The Purpose of Christmas

by Rick Warren

Why is Christmas such a big deal?
If you stop to think about it, it is astounding that the simple, unassuming birth of a peasant baby boy more than two thousand years ago in the Middle East can today cause traffic jams every December in places like New York City, Tokyo, and Rio de Janeiro.

The night Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem, a small group of poor shepherds were quietly tending their flocks of sheep in a nearby field, looking up at the stars. Nothing seemed any different from a thousand other nights. But what was about to happen would transform not only their lives but billions of other lives as well. The world would never be the same again.

Regardless of your religious background, you need to know how the three purposes of Christmas solve your three greatest needs.

Understanding and receiving God's Christmas gifts to you will transform your life...forever!

Genres: Christmas, Christian, Nonfiction, Christianity, Faith, Spirituality, Religion

132 pages, Hardcover

First published October 17, 2008

About the author

Richard Duane Warren is an American Baptist evangelical Christian pastor and author.He is the founder of Saddleback Church, an evangelical Baptist megachurch in Lake Forest, California. Since 2022, he is director of the Finishing the Task mission coalition.

Reviews

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Purpose of Christmas by Rick Warren was an amazing book.

I was scouring my mom's bookshelf one day a few weeks ago, looking for more Christmas reads, and I came across some Christmas nonfiction. I asked her which ones she would recommend first, and The Purpose of Christmas was the first one she chose.

*happy sigh* I'm so glad I read this one, and even though I've written quite a few book reviews, I don't think I can easily put into words how eloquent and truth-filled this one was.

I would have appreciated if all references to God had been capitalized (pronouns were not), but this was not the first book I read where I noticed that.

Instead of going on and on about it, I'm going to stop now and give y'all a few quotes. Bottom line: I would 100% recommend it. <33

~ Quotes

"Although there are accidental parents, there are no accidental babies. The parents may not have planned it, but God did."

"Salvation...means being given the freedom and power to fulfill God's purpose for your life."

"If you study the life of Jesus, you'll quickly see that when you make a mistake, Jesus doesn't rub it in. He rubs it out."

"God had so much more in mind than just fire insurance when he sent Jesus to be our savior."

"...Any lasting solution must start in the heart, and only God can transform hearts."

"The more you pray, the less you'll panic. The more you worship, the less you worry."

"No man or woman will ever love you as completely and deeply as Jesus does."

[Ajoke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gorgeous book! Everyone should read it.

Christmas is the largest celebrated holiday around the world each year, yet very few know the real reason for the season. Even Christians (who should know better than anyone else) have been brainwashed and have forgotten that it is not about Santa or his elves or eggnog and Christmas trees. It's about the birth of Jesus and ultimately the sacrifice he made for all of us!

Rick Warren not only elaborates on the reason for the season, he does so with such a passion to save souls. His explanation is straightforward, supported by scripture and very easy to understand. Not only does he share God's reasons for gifting Jesus Christ to the world but he shows how important each and everyone of us is to God. He also gets personal and shares some of his family's Christmas traditions that are so beautiful you want to adopt them into your Christmas routine.

If you have an open mind and have felt like something is missing in your life, Jesus is the answer! Despite all your successes or failures he welcomes you with open arms. What have you got to lose by accepting him into your life? You must read this book (and in the process learn to accept Christ as your savior) it will change and save your life.

[Elizabeth · Rating 1 out of 5]

As I was skimming this boring, purposeless, unoriginal book, I kept thinking to myself that Rick Warren must have written it simply to make a little cash from the hapless folks looking to purchase something for their religious or sentimental relative during the Christmas season. This thought was confirmed by the plentiful filler inspirational photographs and the advertisement on the last page for the "Purpose of Christmas" Christmas music CD. Warren added nothing to the discussion about the significance of Christmas, and I wish I could get back the 30 minutes it took me to skim the book and talk about how much I hated it with my husband.

[Rashida Serrant-Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need 20 copies of this book to give as gifts every year for the rest of my life. What a lovely way to spread the gospel of my Lord Jesus Christ!

[Speros · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great, easy, simple, yet prophetic read about the true meaning of Christmas and God's gift to all of us. This was the 1st year, in almost 39 years that I really started to understand the meaning of Christmas and Rick hits it dead on about the TRUE GOOD NEWS for ALL THE PEOPLE, it's not about religion, it's not about rules, its not about earning it, it's about GRACE & LOVE and it's amazing. Well done, thanks for all the ideas for our family celebrations and may you continue to bless our world with your writings and teachings. Merry Christmas, all year LONG!!!

[Jerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

While there is nothing radically new in this book, it is well worth the read. It isn't very long or difficult, but it does help remind you of what Christmas is really about. While the world constantly bombards us with the commercialism of Christmas, anything that helps you to keep your focus on our Lord is worth the time. I found myself being overwhelmed by all the activity surrounding Christmas and this book helped me pause and regain my focus.

[Yolanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great way to enter into advent and the Christmas season.

[Happy Reading Watching · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good fast Christmas book!

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting and thought-provoking read.

[John’aLee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Couldn’t get over the narrative that ‘Jesus is God’ that ran through this book.

[Howard George Randolph · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book contains a crystal clear description of the real meaning of Christmas. Our activities around Christmas can come with huge risks. Often, we spend far too much-in effect placing bets that the gifts we give will be received with the same delight that they're given. When that is not the case, it is easy to be disappointed and remorseful. The greatest gifts come without price tags and the story of Christmas is the narration of the greatest gift of all. No one demonstrates care for another more than when they are willing to tell the truth. Share this book with another.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really spoke to me this holiday. As someone who gets a bit of seasonal depression during Winter, I struggle with the holidays. This book was not just about Christmas but more so about the traps we get ourselves in and how to trust God and have faith that everything will work out as He intended. So many pages I took pics of to read again to remind myself to let go of my past, to trust in the future plans He has for me and to better handle conflict in the coming year. He is the reason for this season! ❤️

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The purpose of Christmas was a great book. I am going to re-read it every Christmas. The whole Serenity Prayer on page 106 was great to read. I am going to try to memorize the other 2/3. The salvation prayer on page 121 is worth multiple repeatings. I am going to definitely having a birthday party for Jesus every year now. Christ is the reason for the season.

[AMY · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for Christmas or anytime. Simply and personally written. It breaks down the season and preparation well. It is a religious book that will help you understand how important you are to God and makes baby Jesus seem all that more important as your gift. It will help you find peace and focus on the truly important things of the season. Highly recommended for adults.

[Sarah Piper · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick read packed with wonderful reminders of what we should be celebrating on Christmas and what we need to focus on.

Definitely a book I need to read every December.

And now I want to have a birthday party for Jesus and incorporate the two questions into a Christmas Eve tradition with my family and friends. I love that.

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book!!!! Not at all what I was expecting but so much more! I am definitely going to his other book A Purpose Driven Life and can't wait to do so! LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!

[Charlie Ravioli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another sweet book to help remind me about the true meaning of Christmas. Took my time reading over the month in the quiet of each morning before starting my day. Finished stronger than it started.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Loredelcarmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un libro apropiado para leer en esta época de Navidad. Y enfocarse en lo lo principal de esta celebración, que es el nacimiento de Jesús.

[Tara Howell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meaningful read🎄

[Helen Cicchetto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Practice love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written book that reminds us of the real reason Christ was born and the true significance and impact on man. I highly recommend it for anyone, believers and nonbelievers.❤️

[Loraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

SUMMARY: In this powerful book Warren explains how God designed Christmas to meet your three deepest needs and how understanding and receiving God's three Christmas gifts to you will transform your life forever.

REVIEW: I enjoyed this book but it wasn't quite what I expected. It did relate to Christmas but was more of a salvation plan and how it connects to Christmas. I particularly liked how he emphasized the peace of Christmas and related it to how salvation can bring you peace in your life. His focus is on how Christmas is a time for Celebration, a time for Salvation, and a time for Reconciliation.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm festive.

Update - I liked that this book reminded me of Jesus during Christmas time, however I have issues with things being preachy and I hate books that are like "stop doing that. it's dumb." Really? If I could stop being worried and just trust that God is going to come and save my day, I would. I guess I'm not ready to depend souly on my savior? Who knows. I just felt like this book was trying to boost up Christianity, when what I was looking for was talking about the Spirit of Christmas, forgiveness, and love.

[Christa Wade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Each year Christmas is celebrated earlier and earlier through commercialized chaos. It saddens me to see us become increasingly distant from the true reason behind our celebrations: the birth of Jesus Christ. This book helps the reader restore the focus back on Him and explores the reasons why this amazing gift was given to us in the first place.

I will probably bring this book out at the onset of every Christmas season and read it. I enjoyed reading it and discussing many of the points with my children.

[Kim Savage · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was put off a little by this book because it had too many mentions of his previously written book A Purpose Driven Life. If I read a book I expect it to be something new, and not a repeat of something already written.
There were some mildly profound paragraphs that make the book worth reading, but not really the strongest most effective book I’ve read by Rick Warren.

[Andrea Uhde Shepherd · Rating 4 out of 5]

I "borrowed" this from the lounge at work...it's very simple but I'm enjoying it...helps put a little more meaning in Christmas.
It'll be in the meeting room at work if anyone else wants to "borrow" it!

