Book Review: The War on Christmas

The War on Christmas: Battles in Faith, Tradition, and Religious Expression

General Editor: Bodie Hodge

In my series on the Christmas Collective, I recently wrote about Christmas traditions as they play out in our homes.  Some of our traditional activities and decorations are similar to those that others participate in because of all that we've come to identify with "Christmas" time.  What about those things? The Christmas tree? The nativity? The star? The Wise Men?

As we choose what to participate in and what to decorate with, it becomes more and more noticeable, that there is a growing displacement of CHRIST at Christmas.  Some of us seek to find our own ways to reconcile the fact that as Christians, we believe this holiday is, and should be, about HIM.  Even so, it is easy to relinquish much of our own celebrations to activities that either directly oppose God or that neglect to point to Christ.  So often we will engage in busyness while neglecting time with our Father to thank Him for the baby born for our salvation.  

Can we look to Christmastime, and all that it brings, and engage in discussions that point to the glory of Christ?  Not in a legalistic way, but out of the overflow of hearts who are seeking the baby King and minds that are centered on Christ over the HOLYdays?  I pray that we may we find opportunities to discuss the reason for the season. A great way to do so is with this new book by Master Books.

The War on Christmas is a beautifully done book with a pleasing layout, simple chapters and content that is just enough to prompt discussions with friends, or family.  Perhaps you forgot to start an Advent reading this year (ahem), and maybe you just want to read something short to prompt consideration for Christ at Christmas, then consider this non-Advent book as an alternative.

Each chapter is short (3-5 pages with interspersed pictures.)  As such, the information in each chapter is light and provides brief, but concise and pointed, coverage.  Personally, I enjoyed the aspect of this simple concept presentation for the most part. When I first saw the title though, I thought the book might be a long and in-depth book on Christmas history and expression, which it is not, really.  There is, however, an in-depth perspective which becomes clearer when the book is read in its entirety. 

Some of the topics include: Christmas origins (name, timeline of events, what is it about?), Confusion and Misconceptions (X stands for Christ, Three Kings?), About Baby Jesus, How Christmas Came to Be (Star, Virgin Birth, Real Nativity) and War on Christmas (Winter Time Worship, Getting Rid of Christ).

For me, I was especially excited to see the chapter on whether or not Christmas has pagan roots.  I have some sweet friends who do not celebrate Christmas, and I respect their decision not to do so.  In considering why some do not participate, out of a love for Jesus, I was excited to have this book waiting for me to review.  It provided insights and helped me identify points I knew in my heart but couldn't clarify. Some of these I will include in an upcoming post - Christmas Collection - Part III: Redemption.  

Throughout the book there is a building theme and building argument for the importance of Christ, not only at Christmas, but in entirety, as the whole of scripture points to Him. In addition, the book concludes by sharing why our views on the creation account, in the beginning - Genesis, are so vitally important to the shaping of our belief in the gospel and ultimately who Christ is, as the second Adam, and our need for Him.  

Ultimately - The War on Christmas is a beautiful book with a simple presentation of numerous topics surrounding Christmas celebrations and Christ. The whole of the book points to creation, and to Christ, and to the gospel. 

It is not an overwhelming book on facts and details, and as such, it should be one that is easy to pick up and read for a few minutes and then pick up again later.  I truly hope that families and friends will take time to discuss the content, and seek scripture for further depth and knowledge.

Book Review: The Rainbow Egg by Linda K. Hendricks, M.D.

Two birds with rainbow feathers. A mom and dad. Mr. and Mrs. Rainbow. Waiting. Longing. Wishing for an egg of their own. 

These two sweet birds want their own chick to raise.  They have a happy home, but no chick to join them.  They try and try but still they have no egg.

One bird. Hope. With a rainbow egg.

She lives alone in the woods and has no nest.  She has a rainbow egg, but no home.  She tries and tries but still has no way to care for the rainbow egg she carries.

Book Review : The 13th Tribe by Robert Liparulo

I joined a blogger program to receive, read and review books. Great. Free books.

