Book Review: Closer to the Real Christmas Story

This Saturday, December 1st, from 10 a.m.-noon, you can get this book signed by the author, Jared Burkholder, at Faith & Life Bookstore in Newton, KS. With the upcoming book signing and because Jared lives in Hesston, I wanted to give a quick review of his book prior to beginning of Advent.

Jared writes, "In particular, I pray that this book will help parents meaningfully discuss the Christmas story with their children of all ages and develop in them critical thinking skills." The first part of the book includes short chapters which tell the Christmas story in chronological order. These chapters could easily be read during a time of family devotions during the Advent season.

One of my favorite parts of the book is at the end of each chapter. Burkholder includes "a gift" such as submission, protection, family, life, praise, etc. which includes a question related to it. It is then followed with an active way to share that gift including a Scripture.

But Burkholder's reason for writing the book is to help us understand what really happened at Christmas. He writes, "Rather, I have written this book because I believe that getting the Christmas story right, matters!" The second part of the book includes extensive research, biblical support and commentary related to assumptions we have made about the Christmas story. He does not claim to get it 100% right, but hopes through his study along with each person's personal study, we will not pass on an inaccurate account of Christmas to future generations.

If you are looking for a new resource for your family this Advent, I would pick up the book. And if you are in the Newton, KS area, this Saturday, December 1st, from 10 a.m.-noon, you can get a signed copy by Jared at Faith & Life Bookstore.

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