Rediscovering the Magic of Christmas: An Advent Adventure from Genesis to Revelation

Dr Tim Savage's book invites readers to rediscover the magic of Christmas by exploring lesser-known passages of scripture. It offers a fresh perspective on the Christmas gift for every person, nation, and day.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 15 August 2024
Publisher: Inter-Varsity Press

Christmas is a time of joy and celebration, but it can also be a time of familiarity and over-familiarity. This Advent, join John Hayward on a daily journey to rediscover the magic of Christmas. Originally written as letters from a father to his adult children, this book invites you to feast richly on some of the passages of scripture less commonly associated with our celebrations of the birth of Jesus. Released from the burden of tradition and over-familiarity, glimpse afresh the authentic Christmas gift that is for every person, for every nation, and for every day.

Dr. Tim Savage, The Gospel Coalition, notes that each Christmas, we tend to hear the same readings and sermons. However, this Advent, he encourages us to take a fresh look at the Christmas story and rediscover its magic. Originally written as letters from a father to his adult children, this book invites us to feast on the passages of scripture that are less commonly associated with our celebrations of the birth of Jesus. By releasing ourselves from the burden of tradition and over-familiarity, we can glimpse afresh the authentic Christmas gift that is for every person, for every nation, and for every day.

The book begins with a letter from a father to his adult children, reflecting on the meaning of Christmas and the significance of the birth of Jesus. Hayward then explores the various passages of scripture that point to and amplify our understanding of the arrival of Christ. He highlights the prophecies of the Old Testament, the birth of Jesus in the New Testament, and the significance of the Christmas story for our lives today.

One of the key themes of the book is the importance of the Christmas story for our understanding of God. Hayward argues that the Christmas story reveals the love and grace of God in a way that is accessible to everyone. He explains that the Christmas story is not just about the birth of Jesus, but about the birth of a new way of life. The story of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection teaches us that we can have a relationship with God and that we can live a life that is pleasing to him.

Another theme of the book is the importance of community. Hayward emphasizes that Christmas is a time for us to come together with our families and friends and celebrate the birth of Jesus. He encourages us to share our gifts and our love with others and to be generous and kind to those in need.

The book also includes practical tips for celebrating Christmas. Hayward suggests that we should take time to reflect on the meaning of Christmas and to pray for those who are less fortunate. He also suggests that we should make time for family and friends and to enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

One of the strengths of the book is its ability to make the Christmas story accessible to everyone. Hayward's writing is clear and concise, and he uses a variety of examples to illustrate his points. He also includes a number of illustrations and photos to help bring the story to life.

However, some readers may find the book to be a bit repetitive. Hayward covers a lot of the same ground in each chapter, and some of the passages may be difficult to understand. Additionally, the book may be a bit long for some readers.

Despite these criticisms, I believe that this book is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to rediscover the magic of Christmas. Hayward's writing is engaging and inspiring, and he provides a fresh perspective on the Christmas story. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about the meaning of Christmas and to celebrate the birth of Jesus in a meaningful way.

In conclusion, Christmas is a time of joy and celebration, but it can also be a time of familiarity and over-familiarity. This Advent, join John Hayward on a daily journey to rediscover the magic of Christmas. Originally written as letters from a father to his adult children, this book invites you to feast richly on some of the passages of scripture less commonly associated with our celebrations of the birth of Jesus. Released from the burden of tradition and over-familiarity, glimpse afresh the authentic Christmas gift that is for every person, for every nation, and for every day.

Weight: 288g
Dimension: 140 x 224 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789745146