I began to read Robert Liparulo's book, "The 13th Tribe".  Great.  Christian Fiction. Suspense. Page turning adventure.

Then I moved and began a season of extreme busyness by taking care of many children.  Great.

But...not so productive when it comes to following through on an agreement to finish a book and review it.

Now I've moved again. Now I can review again.  Now I will review a book I finished months ago.

Book Review : The Love & Respect Experience : A Husband-Friendly Devotional that Wives Truly Love

A generally good book for spouses willing to work on and improve their marriage.

Emerson Eggerichs best-selling and life changing book “Love & Respect” has been followed by the book “The Language of Love and Respect: Cracking the Communication Code with Your Mate” and now a Love & Respect devotional tailored to be enjoyable for both husbands and wives.  This lovely imitation-leather bound book is a great addition and can be beneficial in keeping the concepts learned from the book and / or seminars alive and worked out in marriage.  

Book Review : When the Hurt Runs Deep - Healing and Hope for Life's Desperate Moments by Kay Arthur

When the Hurt Runs Deep: Healing and Hope for Life’s Desperate Moments
by Kay Arthur

    When I think of someone trying to bring hope during times of another’s great distress, I tend to anticipate trite words and an inability to connect with the sufferer and understand real deep pain and heartache.  Maybe it’s because I’ve seen several well-meaning people say things to hurting friends or acquaintances that don’t bring any real hope or healing to a situation.   Because of this, when I speak to others to encourage them in tough situations I am conscientious to consider their pain as very real and something I may or may not be able to relate to.  I don’t always know what to say either, but when I can relate to the person and/or to the situation, it makes the conversation much more meaningful.  In addition, it brings about great opportunities to share how Christ has worked in my heart to heal me and how He continues to be my source of peace and strength during challenging times.   In this book, readers get a glimpse of Kay Arthur’s personal life and the pains she has experienced.   She connects with the reader and you get the sense that she shares from the heart.        

Book Review : Outlive Your Life by Max Lucado

     In Outlive Your Life Max Lucado sends a message that underscores vital aspects of living as a follower of Christ and remains Biblical and purposeful in his approach.  His message draws frequently upon the book of Acts and relates the lives and work of those in the early church to our lives today.  Throughout the book the reader is encouraged and challenged to recognize their opportunity to make a difference in the world we live in and the need to keep Christ at the center of what we do.

Book Review : same kind of different As me. / Ron Hall & Denver Moore with Lynn Vincent

WOW!  Seriously, wow!  I must begin by telling you that as much as I love to read, few books have truly captured my attention that were not fantasy, mystery or suspense of some kind.  A few historical fiction novels have been delights over the years, but I cannot recall one non-fiction book that captured my heart and moved me to laugh and cry and pursue others to join me in appreciation.  There are books that are interesting to read, books that are well done, books that keep you up late and night and books like this one, that are all of these and also tug at your heart.   I laughed (out loud), I cried (tears streaming down my face) and I smiled.

This true-life story centers around two men from two different worlds, the woman who made a difference and a God who works in mysterious and gracious ways.  One man a wealthy art dealer and another who grew up the poorest of the poor in America, their lives collide. Their lives were vastly opposed and only God could have woven the tapestry that unfolds in this story.  

Book Review : Never Let You Go by Erin Healy

If you like fiction, if you like mystery, if you have enjoyed fictional stories based on spiritual battles then a special welcome to Erin Healy’s first solo authored book, NEVER LET GO. Erin Healy has co-written two other books with my favorite author Ted Dekker. Her style is her own yet the suspense and twists will feel familiar to Dekker fans.

Lexi Solomon is a single mom struggling to make ends meet and is faced with tough decisions that could seriously affect her life and that of her daughter. Her troubles are familiar to many who have fought the road of parenting alone and to many who have fought demons of the past. Yet, there is an element that most of us don’t see as clearly as it is presented to Lexi. How will she handle it? Who will help her?

