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Christmas Stories: Heartwarming Classics of Angels, a Manger, and the Birth of Hope
Experience the true meaning of Christmas with beloved storyteller Max Lucado. “ The Christmas Candle shines with a radiant insight. Written with Max Lucado’s signature style of sincerity and spiritual perception, this story will warm the reader’s heart with the wonders of God’s love and mercy.” — In the Library Reviews Heartwarming Classics of Angels, a Manger, and the Birth of Hope. These stories—like your favorite Christmas ornaments—come in all shapes and sizes. They unfold in a variety of settings, from ancient Bethlehem to rural England. From a small Texas town to the heavenly realms. Some are short. Others many chapters long. Some offer reflections. Others imagine Christmas through the eyes of a burnt-out candle maker, a lonely business man, or heavenly angels. Yet all are vintage Lucado, and all resonate with the wonder of the season. "In the mystery of Christmas," Max writes, "we find its majesty. The mystery of how God became flesh, why he chose to come, and how much he must love his people. Such mysteries can never be solved, just as love can never be diagrammed. Christmas is best pondered, not with logic, but imagination." That's what each of these unique Christmas stories help us do. In the midst of the bustle and hurry that often distracts us this time of year, these stories free us to explore the ways in which Christ's coming has forever changed history—and us. “A powerful reminder of the true meaning of faith and community, The Christmas Candle is a welcome respite from the harried commercialism of the holiday season.” — BookPage “Fans of Charles Dickens and Jan Karon, you’re in for treat! Max Lucado has penned a wholly original Christmas story complete with cobblestone streets, quirky characters, and a supernatural visit you’ll never forget.” —John C. Maxwell, New York Times bestselling author on The Christmas Candle
288 pages, Hardcover
First published August 30, 2011
416 people are currently reading
577 people want to read
About the author
Max Lucado
1,201 books5,420 followersWith more than 150 million products in print and several NYT bestsellers, Max Lucado is America's bestselling inspirational author. He serves the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, where he lives with his wife, Denalyn, and their mischievous mutt, Andy. His most recent book published in August 2024 and is titled What Happens Next.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
January 11, 2025
4-1/2 stars. There was one story that disturbed me because it “bent” the Scripture but otherwise I felt the Christmas stories were touching and inspiring.
“Because of Bethlehem, I have a Savior in heaven. Christmas begins what Easter celebrates. The child in the cradle became the King on the cross. And because he did, there are no marks on my record. Just grace. His offer has no fine print. He didn’t tell me, “Clean up before you come in.” He offered, “Come in and I’ll clean you up.” It’s not my grip on him that matters but his grip on me. And his grip is sure.”
“Jesus humbled Himself.
He went from commanding angels
TO SLEEPING IN THE STRAW.
From holding stars
TO CLUTCHING MARY'S FINGER.
The palm that held the Universe took the nail of a soldier.
Why?
Because that's what love does.”
“Because of Bethlehem, I have a Savior in heaven. Christmas begins what Easter celebrates. The child in the cradle became the King on the cross. And because he did, there are no marks on my record. Just grace. His offer has no fine print. He didn’t tell me, “Clean up before you come in.” He offered, “Come in and I’ll clean you up.” It’s not my grip on him that matters but his grip on me. And his grip is sure.”
“Jesus humbled Himself.
He went from commanding angels
TO SLEEPING IN THE STRAW.
From holding stars
TO CLUTCHING MARY'S FINGER.
The palm that held the Universe took the nail of a soldier.
Why?
Because that's what love does.”
December 26, 2024
Many little Christmas stories all in one book! I liked reading this & it has helped me prepare my heart for the coming birth of Jesus. I love Christmastime!
December 19, 2024
This was my first time reading Lucado and boy am I completely unimpressed. I picked this up because it was on sale and thought it might make for good Christ focused Christmas reading...I'd have been better off reading almost anything else. This was the most milquetoast inconsequential Christian reading I've ever poured over...and I have to say it also was very poorly written. How this man has the reputation of accomplished author and Christian leader I cannot fathom.