[Megan Skeens · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good reminder of the true meaning of Christmas. There were a few points that are thought-provoking, but most of it is unoriginal and ordinary. (Is that bad to say?) This book is more for someone who doesn't have much background in Christianity or understand the real meaning of Jesus coming.

[Avery · Rating 5 out of 5]

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.
Ecclesiastes 3:1”
This quote from the book of Ecclesiastes of the Tanakh, the Hebrew Bible, is found on the introduction page of the story, The Purpose of Christmas, inviting the readers into a book about God, Jesus, and the true purpose of Christmas.
There is more to Christmas than evergreen trees covered in ornaments of every color and bright, gleaming lights. There is more to Christmas than cookies, movies, and presents. There is more to Christmas than a big, jolly man in a red suit named Santa Claus. The Purpose of Christmas explains the true meaning of Christmas, the meaning beyond the traditions we were raised with.
As founding pastor of Saddleback church with his wife, Kay, Rick Warren leads a 30,000- member congregation in California with campuses in major cities around the world. As an author, his book The Purpose Driven Life is one of the bestselling nonfiction books in publishing history. It has been translated into 74 different languages and sold more than 50 million copies in multiple formats. As a theologian, Warren has lectured at Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, University of Judaism and multiple other universities and seminaries around the globe. Warren also founded the PEACE Plan, which Plants churches that promote reconciliation, Equips servant leaders, Assists the poor, Cares for the sick, and Educates the next generation in 196 countries.
At the beginning of this book, author Rick Warren talks about the stress Christmas puts on all kinds of people during the holiday season. He explains to the readers how the stress and the strain of buying gifts and decorating can overpower the true purpose behind the holiday: Jesus Christ’s birth.
In his powerful yet compassionate voice, Pastor Rick Warren sounds the call to “remember the reason for the season,” taking us on a journey back in time to the most wonderful story of all, the birth of the baby Jesus. Through detailed imagery and compelling personal experiences, The Purpose of Christmas honors the significance and promise of this cherished holiday. In The Purpose of Christmas, Pastor Warren encourages the readers to identify and confront what drains peace from their lives. He explains that the way to respond to these “peace-robbers” is to learn how to surrender to God’s will and not feel defeated or discouraged when life doesn't go as planned.
All throughout The Purpose of Christmas, Warren includes Bible verses and stories from the birth of Jesus; the birth that started it all, the birthday that every other day is based on. He also includes multiple different surveys he performed, some of which asking questions like “What are you celebrating for Christmas?” and “Where would you like to see peace this Christmas?” The answers varied; most had nothing to do with the birth of Jesus Christ. I believe if these people read this gorgeously written book, it will exhilarate them to honor the true significance of Christmas and to nurture God’s gifts of love and peace in this world.
I really enjoyed reading this. It was a great book overall. I would rate it 4.5 out of 5 stars. All of the pictures in the book being in color made the book much more vibrant and inviting. While reading this book I felt especially close to God, Rick Warren did an exceptional job reminding his audience that God will always love you and forgive you, it’s his gift to you: eternal love.
I chose The Purpose of Christmas as my definitive book because it related well to my topic of Christmas. In order to really understand the holiday of Christmas, the origin behind the season must be understood. Holiday traditions; wreaths, candy canes, cookies, and more, along with the celebration of Christmas itself would not be here without the birth of a peasant baby boy over two thousand years ago.

[Floyd · Rating 3 out of 5]

Howard Books presents a new edition of a short, 4 chapter, book originally written in 2008 by Rick Warren, founding pastor of the world-famous Saddleback Church in Irvine, CA. The author is best known for the classic The Purpose Driven Life. I suppose this reviewer should be open and honest by saying he has never read that classic or any other book by Rick Warren until the publisher dropped the current book in his mailbox for review.

The current book presents three purposes for Christmas:

Celebration
Salvation
Reconciliation
I suspect that the author does not mean to say these are the only three purposes for Christmas, but they are three purposes for Christmas. Along with an introductory chapter, the author makes each purpose into a chapter. The chapters are then subdivided into shorter sub-points focusing on these three purposes. I felt like I was reading the transcript of a 20-year-old sermon series – with the thesis statements and their sub-points being clearly stated in the text and its subdivisions.The book is readable and not hobbled by sermonese. What is missing are solid references for much of the material – scripture references are well-documented, but other content is not. This makes it hard to distinguish between opinion and fact.

I appreciated the suggested “Birthday Party for Jesus” found at the end of the book – appropriate for families, adult, youth or children’s groups. The idea is presented early in the book, but the details are laid out in the final pages of the volume.

The book may make a great gift for the church to give to its members as a pre-Advent gift. It might also find a home in the church library for families to borrow for the Christmas season.
______________
This review is based on a free copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.