Book Review : Thomas Nelson's Complete Book of Bible Maps and Charts, 3rd Edition

•    Colorful maps and charts
•    Chronological representation of all books of the Bible
•    Short yet concise overview for each book of the Bible
•    Easy to use reference book for individual or small group study
•    Reproducible maps and charts available for sharing in a large group study

Thomas Nelson’s Complete Book of Bible Maps and Charts, 3rd edition, met and exceeded my expectations as a handy resource book and possibly a text for a basic Bible Survey course.  This book could assist my children, my husband and me in personal study Bible study by providing additional insights and information to go along with the reading of the text.

The layout for each chapter is easy to read and covers information on the following components for each book of the Bible;  introduction, authorship, dates, themes and literature structure, the book at a glance (via a chart) and an outline.  If the authorship or dating of the book has more than one commonly held school of thought, different views are explained in brief.  

Following these consistent points of coverage, each chapter highlights various points for further study.  For example, Genesis includes subsections such as;  “The Six Days of Creation”, “God’s Creative Work”, “The Garden of Eden”, “Two Adams Contrasted” (Adam of Genesis and Jesus in the New Testament) and “Ages of the Patriarchs”.  Ruth includes subtopics called, “From Outsider to Royal Ancestress”, “Ruth-A Foreshadow of Redemption and “A Distinguished Descendant”. 

Numerous charts and maps are included throughout the book.   You will find maps on the patriarch’s journeys, Jacob’s life, David’s life, David’s kingdom, the return of the Jews from exile and so many more.  As far as the charts go, in the book of Hosea there is a chart showing Israel’s relationship with God as depicted in prophecies from Jeremiah and Ezekiel and the similarities with Hosea’s relationship with Gomer.  Psalms includes a chart on the images of God referenced.  Prior to the coverage for each gospel there is a detailed harmonization of the gospels that covers multiple pages.

Finally, Thomas Nelson also provides free content for some of their books when you purchase them.  Apparently this sometimes includes an eBook copy.  In the case of this book, ll the maps are provided as free downloads.  This free content can be used by your eBook reader (Kindle or Sony Reader) or just downloaded to your computer. 

One thing that I really wish was included but  wasn’t, however I don’t know of any reference book that does include this, is an alternate possible (and probable) location for Mt. Sinai (search for the movie “Search for the Real Mt. Sinai” to find out what I am referring to).   Regardless, this book serves its purpose well.  If you are looking for in-depth study, this is not it. If you are looking for a starting point for further study on any book of the Bible, this is a great option. I love how easy it is to use and the fact that introductory coverage is provided for every book of the Bible.  The price is right too!  Unlike many other reference books found in the Christian bookstores, you probably won’t see this title in the bargain bins anytime soon.

At the time of this review Amazon does not have sample pages posted. If you want to see sample pages you will need to search for the title at Christianbook.com. 

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255   : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising

Book Review : Living Life in the Zone : A 40-Day Spiritual Game Plan by Kyle Rote Jr. & Dr. Joe Pettigrew

Buy or Preview Living Life in the Zone

Living Life in the Zone is an easy to read book that provides short snippets of encouragement and challenges to men in a number of aspects of daily living. These are provided as short chapters utilizing various sports analogies and terms that should make the information easily relatable and readable for many men. For those who are put off by the thought of a heavy study in theology, yet recognize their need for personal spiritual growth, this book may fit their needs and may even provide a spring board for further study, prayer and growth.

Though I am not a sports fan, or male, I find that the regular format used for each chapter will really help to draw in many men who otherwise would not pick up a non-fiction book. Most chapters are about 6-8 pages in length and provide an appropriate introduction to each topic followed by scripture to support the message, examples from other lives (mostly prominent sports figures) and personal challenges for further introspection.

When first provided with the opportunity to read this book, courtesy of Thomas Nelson’s BookSneeze review program, my initial reaction was that it would be a book filled with little more than words on paper. However, I have come to find great value in this book and believe it has a purpose that could serve to minister to the hearts of many men. My prayer is that it would speak to men in such a way as to inspire them towards further study and growth with their Lord. In fact, I hope that it will be made available in an affordable audio CD solution so that those who are resistant to reading or strained for time will be able to benefit from the guidance and direction offered by Mr. Rote and Dr. Pettigrew.

