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The Soul of Christmas
The Christ Child reminds us of the infinite possibilities of life available to us, and we celebrate that vitality in the season of good cheer, gift-giving, and community. Christmas also offers an opportunity to get in touch with our own mystical side, to recreate the Nativity in our hearts. “If we could but mix just a small measure of the child’s naïveté with an intelligent appreciation of the traditional Christmas symbols, myths, and images,” Moore asserts, “we might be surprised at the profundity.” The enchantment of Christmas is a taste of what is possible if human beings could really love each other. The infant in the manger symbolizes new life, the potential all human beings have to be a new kind of being dedicated to agape, a love of the other—whoever that “other” may be.
160 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 8, 2016
57 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
About the author
Thomas Moore
137 books592 followersThomas Moore is the author of the bestselling book, Care of the Soul, Ageless Soul, and fifteen other books on deepening spirituality and cultivating soul in every aspect of life. He has been a monk, a musician, a university professor, and a psychotherapist, and today he lectures widely on holistic medicine, spirituality, psychotherapy, and the arts. He lectures frequently in Ireland and has a special love of Irish culture. He has Ph.D. in religion from Syracuse University and has won several awards for his work, including an honorary doctorate from Lesley University and the Humanitarian Award from Einstein Medical School of Yeshiva University. He also has a B.A. in music from DePaul University, an M.A. in musicology from the University of Michigan, and an M.A. in theology from the University of Windsor. He also writes fiction and music and often works with his wife, artist and yoga instructor, Hari Kirin. He writes regular columns for Resurgence and Spirituality & Health.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 12, 2018
A couple of winters ago I went to a book reading with Andrew Krivak following the publication of his The Signal Flame, and “joining him in conversation” was the author of The Soul of Christmas, Thomas Moore. They both once chose the religious life, Moore having spent years as a monk. Today he is a psychotherapist, at least by profession, but has some rather thought-provoking ideas on celebrating Christmas in a more meaningful way.
This is less about religion, or more specifically Christianity, than it is about connecting with our own idea of spirituality, and probably leans a bit toward the “woo-woo” side of things, but not so much that it bothered me.
THE CHRISTMAS VEIL IS THIN
Christmas is a special time outside of normal time when the veil is thin and the extraordinary breaks into the ordinary, the spiritual into the mundance, and the miraculous into the factual. You hear reindeer on the roof, and a large body falls down through your chimney. You leave cookies and milk out in the evening, and they’re gone in the morning. You wake up, and gifts have miraculously appeared around the tree.
We all know that children are especially susceptible to the thin veil of Christmas, but in our own way we adults could be more open to its impact. You don’t have to “believe” in Santa Claus to get into the spirit of the season or to be uplifted by its special charm, but you have to be aware of your need for light and have some hope and vision that light will be there.
…many of us treasure this special time when the heart comes out of the shadows and rules the day.
I wasn’t necessarily looking for a deeper meaning of Christmas, but I loved how inclusive, in a religious sense, his approach was, and I appreciated his approach of finding a way to look for those moments of beauty that speak to our hearts, rather than striving for perfection.
A lovely, interesting, and very thoughtful and thought provoking look at this holiday of the season!
This is less about religion, or more specifically Christianity, than it is about connecting with our own idea of spirituality, and probably leans a bit toward the “woo-woo” side of things, but not so much that it bothered me.
THE CHRISTMAS VEIL IS THIN
Christmas is a special time outside of normal time when the veil is thin and the extraordinary breaks into the ordinary, the spiritual into the mundance, and the miraculous into the factual. You hear reindeer on the roof, and a large body falls down through your chimney. You leave cookies and milk out in the evening, and they’re gone in the morning. You wake up, and gifts have miraculously appeared around the tree.
We all know that children are especially susceptible to the thin veil of Christmas, but in our own way we adults could be more open to its impact. You don’t have to “believe” in Santa Claus to get into the spirit of the season or to be uplifted by its special charm, but you have to be aware of your need for light and have some hope and vision that light will be there.
…many of us treasure this special time when the heart comes out of the shadows and rules the day.
I wasn’t necessarily looking for a deeper meaning of Christmas, but I loved how inclusive, in a religious sense, his approach was, and I appreciated his approach of finding a way to look for those moments of beauty that speak to our hearts, rather than striving for perfection.
A lovely, interesting, and very thoughtful and thought provoking look at this holiday of the season!
December 18, 2018
I found The Soul of Christmas by Thomas Moore to be both appealing and disturbing. Moore entered seminary in his teenage years, became a monk, but left the priesthood at age 26 to become a writer (‘to speak for the soul’) and a psychotherapist.
