Hidden Christmas – Book Review

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A Charlie Brown Christmas is one of my yearly favorites. In the story, Charlie Brown is down and unsure why. He can’t seem to get in the Christmas spirit. Eventually, Linus shares the meaning of Christmas by reciting the familiar passage about the angels appearing to shepherds and announcing the birth of Christ, the incarnation of the God-man.

Christmas is a time of gift-giving and family, yet many miss the surprising truth behind the holiday. Timothy Keller, the late New York Times bestselling author, carefully explains the meaning of the classic biblical texts that are part of American Christmas lore.

As a pastor in Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New York City, he spent decades studying and the meaning of the Christmas story, distilling it into a short book.

I recommend the book to high school students. Understanding the Christmas story is crucial for comprehending the Bible, history, and Western Civilization.

Keller reveals why the stories of Mary (the mother of Jesus), Joseph, the shepherds, King Herod, and Simeon matter today. The texts reveal that hostility and fear can be overcome, and lasting peace and joy can be achieved. It’s a short book and a meaningful Christmas gift.