Let's start with the Christmas Candle story. While I get the overall point was different, and that the author went out of his way to give credit to God...I still don't like the idea of sacred and holy relics containing power. He says well the candle is just a vessel the power is from God...yes but since when does God need intermediation of an object. His people are his vessel not a candle. He pays lip service to the problem with this by having them admit they were too focused on the candle but really any focus away from God isn't good. The story portrays the candle as a good thing simply taken too far...however the concept of needing a candle to be blessed by an angel so that you can light it when you pray in order to have your prayers answered is frankly unBiblical. It's some peter popoff selling prayer handkerchiefs nonsense. It glorifies sacred objects...verging on white magic and angels even if it does ultimately attribute their works to God. God is not a genie in a lamp where you can hold an object make a wish and have it come true. And it bothers me that there was no actual biblical accounting of Christian belief on the matter...no Bible verses or Biblical concepts regarding prayer were present...instead simply offering what is a mostly secular platitude about God working in mysterious ways. What the Bible actually says about prayer...
(Matthew 6)
"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him"
Matthew 7: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!"
later on in another less narrative story he does quote scripture but he quotes it from the heretical message translation which twists scriptures to change their meaning, adds and subtracts from God's word (even altering meaning in the lords prayer) and even includes satanic phrases. Speaking of satanic phrases at one point he describes Jesus being lord of all and he uses the phrase light bearers, which if you don't know lucifer literally means light bearer, and in luciferan satanism which centers around humanistic self worship, light bearers is also a term for people who accomplish great things and advance humanity forward. It was used prominently in the writings of Ayn Rand who sought to deify selfishness and captains of industry. Now he's technically saying Jesus has power over these people and the devil himself...which is true but the use of their phraseology in doing so makes the meaning unclear why not say outright he has power over the devil rather than "light bearers" it seems like he's intentionally obfuscating the point he's making like he's being misleading on purpose...and in a way the wording implies an association between Jesus and these "light bearers." He lumps them in with "liberators" so it's not like he's listing bad evil people...maybe I'm reading too much into it but there's something not right here.
he also writes comparing santa to Jesus where he talks about all the wonderful things about santa and all the wonderful things about Jesus and stresses that we can go to santa for many Christmas things but shouldn't go to santa for salvation or redemption...which is a point I don't think a single Christian or even non Christian really needed made. There's nothing wrong with anything he said but it really falls under the category of ...duh nobody thought santa saves them from hell.
There is also a couple of times where his wording in referring to Biblical figures as characters or the events as a story that while not explicitly declaring a level of disbelief do seem to hint at one. I also just find it a little off putting the way he puts fictionalized additions into the story of Jesus birth...it has all the iffyness of adding to scripture with all the cringe of an unnecessary prequel. He writes in another carpenter character who invents a feed trough with wheels and gives it to Jesus...making it the first gift Jesus ever recieved...it just strikes me as a vain author wanting to make his impression on a fictional universe...the same way an author writing for Star Wars wants their original character to be the one to do something important like hey remember the death star plans the rebels used for the climax of the first movie....my character was the one who got it to them. Forget the wise men and their gifts...the guy I made up got there first! And it's not even written particularly well.
I especially don't like him putting words in God's mouth with his later Gabriel story. Where he not only puts words in God's mouth but some of them are very outside the bounds of scripture...like having God offer satan a return to heaven, him giving Gabriel his "essence" in a vial that he's to use to impregnate Mary. He also makes a claim about how his people will no longer fear his (satans) hell. However there should still be some fear of hell...to get people to repent and come to Christ....and it's not the devils hell...that's a very secular view of the afterlife. Hell was created by God as punishment for the devil and his angels...not a place of satans devising for him to rule over. A Christian preacher should know these things.
