LAKE FOREST As Christmas approaches, a prominent South County pastor reminds the world about the holiday's real meaning.
Pastor Rick Warren this week unveils the message in his third book – "The Purpose of Christmas" hitting bookstores Tuesday. Simply written, the book details the true meaning of Christmas – the birth of Jesus Christ and its significance to believers. Warren explains how Christmas meets people's needs — for celebration, salvation and reconciliation — and how understanding and receiving God's Christmas gift will transform their lives forever.
The 125-page book follows his bestseller "The Purpose Driven Life," which was published in 2002 and has sold 52 million copies. It is described as the best-selling nonfiction hardback book in history.
Pastors in Orange County, religious peers and marketing executives say Warren has again hit his mark with a work addressing the needs of a culture that seems to be searching for something more. It was developed from Warren's 2006 Christmas message given at Saddleback Church and broadcast nationwide via the FOX News Network
Pastor Phil Munsey of the Life Church in Mission Viejo in 24 years has watched Warren's influence explode.
"The book is cleverly simple and profound," said Munsey, who has read it. "If anyone could get sidetracked on points of contention or religious babble, Rick could. He doesn't and because of that — a balanced and biblical yet relevant message comes through."
He adds Warren's knowledge of theology, politics, economics, pop culture and social ills makes for a world view that deserves a seat around the table of influence.
"Rick's involvement firsthand into the complexities of our culture – not to mention his personal access to most of the world's leaders – adds to the credibility of his choice to 'keep it simple,'" Munsey said. "This book won't answer the questions of the skeptic, but it will answer the sincere quest of those who just want the simple truth of the most celebrated holiday in the world. If you want to recapture the innocent childlike faith you embraced …this book will cause you to rejoice."
You can order your copy at the link above.
As a veteran of many years of Saddleback Christmas services I can tell you that when they do it well, they do it very well (and unfortunately, when they miss it, they miss it big). I'm sure this was done well.
Christmas has become a mishmash of religion, pagan rituals, and crass commercialization. We have airports banning Christmas trees because they're "religious", and Christians telling us it's no longer Christian to buy a fake tree. Santa Claus is considered a Christian symbol to some who wish to ban any mention of the holiday, and creche displays on public grounds are subject to annual lawsuits. It would be nice to get back to what Christmas is supposed to be.
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