BOOK REVIEW: The War on Christmas

Battles in Faith, Tradition and Religious Expression
Bodie Hodge, General Editor
Published by Answers in Genesis, 2013

What is Christmas to you?  What should Christmas be?  What is myth, tradition, or the truth behind our celebration?  Trusted Bible scholars at Answers in Genesis have set about to answer these questions and many more.  This book is a collection of essays by several authors answering questions and countering traditions, which makes for some overlap in content.  However, if you have a question or wonder about a Christmas tradition, or why we should even celebrate Christmas, this book will help.  It is an interesting book which relies heavily on the Bible (as it should since we are supposed to be celebrating Christ's birth), but also presents archaeological and astronomical evidence as well as customs and traditions of the time of Christ's birth.  By the way, you do know that Christ is not part of Jesus' name, right?  It is a title which means "the anointed One, the Messiah", and the angel who appeared to the shepherds used the title for Jesus (for unto you ...is born a Savior, Who is Christ the Lord).  

Why title the book "the War on Christmas"?  Did you know that there actually is a "war" on Christmas?  We see evidence of this every day -- schools that don't allow Christmas plays, winter break instead of Christmas holidays, the pure commercialism of Christmas.  The traditions of Santa Claus and Saint Nick, some of which are based on good, but do not relate in any way to the birth of the Savior.  Yes, there is a war going on...

When we think about Christmas we generally think about the Baby in the manger.  But why did He even come? Why was it so special then and now?  Because this Baby is God's own Son, Who grew to be a sinless Man who was sacrificed for the sins of the world.  

What was the order of events surrounding the birth of Christ; what did the angels really say; were there three kings?  Did Mary have other children after Jesus?  Was Jesus really born in a stable?  You'll find all this and more in The War on Christmas.

I hope you will not only enjoy the book, but also be inspired to remember the real reason for the celebration.

In order to comply with new Federal Trade Commission regulations, please note that this book was provided compliments of Handlebar Publishing's book review program.