He then has this plot where the devil is trying to destroy the vial before Gabriel can get it to Mary....it's like he's trying to turn God's word into a dollar store version of lord of the rings...including some bizarre half-cocked lore additions that I would call laughable if I saw them in a fantasy novel... I'm sorry, this is blasphemy. He also spends paragraphs glorifying the devil, he goes on and on about how bright and smart and charming and commanding and godlike he is...then pays brief obligatory lip service to saying God is greater...sort of.
This is just solidifying my impression of Lucado as a milquetoast, lukewarm approved for all audiences sure to offend no one type of Christian author at best. At worst he is a con artist a wolf in sheeps clothing surreptitiously altering gospel with worldly nonsense.
my one positive take away is it still gets you to focus on and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas even if its in spite of the terrible writing and awful theology. Will never read Lucado again and will advise any Christian who will listen to avoid him as well.
Let's start with the Christmas Candle story. While I get the overall point was different, and that the author went out of his way to give credit to God...I still don't like the idea of sacred and holy relics containing power. He says well the candle is just a vessel the power is from God...yes but since when does God need intermediation of an object. His people are his vessel not a candle. He pays lip service to the problem with this by having them admit they were too focused on the candle but really any focus away from God isn't good. The story portrays the candle as a good thing simply taken too far...however the concept of needing a candle to be blessed by an angel so that you can light it when you pray in order to have your prayers answered is frankly unBiblical. It's some peter popoff selling prayer handkerchiefs nonsense. It glorifies sacred objects...verging on white magic and angels even if it does ultimately attribute their works to God. God is not a genie in a lamp where you can hold an object make a wish and have it come true. And it bothers me that there was no actual biblical accounting of Christian belief on the matter...no Bible verses or Biblical concepts regarding prayer were present...instead simply offering what is a mostly secular platitude about God working in mysterious ways. What the Bible actually says about prayer...
(Matthew 6)
"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him"
Matthew 7: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!"
later on in another less narrative story he does quote scripture but he quotes it from the heretical message translation which twists scriptures to change their meaning, adds and subtracts from God's word (even altering meaning in the lords prayer) and even includes satanic phrases. Speaking of satanic phrases at one point he describes Jesus being lord of all and he uses the phrase light bearers, which if you don't know lucifer literally means light bearer, and in luciferan satanism which centers around humanistic self worship, light bearers is also a term for people who accomplish great things and advance humanity forward. It was used prominently in the writings of Ayn Rand who sought to deify selfishness and captains of industry. Now he's technically saying Jesus has power over these people and the devil himself...which is true but the use of their phraseology in doing so makes the meaning unclear why not say outright he has power over the devil rather than "light bearers" it seems like he's intentionally obfuscating the point he's making like he's being misleading on purpose...and in a way the wording implies an association between Jesus and these "light bearers." He lumps them in with "liberators" so it's not like he's listing bad evil people...maybe I'm reading too much into it but there's something not right here.
he also writes comparing santa to Jesus where he talks about all the wonderful things about santa and all the wonderful things about Jesus and stresses that we can go to santa for many Christmas things but shouldn't go to santa for salvation or redemption...which is a point I don't think a single Christian or even non Christian really needed made. There's nothing wrong with anything he said but it really falls under the category of ...duh nobody thought santa saves them from hell.
There is also a couple of times where his wording in referring to Biblical figures as characters or the events as a story that while not explicitly declaring a level of disbelief do seem to hint at one. I also just find it a little off putting the way he puts fictionalized additions into the story of Jesus birth...it has all the iffyness of adding to scripture with all the cringe of an unnecessary prequel. He writes in another carpenter character who invents a feed trough with wheels and gives it to Jesus...making it the first gift Jesus ever recieved...it just strikes me as a vain author wanting to make his impression on a fictional universe...the same way an author writing for Star Wars wants their original character to be the one to do something important like hey remember the death star plans the rebels used for the climax of the first movie....my character was the one who got it to them. Forget the wise men and their gifts...the guy I made up got there first! And it's not even written particularly well.