The appeal of this book rests on Moore’s premise that Christmas is for everyone. I applaud his book’s intent, which is ‘to make Christmas a deeper and more universal celebration of life’s promise, thus making the season one of hope for everyone.’ There is beauty in inclusiveness, in people of diverse creeds being invited to participate wholeheartedly in the charm, generosity, and joy that is associated with Christmas. I also liked his conception of the soul as that part of ourselves that is connected to others and that makes us human. At Christmas, when families and friends gather to make merry, we are nurturing our souls. ‘When you decorate your tree, select your gifts, and have friends over for a party, you are deep in the Christmas spirit and at the heart of its meaning.’ After all, Christ who is central to Christmas, says Moore, 'presents a vision of a world rooted in love, community, and friendship, and these are the themes of Christmas.’
What I appreciated most are passages where Moore shared how he commemorates Christmas with his family. It is lovely to read about the magic Christmas held for him as a child, particularly festivities surrounding the tree, gifts, food and relatives. It is wonderful, too, to read about the care he puts into gift-giving as a way of honoring his loved ones. There is much truth in this: ‘Think of the complicated emotions and fantasies you have as you unwrap a gift. You have value. Someone has thought about you and wants to make you happy.’
And yet, some of Moore’s writing on Christmas and his translation of Scripture are rooted more in humanism than in what is espoused in Christianity. Moore claims that ‘Christmas did not begin with Christ.’ This is not true. Without Christ, there will be no Christmas. He also states that ‘Believers consider Jesus to be divine. But to enter into the real spirit of Christmas you don’t have to be that kind of believer. You can appreciate the absolute need for Jesus’s teachings and celebrate those on this special day, without accepting the entire complex theology.’ Really? I doubt it. In translating the nativity passages from the Gospel of Luke, Moore has deliberately replaced the definite article ‘the’ with ‘a’ when he referenced the Godhead (e.g., ‘a son of God’ instead of ‘the Son of God’). In the same way, he translates, ‘...today in the city of David is born someone to deliver you.’ The correct word is ‘Savior.’ I believe that these decisions are motivated by Moore’s goal of writing both for Christians and non-Christians. However, the outcome is a new age, personalized theology, which I found disquieting. In his commentary on Jesus as healer and prophet, Moore said, ‘And neither to the magus nor for Jesus are these actions a showman’s trickery; rather, they are an indication of a compassionate bodhisattva’s power from above.’ Jesus is no bodhisattva. Different religion, surely. It is troubling if readers were to mistake his views as orthodox Christian beliefs.
To be fair to Moore, I do think it is extremely daunting to write a book on the soul of Christmas for a universal audience and make the language accessible and palatable to all. He managed it by dancing around traditional Christian language and terminology in order that the message of Christmas can be heard. Despite these challenges, Moore is right about one thing: ‘... the enchantment of Christmas is a taste of what would be possible if human beings could really love each other.’
The appeal of this book rests on Moore’s premise that Christmas is for everyone. I applaud his book’s intent, which is ‘to make Christmas a deeper and more universal celebration of life’s promise, thus making the season one of hope for everyone.’ There is beauty in inclusiveness, in people of diverse creeds being invited to participate wholeheartedly in the charm, generosity, and joy that is associated with Christmas. I also liked his conception of the soul as that part of ourselves that is connected to others and that makes us human. At Christmas, when families and friends gather to make merry, we are nurturing our souls. ‘When you decorate your tree, select your gifts, and have friends over for a party, you are deep in the Christmas spirit and at the heart of its meaning.’ After all, Christ who is central to Christmas, says Moore, 'presents a vision of a world rooted in love, community, and friendship, and these are the themes of Christmas.’
What I appreciated most are passages where Moore shared how he commemorates Christmas with his family. It is lovely to read about the magic Christmas held for him as a child, particularly festivities surrounding the tree, gifts, food and relatives. It is wonderful, too, to read about the care he puts into gift-giving as a way of honoring his loved ones. There is much truth in this: ‘Think of the complicated emotions and fantasies you have as you unwrap a gift. You have value. Someone has thought about you and wants to make you happy.’
And yet, some of Moore’s writing on Christmas and his translation of Scripture are rooted more in humanism than in what is espoused in Christianity. Moore claims that ‘Christmas did not begin with Christ.’ This is not true. Without Christ, there will be no Christmas. He also states that ‘Believers consider Jesus to be divine. But to enter into the real spirit of Christmas you don’t have to be that kind of believer. You can appreciate the absolute need for Jesus’s teachings and celebrate those on this special day, without accepting the entire complex theology.’ Really? I doubt it. In translating the nativity passages from the Gospel of Luke, Moore has deliberately replaced the definite article ‘the’ with ‘a’ when he referenced the Godhead (e.g., ‘a son of God’ instead of ‘the Son of God’). In the same way, he translates, ‘...today in the city of David is born someone to deliver you.’ The correct word is ‘Savior.’ I believe that these decisions are motivated by Moore’s goal of writing both for Christians and non-Christians. However, the outcome is a new age, personalized theology, which I found disquieting. In his commentary on Jesus as healer and prophet, Moore said, ‘And neither to the magus nor for Jesus are these actions a showman’s trickery; rather, they are an indication of a compassionate bodhisattva’s power from above.’ Jesus is no bodhisattva. Different religion, surely. It is troubling if readers were to mistake his views as orthodox Christian beliefs.