"Julie & Julia" sort of a movie review from a mom & fellow self-learner

Rarely do I get out to see a movie. Even rarer is it a new movie where I fork over anything over $1. Today's matinee was $7 to see "Julie & Julia" with some friends. The money was worth it, for the chance to get out with some lady friends and to see a decent movie. Not fabulous, but decent.

Amy Adams portrays Julie Powell, a woman who decided to cook her way through Julia Child's cookbook "Masting the Art of French Cooking" in one year. A monumental task that I give Julie great kudos for. As much as I want to try new recipes and improve upon my culinary skills, or lack thereof, I'm not sure I'll ever try many of Julia's recipes. Well, except for perhaps the Bouef Bourguignon and the Buerre Blanc!

Meryl Streep does an incredible job at playing Julia Child. There were many scenes that had me laughing and chuckling throughout the movie and they all centered around Julia's personality characterized wonderfully by Meryl.

It's a foodie movie. It's a bit of a chick flick and it's yet another movie that has me saying, "Why?" Well, I'll explain that part later.

So the movie goes back and forth between Julie Powell who lives in Queen's, NY in 2002 & Julia Child, primarily in France, during the late 1940's and on for the next decade. Julie decides to go through Julia's cookbook in a year and blog about it. Julia Child begins to learn to cook because she loves food. Julie is obsessed with the task at hand and as she goes through the year she feels closer and closer to the Julia Child. Julia out-cooks the men at Le Cordon Bleu, begins to teach Americans to cook French food and works on a coookbook with two other women.

Julie appears to have a great husband who supports her through the whole process, though they have one fight resulting in his walking out for what seems to be a couple of days. When Julie realizes she has been self absorbed and not too nice she blog it, he reads it and he comes back. Julia Child meanwhile appears to have the perfect playful and loving marriage with Paul. They support and love each other through everything and she is truly the epitome of the phrase "full of life."

What is the point of the movie? Mostly just a feel good showing of two people's lives and how they found purpose through the love of food and cooking. Well, that's my take anyway. However, I was encouraged to be more supportive and loving to my own husband. It was encouraging to see the love and fun in the Child's relationship and to see Julie recognize her behavior as not so nice to her husband. May we all recognize how our attitudes and behavior affect others and be encouraged to be more gracious, loving and forgiving.

So, why the "Why?" WHY does Hollywood persist to throw in curse words and add sexual references in movies, especially one like this? Seriously, it was like having them thrown in like a dash of salt. But salt is supposed to bring out the best in food. In many cases, like this film, it ends up being more like acid in cream. It just boggles my mind why anyone feels the need to do that. Those who would get offended, like me, will be offended. Those that wouldn't, wouldn't care if it wasn't there. So who benefits?

I'd love to add films like this to Christian Home Library but I don't feel I can because of a few curse words, sexual references and a couple scenes where the kisses went further...and the camera followed. To remove these would have shaved maybe a minute or two from the film and I could then put the upcoming DVD on our shelves. Not so now.

By the way, before seeing the movie I looked up Julie Powell's most recent blog. She admits to being foul mouthed and she is...frequently. I didn't get very far with it as a result and I don't recommend it.

FINDING MEANING IN LIFE. Part of the underlying theme for the movie is Julie's search for meaning in life. It seems that with a book deal and a movie, she is still looking for meaning. Unless she finds out how much Jesus loves her and cares about her every minute of every day, until she calls out to the very one who Created her to be a masterpiece and testimony of His love, she won't ever find that meaning. No one will.

Psalm 8: 3-4 "When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?"

Romans 5: 6-8 "For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

TO JULIE - HE cares for you more than anyone; any editor, any man, any food, any star. May the most creative and capable lover and creator be revealed to you and may you find the meaning your life was meant to have.