I especially don't like him putting words in God's mouth with his later Gabriel story. Where he not only puts words in God's mouth but some of them are very outside the bounds of scripture...like having God offer satan a return to heaven, him giving Gabriel his "essence" in a vial that he's to use to impregnate Mary. He also makes a claim about how his people will no longer fear his (satans) hell. However there should still be some fear of hell...to get people to repent and come to Christ....and it's not the devils hell...that's a very secular view of the afterlife. Hell was created by God as punishment for the devil and his angels...not a place of satans devising for him to rule over. A Christian preacher should know these things.
He then has this plot where the devil is trying to destroy the vial before Gabriel can get it to Mary....it's like he's trying to turn God's word into a dollar store version of lord of the rings...including some bizarre half-cocked lore additions that I would call laughable if I saw them in a fantasy novel... I'm sorry, this is blasphemy. He also spends paragraphs glorifying the devil, he goes on and on about how bright and smart and charming and commanding and godlike he is...then pays brief obligatory lip service to saying God is greater...sort of.
This is just solidifying my impression of Lucado as a milquetoast, lukewarm approved for all audiences sure to offend no one type of Christian author at best. At worst he is a con artist a wolf in sheeps clothing surreptitiously altering gospel with worldly nonsense.
my one positive take away is it still gets you to focus on and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas even if its in spite of the terrible writing and awful theology. Will never read Lucado again and will advise any Christian who will listen to avoid him as well.
November 30, 2021
Christmas Stories begins with a short story about generations of candlemakers who have an Angel appear and blessed one candle each year . The one they choose to give the candle to the person’s life gets better. When the Angel appears this time, the candle maker accidentally trips and mixed up the regular candles with the blessed one. The candle maker and his wife give out the candles but don’t tell anyone what happened. At church the chosen one stands up to say how the candle effected the person. This time all stand up and all their lives got better, teaching the lesson that it’s not the candle but God that gives the blessings and help. Another story shows the battle between God and Satan . The rest of the book tells a descriptive telling of the Angel going to Mary, Joseph trying to get a room, the stable and how a little baby will go through so much for our sake. This book is a reminder of the reason for the season which is Christ. It didn’t give facts but told the story of the birth of our Savior and what we would be thinking or saying experiencing trying to find a room, describing the stable, what we would be thinking looking at a baby we knew was the Savior. It’s a retelling of the prebirth and birth of our savior told today
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2022
I have been hearing a lot about an author Max Lucado and I always enjoy Christmas stories so I gave it a try. I read his book and I found this story called An Angel’s Story that I don’t like it very much. Nothing in gospels about Angel Gabriel do battle against Lucifer or Mary rode in a cart pulled by an oxen. Jesus was convinced by Holy Spirit, not a vial. His story is sooooo false! I will not read his books again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 7, 2025
12-6-25
A little treasure of Christmas stories to read during Advent as a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas. I think my favorite is still The Christmas Candle of these stories! I got this book last year and this was my second time to read it. I plan to read it every year!
A little treasure of Christmas stories to read during Advent as a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas. I think my favorite is still The Christmas Candle of these stories! I got this book last year and this was my second time to read it. I plan to read it every year!
December 22, 2016
Inspiring and beautiful Christmas stories.
January 31, 2025
Christmas Stories, Max Lucado
Read: Nov 26-27, 2022
Official Summary:
Experience the true meaning of Christmas with this giftable volume of Christmas stories from beloved storyteller Max Lucado. These stories—like your favorite Christmas ornaments—come in various shapes and sizes. They unfold in settings from ancient Bethlehem to rural England. From a small Texas town to the heavenly realms. Others imagine Christmas through the eyes of a burned-out candle maker and a lonely businessman. Discover the heavenly battle between angels and demons preceding Christ’s birth. Walk in Joseph’s shoes as he ponders the miracle before him. Travel to a modern-day nativity scene where the baby Jesus is missing. You'll be awed anew at God’s gift to us with this beloved collection of yuletide tales. “In the mystery of Christmas,” Max writes, “we find its majesty. The mystery of how God became flesh, why he chose to come, and how much he must love his people. Such mysteries can never be solved, just as love can never be diagrammed. Christmas is best pondered, not with logic, but imagination.” In the midst of the bustle and hurry that often distracts us this time of year, these stories free us to explore the ways in which Christ’s coming has forever changed history—and us.