To be fair to Moore, I do think it is extremely daunting to write a book on the soul of Christmas for a universal audience and make the language accessible and palatable to all. He managed it by dancing around traditional Christian language and terminology in order that the message of Christmas can be heard. Despite these challenges, Moore is right about one thing: ‘... the enchantment of Christmas is a taste of what would be possible if human beings could really love each other.’
December 24, 2019
This was not as rich with wisdom as some of his other books, but it was still interesting to contemplate the Christmas story as myth and outside the literal reading. I wish there was a bit more in there connecting the Christmas tradition with the pre-Christian solstice holidays like the Zorastrian Yalda and the Celtic lights traditions.
December 3, 2017
A thought-provoking case for not only celebrating a celebrating a truly meaningful Christmas, even if one is not Christian, but finding in Christmas a metaphor for our lives. Moore helps us see in new ways the heart of Christmas as the upending of normal self-interested, profit-motivated behavior for child-like and joyful generosity and wonder as inspired by the iconoclastic 'founder of the feast,' Jesus of Nazareth. He presents Christmas as a reminder to seek beauty instead of perfection, and as an archetype of transformation and birth for all of us.
Some non-religious people may find this book too religious; some Christians, too broad. Moore goes a bit far at times for me, seemingly substituting soul for God, and I felt his efforts to draw parallels between Santa Claus and Jesus a stretch, but the inspiration of seeing deeper meaning in Christmas rituals and stories and connecting the spiritual with the earthly far outweigh these concerns for discerning persons.
“For our lives, incarnation means being focused on the spiritual and the eternal but bringing that focus deep into our life. … This is really the heart of the Christmas theological message: Live in two worlds that overlap but are distinct. Don’t be materialistic, but don’t sacrifice our ordinary physical life for any spiritual ideal. Be lowly and lofty” (141).
“If you take Christmas to heart and get past the anxieties in arranging for gifts and parties, you will rediscover yourself every year at this time and experience a birth in yourself, just like the one so beautifully described in the Gospel stories. It will be a celebration of both the birth of Jesus and the birth of your soul” (141)
Some non-religious people may find this book too religious; some Christians, too broad. Moore goes a bit far at times for me, seemingly substituting soul for God, and I felt his efforts to draw parallels between Santa Claus and Jesus a stretch, but the inspiration of seeing deeper meaning in Christmas rituals and stories and connecting the spiritual with the earthly far outweigh these concerns for discerning persons.
“For our lives, incarnation means being focused on the spiritual and the eternal but bringing that focus deep into our life. … This is really the heart of the Christmas theological message: Live in two worlds that overlap but are distinct. Don’t be materialistic, but don’t sacrifice our ordinary physical life for any spiritual ideal. Be lowly and lofty” (141).
“If you take Christmas to heart and get past the anxieties in arranging for gifts and parties, you will rediscover yourself every year at this time and experience a birth in yourself, just like the one so beautifully described in the Gospel stories. It will be a celebration of both the birth of Jesus and the birth of your soul” (141)
January 9, 2020
The Soul of Christmas was for our book group. I suggested it because Franciscan Media promotes it heavily for Christmas reading. I did not find it to be a great choice and regret making this our December book.
My opinion is that the author takes Christmas apart in order to create deep spiritual meaning in our every act of celebration, and in so doing, misses the mark in order to create a book for "everyman," believers and non-believers alike. In this way, he creates deep meaning in every secular approach, even where all meaning has been lost, or never existed. Moore spends much time relating the Christmas story to the winter solstice, and while this is not all that odd, I believe most Christians would find this off-putting.
Perhaps he is right in his approach, but I found this interpretation lacking. However, I did pick up one important message about Christmas. It happens all the time, whenever one becomes aware of a better choice, Jesus is born.
As far as a recommendation, all I can say is, results may vary.
My opinion is that the author takes Christmas apart in order to create deep spiritual meaning in our every act of celebration, and in so doing, misses the mark in order to create a book for "everyman," believers and non-believers alike. In this way, he creates deep meaning in every secular approach, even where all meaning has been lost, or never existed. Moore spends much time relating the Christmas story to the winter solstice, and while this is not all that odd, I believe most Christians would find this off-putting.
