Rick Warren's 'The Purpose of Christmas'.
Rick Warren’s first released book since his highly popular Purpose Driven Life is another bestseller and will likely continue its climb in the weeks up to Christmas.
After two weeks on the bookshelves, The Purpose of Christmas has been listed among the New York Times’ top 5 bestselling Hardcover Advice books. It is also currently No 25 on USA Today’s weekly top 150 best sellers overall after debuting at No 27.
“This book, The Purpose of Christmas, is the most clear definition of Christianity – of what it means to follow Jesus, what it means to be saved – of anything I’ve ever written,” says Warren, who pastors Saddleback Valley Community Church in Lake Forest, California.
"The book is cleverly simple and profound," adds Pastor Phil Munsey of the Life Church in Mission Viejo, California.
"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," Munsey told the OC Register of Orange County. "If you want to recapture the innocent childlike faith you embraced … this book will cause you to rejoice."
Based on a Christmas message Warren delivered two years ago at his Southern California megachurch, The Purpose of Christmas explains why Jesus Christ came to earth – which Warren says can be summed up through the three statements given by the angels that appeared at the first Christmas.
“First, he (the angel) said ‘I bring you good news of great joy’. It’s a time for celebration,” explains Warren. “And then he says, ‘for on this day is born to you a savior, who is Christ the Lord.’ It’s a time for salvation. And then he says ‘Peace on earth; goodwill toward men.’ It’s a time for reconciliation.
“Jesus Christ came to the earth for celebration, salvation, and reconciliation,” Warren says. “In other words, to make peace with God, to make peace with ourselves, to make peace with other people.”
The 125-page gift book follows Warren's bestselling The Purpose Driven Life, which has sold 52 million copies since its release six years ago. Described as the bestselling nonfiction hardback book in history, the 2002 devotional book rocketed the Baptist pastor into national prominence and was also most identified in a Barna survey of American pastors and ministers as the book that was most influential on their lives and ministries.