My Thoughts:
I’ve been a fan of Max Lucado for years, ever since my elementary school teacher introduced us to his 1990s children’s books. His simple, relatable writing style and down-to-earth messages have always resonated with me. This Christmas anthology felt like a perfect way to embrace the season—truly a Christmas treat, pun intended!
Reading this book was not only a joy but a meaningful way to prepare my heart for the holiday season. Lucado beautifully reminds us of the true reason for Christmas: the birth of Jesus. The book is filled with warmth, grace, and a clear reflection of God's love for His children, making it something to savor and treasure.
One of my favorite quotes from the book sums up its deep message:
“Baby Jesus was born to be crucified. He came not just for Bethlehem but for Calvary.”
A truly beautiful read for anyone looking to reflect on the season's spiritual significance.
Rated: 4.0/5.0
Read: Nov 26-27, 2022
Official Summary:
Experience the true meaning of Christmas with this giftable volume of Christmas stories from beloved storyteller Max Lucado. These stories—like your favorite Christmas ornaments—come in various shapes and sizes. They unfold in settings from ancient Bethlehem to rural England. From a small Texas town to the heavenly realms. Others imagine Christmas through the eyes of a burned-out candle maker and a lonely businessman. Discover the heavenly battle between angels and demons preceding Christ’s birth. Walk in Joseph’s shoes as he ponders the miracle before him. Travel to a modern-day nativity scene where the baby Jesus is missing. You'll be awed anew at God’s gift to us with this beloved collection of yuletide tales. “In the mystery of Christmas,” Max writes, “we find its majesty. The mystery of how God became flesh, why he chose to come, and how much he must love his people. Such mysteries can never be solved, just as love can never be diagrammed. Christmas is best pondered, not with logic, but imagination.” In the midst of the bustle and hurry that often distracts us this time of year, these stories free us to explore the ways in which Christ’s coming has forever changed history—and us.
My Thoughts:
I’ve been a fan of Max Lucado for years, ever since my elementary school teacher introduced us to his 1990s children’s books. His simple, relatable writing style and down-to-earth messages have always resonated with me. This Christmas anthology felt like a perfect way to embrace the season—truly a Christmas treat, pun intended!
Reading this book was not only a joy but a meaningful way to prepare my heart for the holiday season. Lucado beautifully reminds us of the true reason for Christmas: the birth of Jesus. The book is filled with warmth, grace, and a clear reflection of God's love for His children, making it something to savor and treasure.
One of my favorite quotes from the book sums up its deep message:
“Baby Jesus was born to be crucified. He came not just for Bethlehem but for Calvary.”
A truly beautiful read for anyone looking to reflect on the season's spiritual significance.
Rated: 4.0/5.0
December 2, 2023
A delightful and timely collection that captures the essence of the holiday season. Lucado, a master storyteller, weaves together tales that resonate with warmth, faith, and the magic of Christmas. The book opens a window into the biblical narrative of Christ's birth, exploring the significance of angels, the humble manger, and the profound hope that accompanies this timeless event. Lucado makes these age-old stories feel fresh and relevant. What sets this collection apart is Lucado's ability to infuse each narrative with a deep sense of joy and inspiration. Whether recounting the shepherds' awe at the angelic proclamation or Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem, the stories are imbued with a sense of wonder that transcends generations. “Christmas Stories" is not just a retelling of familiar tales; it's an invitation to rediscover the awe and wonder of the Christmas story. Lucado's reflections on faith, love, and the transformative power of Christ's birth make this book a timeless companion for the holiday season, reminding readers of the enduring message of hope that Christmas brings.