Perhaps he is right in his approach, but I found this interpretation lacking. However, I did pick up one important message about Christmas. It happens all the time, whenever one becomes aware of a better choice, Jesus is born.
As far as a recommendation, all I can say is, results may vary.
January 11, 2017
This was about a 2.5. I have enjoyed other Thomas Moore books far more, including a Religion of One's Own, one of the more recent ones. The Soul of Christmas covers various symbols of the season and looks at their significance in a broad spiritual context. It wasn't so much that I didn't find value in the content as that I just lacked as much engagement and connection as I've had with other Moore books that I liked better. It left me feeling a bit ho-hum, which is ironic in that one of the memorable lines that I found original was the description of ho-ho-ho as a sort of mantra and the implications of that. There was some good stories here and Moore's own weaving of his life's experiences into his exploration of soul is always appreciated; perhaps I would have simply enjoyed this one more as text vs. audio format so that I could do a quicker read on it.
January 11, 2021
In THE SOUL OF CHRISTMAS, Thomas Moore provides a different approach to Christmas. I didn't agree with his constant reference to the celebration of Christ's birth as a festival of the solstice. He did suggest some good analogies concerning light and darkness, and reason for giving gifts. I appreciate his speaking to all people, but personally didn't agree with some of his wording and his overall philosophy of Christmas.
December 30, 2016
For anyone looking to find the deeper meaning of Christmas. Moore manages to revive the soul of Christmas from a sacred standpoint while inviting in everyone from every background who wishes to include this in their mysteries. A standout in the movement towards inclusivity and love.
January 7, 2018
I've always enjoyed Thomas Moore's writing, but i suspect this little tome is his very best work. He makes some profoundly serious sense in his musings about winter traditions. I am already looking forward to rereading this one next holiday season.
February 9, 2018
If you ever didn't believe in Christmas you should read The Soul Of Christmas, Thomas Moore always brings out the best of us in his books. The Soul of Christmas makes you understand why we always have lights on our trees and houses, it is a sign that you must read.
December 31, 2019
Many good thoughts. Liked that it was written not just for Christians but related Christmas traditions to all faiths and even those who have no religious beliefs! I will look at Christmas differently as I finish my celebration this year and in the future. Definitely a reread for November!
May 2, 2022
I bought this on a fluke, and ended up really loving it. The spirituality presented is welcoming, universal, and benevolent. I bought several copies to give to family members. I will definitely be reading more Thomas Moore.
December 21, 2016
A book that helps one find their soul
A new yet old way of looking at Christmas practices and where they came from. My soul is renewed! My joy complete.
A new yet old way of looking at Christmas practices and where they came from. My soul is renewed! My joy complete.
January 8, 2017
No matter ones faith, this should be required reading every holiday season. Moore captures the true meaning of the season, and it's not just about Christ.
May 14, 2019
A book best suited to a Catholic with a universalist view, as the author sets most nativity symbols to their widest possible interpretation.
December 17, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed the discussion about the symbolism and archetypes associated with the Christmas spirit.
December 19, 2021
This was our Church's 2021 Advent book club book. To be totally honest, I wasn't really finding it that great at first, but the further I got into it, the more I appreciated it. When I completed it, I had a new perspective on several Christmas traditions.
Moore has set out to write about why we need Christmas in our lives, and how important Christmas is for caring for your soul. He discusses the importance of cultivating traditions, quiet, celebrations, love and really makes the case that celebrating this season is so important for our souls.
I think it is a strange book in that it attempts to tackle a subject that we really don't spend a lot of time on - thinking about what our souls need - and that it comes at Christmas both from a religious, Christian perspective, and a secular perspective and tries to do that at the same time. I especially loved the Chapters on Magi and Santa.
Moore has set out to write about why we need Christmas in our lives, and how important Christmas is for caring for your soul. He discusses the importance of cultivating traditions, quiet, celebrations, love and really makes the case that celebrating this season is so important for our souls.
I think it is a strange book in that it attempts to tackle a subject that we really don't spend a lot of time on - thinking about what our souls need - and that it comes at Christmas both from a religious, Christian perspective, and a secular perspective and tries to do that at the same time. I especially loved the Chapters on Magi and Santa.
December 13, 2016
Moore always provides a fresh look at the every day and his work on Christmas does not disappoint. If you hate the hoopla of Christmas---you'll appreciate this book. The one downside is that the typos were terribly distracting.
December 13, 2016
I like how the author didn't push all Christianity beliefs of Christmas, but rather incorporated and compared other religion and spiritual beliefs of the holiday season. A nice read.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews