Through a series of reflections featuring 13 different people of the Advent and Christmas, Sherill opens our eyes to some of the lost wonder of these two seasons. Written across 13 chapters, one chapter per individual, Sherill plumbs the depth of the OT prophecies, the NT happenings and the significance of both to our lives today.

I particularly enjoyed the 7 Advent chapters while a couple of the Christmas ones didn't grab me. In saying that, the last 2 featuring the minor individuals, Simeon and Anna who meet Jesus when Mary and Joseph visit the temple, were excellent. Here are two individuals, who lived comparatively insignificant lives, but for a moment with the child Saviour, and provide powerful demonstrations of how to live lives of trust and obedience over seeking 'greatness'.

This is a book that can be easily returned to each year as its lessons and reflections will be useful especially amongst the rush and busyness of modern life.

I received an early ebook copy of the book from Waterbrook via Net Galley. This has had no bearing on my review. One of the elements of the book is each chapter ends with a reflection on a relevant bible passage while reflecting on a sketch. I found the sketches in this early PDF-style version childlike and unimpressive and didn't add to my reflections. I'm presuming this was due to a poor replication for the PDF version and hope the published one provides a better impression.

After being a Christian for many years, it’s nice now and then to attempt to slow down and take a look at a well-known, often-heard or portrayed account from the Bible in a new light. That’s what this book promises to do. And indeed, are were several different deep dives into historical context and translation in this book that give insight to aspects of the “Christmas story” that most people may never have heard before. Much of it I have, however, from various sources, including my own recently retired pastor, in his attempts to not preach the same sermons every year at Christmas time. This is not a fault of the book or author, of course, it only means the book is probably better for someone who is newer to Christianity or has simply only viewed the surface of the events surrounding the birth of Christ.

The author makes some assertions about the intentions of biblical writers (Luke in particular) that I have never heard before; he may have taken some liberties and made some assumptions, but he often states some of these things as fact. I couldn’t help but question some things as I read (which of course we’re supposed to do as Christians). As an example, this quote from chapter 1: “Jesus is brought into being by the creative breath of God’s Spirit.” It seems to imply that Jesus did not exist before Mary conceived, but of course that isn’t true. He was/is God and has existed for eternity. Giving the author the benefit of the doubt, perhaps he only meant to say that Jesus was brought into “earthly existence” by the creative breath of God’s Spirit, and I was nitpicking without intending to. Whatever the case, between this and my notes in the previous paragraph, this book did not quite resonate with me like it was intended to. Because of some of the uncertainties I had about some of what I read, I don’t know that I could, in good conscience, recommend this book to anyone, but I will say that if you do read it, be sure to go to the Scriptures to verify anything you’re not certain of (which, again, you should do with anything that a fallible human professes about God or the Bible).

Rediscovering Christmas by A. J. Sherrill is an in-depth look at the Christmas story. It provides a biblical account and insights into what is perhaps one of the most beloved and well-known stories of Christianity. The book is divided into two sections. The first deals with advent, the second Christmas and includes an in-depth look at each of the characters who had a role in the story of the birth our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Each chapter ends with a reflection including scripture references and questions to help readers to delve deeper. I especially enjoyed reading this book and now have a deeper understanding of Christmas, its characters and symbolism.

A wonderful meditation on the real meaning of Christmas and the Nativity stories. A delight to read and study, adds real depth to the festive period and is wonderful to read together and discuss.

3.5 stars

This was an interesting and informative book, written in a conversational and enlightening manner, with glimmers of mild humor.

Written in two parts (Advent: The Gift of Waiting and Christmas: The Gift of Receiving), the author focuses on different biblical persons (Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, the Magi, and Herod, to name a few) and gives practical insights (as the title suggests) into the story of Christmas. Especially in the second part of the book, he shares historical and cultural background, which was interesting and informative. Others may find this depth of information fascinating, but it became slightly tedious to me, thus my 3.5 star rating instead of 4.0.

My favorite quotes:

"The primary task of a Christian in Advent is growing one's capacity to perceive the story by slowing down long enough to receive it."

"Advent is an invitation to slow, to still, and to seek solitude to hear God's whisper over you."

I loved this fresh and different study of Advent. Pastor AJ Sherrill reminds of the true meaning of season of Christmas and Advent. The busyness and overload of Christmas consumerism is removed. This book is designed reawaken and renew.

Rediscovering Christmas is divided into two sections: Advent, the time of waiting, and Christmas, the time/joy of receiving. In this book Pastor AJ walks us through the waiting and the joy by examining this story through different characters and the roles they played. Herold, the Angel of Gabriel, and Elizabeth are just of the few characters examined. We see the story on a larger scale, not just the single night of Christ's birth.

I recommend this book to relearn and reveal the complete story of Advent and Christmas. Use this book for a meaningful reflection throughout the Advent and Christmas and see the first Christmas in a new light.

I loved this deeper exploration of the story of Christmas. AJ takes us deeper into what the Bible has to say about this season, and slows us down so we can recognize what Christmas should truly reflect in our lives. Highly Recommend!!

First of all, Thank you netgalley for the ARC granted. I am a truly , deeply christmas lover, so everything around this subject always cathces my attention, including books and devotionals, like this present one. I enjoyed a lot hw the narrative and the teflections texts were accurate with the bible verses and brought up with a new angle of perspective. Recommended!

Sometimes, we feel empty during Christmas holiday because we dont understand the meaning of Christmas. This book will help us to rediscover Christmas in each truest sense. Christmas is the born of our Savior, Jesus Christ

The story of Christmas is a very famous one. It is retold each year with additional traditions: 3 wise men, a barn with a manger, an indifferent innkeeper, angels singing, and more.

When you peel back the layers of myth to the original story and its meaning for us today, you can gain a new understanding of the gift of heaven, God with us - Jesus.
Sherrill offer biblical studies, explanations, and practical exercises. Take these suggestions for entering into the true meaning of transformation by a messiah beyond the mere celebration of a baby on a Christmas card. Get a copy before the next holiday season.