December 12, 2025
I grabbed this off my shelf as the "I need a Christmas book, tis the season". Honestly, I was also looking for a quick read, a small palette cleanser, not the large commitments I've been doing this year.
What I found was a book that I want to slow down, find the quiet to focus, and even reread multiple pages. Yes, yes I know Max's work and many of books spread across my shelves. A lot of his cause those pause moments and reflection moments. This one hit a little more different.
I had to stop, reread, and go 'hmmmm.. I never pictured it that way before'. I had to stop and share this part with my son, or that thought with a friend. I even stopped a time or two to grab my Bible to reread a passage or a Chapter. This quick read become a full indulgence.
I LOVE Christmas. Everything about it. November 1st hits and I start decorating. From images of the Manger, to shiny lights and 3 beautifully decorated trees, to Candle lit Nativity scenes and statues of The Little Drummer Boy. I have a feeling this book just added itself to my Christmas Traditions. Thank you Max, for doing it again.
What I found was a book that I want to slow down, find the quiet to focus, and even reread multiple pages. Yes, yes I know Max's work and many of books spread across my shelves. A lot of his cause those pause moments and reflection moments. This one hit a little more different.
I had to stop, reread, and go 'hmmmm.. I never pictured it that way before'. I had to stop and share this part with my son, or that thought with a friend. I even stopped a time or two to grab my Bible to reread a passage or a Chapter. This quick read become a full indulgence.
I LOVE Christmas. Everything about it. November 1st hits and I start decorating. From images of the Manger, to shiny lights and 3 beautifully decorated trees, to Candle lit Nativity scenes and statues of The Little Drummer Boy. I have a feeling this book just added itself to my Christmas Traditions. Thank you Max, for doing it again.
December 5, 2025
Lucado vytvoril nádhernú zbierku poviedok pre veriacich. Sú rôznej dĺžky. Mne sa najviac páčila tá najdlhšia, lebo nás hneď privítala v atmosfére pokoja, odpustenia a nádeje, ktorú poskytuje Boh. Vianoce sú čarovným časom. Všetky poviedky majú čo ponúknuť a rozcítia čitateľa. Odohrávajú sa v rôznych časoch, na rôznych miestach. Niektoré sú biblické, iné z dnešného života, no s veľkou dávkou zázrakov a Božieho milosrdenstva.
Táto knižka by mohla byť bez chyby, ak by autor niekedy nerozmýšľal nad tým, čo by si mohli myslieť biblické postavy. Viem, že tieto príbehy chcel priblížiť aj dnešnému čitateľovi a chcel byť možno tiež trochu vtipný, ale jeho humor sa mi tu nezdal vhodný. Boli to nádherne citlivé príbehy, ale on niektoré naozaj pokazil svojím moderným štýlom. Škoda. Sto ľudí, sto chutí. Možno vy oceníte spracovanie niektorých poviedok. Iným však nemám čo vyčítať, pretože sú skutočne pekné a Lucado si na nich dal záležať.
Táto knižka by mohla byť bez chyby, ak by autor niekedy nerozmýšľal nad tým, čo by si mohli myslieť biblické postavy. Viem, že tieto príbehy chcel priblížiť aj dnešnému čitateľovi a chcel byť možno tiež trochu vtipný, ale jeho humor sa mi tu nezdal vhodný. Boli to nádherne citlivé príbehy, ale on niektoré naozaj pokazil svojím moderným štýlom. Škoda. Sto ľudí, sto chutí. Možno vy oceníte spracovanie niektorých poviedok. Iným však nemám čo vyčítať, pretože sú skutočne pekné a Lucado si na nich dal záležať.
December 16, 2021
Christmas Stories by Max Lucado is a beautiful book to read during Advent. It contains stories, biblical excerpts and thoughts from the author.
The stories include The Christmas Candle. There are stories about the first Christmas from various points of view including Joseph and Gabriel.
