this book as G, general audience. Warren
writes in a way that the man in the street can understand. There is
not much theological jargon and even Bible translations are
carefully chosen, with preference given to modern English use.
Warren tries hard to be clear on the one hand, and also faithful to
the biblical text on the other hand.
WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT
It can be read in one sitting. The purpose of Christmas is about
celebration, about salvation and for reconciliation. Warren is
aware of the joyous year end party mood, and begins a chapter of
'celebration' partly to dispel any accusations that Christianity is
a kill-joy religion. He reverses the public perception by
distinguishing between religion and grace, with religion as man's
attempt to reach God, while grace is God's attempt to reach man.
The second chapter points out the meaning of Christmas in terms of
Christ's offer of salvation for all. His simple 3 points is
remarkably effective.
- "Jesus saves you from something;"
- "Jesus saves you for something;"
- "Jesus saves you by something." (44)
He then goes to list out 5 freedoms that arise out of this
salvation. Pages 84-85 shows a beautiful picture of a multiracial
portrait with the word PEACE. Somehow, I feel that this is Warren's
main passion in the entire book. The way for world peace is again
3-fold. Firstly, one needs to have peace WITH God. Then one can be
clothed with the peace OF God in order to share peace with all
others. I love this progression as it is not only biblical, it is
very practical as well.
Warren ends the book with a brief reference to his PEACE plan,
PEACE PLAN
- Promote reconciliation
- Equip servant leaders
- Assist the poor
- Care for the sick
- Educate the next generation.
MY COMMENTS
This little book is small in size but big in coverage. Warren
distills the message of Christmas into a delightful little book and
makes the "Purpose of Christmas" into a gift that can be passed
around from person to person. There is not much to be critical
about, since this book is for a general audience. Warren should be
applauded for giving us a book for all to experience God's gift of
celebration, of salvation and of reconciliation. The world needs
it.
conrade