We also hear of Lucifer’s attempts to thwart the birth.
The excerpts are from many of Max Lucado’s other books.
As we draw near to Christmas and the birth of a baby, we need to remember that Jesus was born to die. As He emerged from the womb, He had His eyes on the cross.
The whole book is very beautiful. The love of God for His children shines clearly throughout. It is a book to be savored and treasured.
I will leave you with my favourite quote:
“Baby Jesus was born to be crucified. He came not just for Bethlehem but for Calvary.”
The stories include The Christmas Candle. There are stories about the first Christmas from various points of view including Joseph and Gabriel.
We also hear of Lucifer’s attempts to thwart the birth.
The excerpts are from many of Max Lucado’s other books.
As we draw near to Christmas and the birth of a baby, we need to remember that Jesus was born to die. As He emerged from the womb, He had His eyes on the cross.
The whole book is very beautiful. The love of God for His children shines clearly throughout. It is a book to be savored and treasured.
I will leave you with my favourite quote:
“Baby Jesus was born to be crucified. He came not just for Bethlehem but for Calvary.”
January 8, 2018
This is truly a wonderful Christmas book to share with the family. All of the short stories illustrate the story of Mary, Joseph and Jesus in an easy to understand format for older children and entices readers to think about traditional concepts and morals in a new light. One of the short stories talks about Santa and that St. Nicholas from Myra was actually imprisoned, etc. I omit this story when reading with my kids as we love and adore the Autobiography of Santa Clause and read it every year.
November 30, 2020
“Do you know who you hold, Mary? You secure the Author of grace. He who is ageless is now moments old. He who is limitless is now suckling your milk. He who strides upon the stars, now has legs too weak to walk; the hands which held the oceans are now an infant’s fist. To Him who has never asked a question, you will teach the name of the wind. The Source of language will learn words from you. He who has never stumbled, you will carry. He who has never hungered, you will feed. The King of creation is in your arms.”
“What manner of love is this?”
“What manner of love is this?”
December 27, 2025
I managed to get this in the office Secret Santa, so I thought - it's a Christmas book, I'll read it in the lead-up to Christmas.
I can't remember if I've read any Lucado before, but well aware of his best-selling status. At the end of the day, it's a collection of short stories and short essays on the Christmas theme. They do make you stop and think a bit, but they're also quite on the treacly side as well. Ultimately, nothing memorable, but not much worse than Agatha Christie's Christmas book I read a few years ago.
I can't remember if I've read any Lucado before, but well aware of his best-selling status. At the end of the day, it's a collection of short stories and short essays on the Christmas theme. They do make you stop and think a bit, but they're also quite on the treacly side as well. Ultimately, nothing memorable, but not much worse than Agatha Christie's Christmas book I read a few years ago.
December 31, 2021
This collection contains excerpts from Max Lucado's other books and two of his books I already own (The Christmas Candle & Jacob's Gift). Since I've read two of his other Christmas collections this holiday season, I found some of the material redundant, but I really enjoyed the chapter "The North Pole or the Manger?" and "An Angel's Story". Max's writings are always thought provoking and Christ-honoring, and they inspire worship and meditation in the heart of the reader.
January 27, 2022
Jesus is God
In all my years of living, this is the first book I have read of his author. He didn't disappoint me. I love the simplistic way he tells a story, and allows the reader to get in touch with yourself and God. He delivers the story of Jesus as easily a possible, so that even a child could understand. I will definitely read more of this author. Enjoy his thought provoking stories of Jesus, I did.
In all my years of living, this is the first book I have read of his author. He didn't disappoint me. I love the simplistic way he tells a story, and allows the reader to get in touch with yourself and God. He delivers the story of Jesus as easily a possible, so that even a child could understand. I will definitely read more of this author. Enjoy his thought provoking stories of Jesus, I did.
February 23, 2025
I liked the first story in this which I found was also published on it's own. I think most of these stories are from other books so some of these may be a duplicate read. This is my second book of his and I loved the first which was non-fiction. I feel like his fiction writing style is not for me though. I love fictional Christmas stories but not creative takes with Scripture. I will just stick with his non-fiction.
November 20, 2017
As always a wonderful comforting read.
Max Lucado is so easy to read but so insightful. He always writes in a down to earth way that reflects what I'm wondering about Christ. I loved the Christmas Candle story and the way he wrote about what Joseph and Mary might have been thinking.
Max Lucado is so easy to read but so insightful. He always writes in a down to earth way that reflects what I'm wondering about Christ. I loved the Christmas Candle story and the way he wrote about what Joseph and Mary might have been thinking.
December 31, 2018
Typical enchanting stories by a master story teller.
I never cease to be amazed by the incredible gift God has given this author. His writing is easy to understand and yet challenging to readers who have spent a lifetime studying the scriptures. He can take any story from the Bible and make the reader see it in an entirely new light. I never get tired of reading his books.
I never cease to be amazed by the incredible gift God has given this author. His writing is easy to understand and yet challenging to readers who have spent a lifetime studying the scriptures. He can take any story from the Bible and make the reader see it in an entirely new light. I never get tired of reading his books.
January 8, 2022
Lots to think about in this book. Max Lucado is a master story teller. That makes the book great to start with. My only problem is with the conflict between Satan and God over the birth of Jesus. That’s something I had never thought about and seems probable but perhaps not the way the author has portrayed it.
Generally a very interesting and uplifting group of stories
Generally a very interesting and uplifting group of stories
December 30, 2023
Christmas. These are really enjoyable stories about Jesus, Mary, Joseph, the angel Gabriel and includes Satan also. A great read in Advent that is for all ages. I especially enjoyed "Gabriel's Questions" - what the Angel might have thought when God gave him the assignment to announce to Mary that she was to become the Mother of God.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2017
This was good but it really wasn’t my style. There were some interesting stories and I liked that it had a mixture of story lengths but it just wasn’t as comforting or uplifting as I thought it would be. That being said I did find myself chatting with people about it!
December 26, 2018
This book was such a pleasant, heartwarming read! A collection of stories and pieces from other works, it came together nicely as a reminder of what the season is all about and the love and magic contained within.
October 12, 2019
3.5 stars for me. A good read of some lovely Christmas stories. That make you think and feel. Helpful in helping you to refocus on Jesus, what He did and what Christmas is all about. Many of the stories are just excerpts from his other books.
December 8, 2020
Wonderful, original and insightful stories. Not your usual take on Christmas. I personally loved the story about the angel Gabriel and what goes on in the heavens before he is going to visit Maria. It was an easy read but made me very aware again what Christmas is all about!
January 3, 2021
A complication of Max Lucado’s Christmas Stories. if you’ve read most of his books, most of the stories in this book are actually taken from his other books.
It was a timely read this Christmas, heart warming and filled with lessons and you’ll the stories are useful in reflections.
It was a timely read this Christmas, heart warming and filled with lessons and you’ll the stories are useful in reflections.
December 5, 2021
Christmas Stories
Max Lucas is one of my very favorite authors. His words inspire and reassure. His stories remind me of the path before me, and the effect we all have on each other! Thank you!
Max Lucas is one of my very favorite authors. His words inspire and reassure. His stories remind me of the path before me, and the effect we all have on each other! Thank you!
December 24, 2021
Picked up this in November to change up what I normally read as a devotional in December. Many of the stories I had read before, but The Christmas Candle was new to me and I really enjoyed that. Miracles are happening everywhere everyday. We just need eyes to see them.
December 31, 2021
Christmas stories with heart
I love Max Lucado's words. He has a gift to say so much in just a few. This book was a little joy during the season when time is short but you want to focus your reading on the purpose of Christmas.
I love Max Lucado's words. He has a gift to say so much in just a few. This book was a little joy during the season when time is short but you want to focus your reading on the purpose of Christmas.
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