Christmas: The Season of Life and Light

The Fullness of Time

by Emily Hunter McGowin

"O wondrous exchange!"

Of all the seasons of the church calendar, Christmas is the one most recognized and celebrated by our society at large. That means it's the season we're most familiar with—but that can also make it harder to see past Christmas's many cultural trappings to its timeless beauty.

At the first Christmas, God exchanged the glories of divinity for the vulnerability of human existence, uniting himself to us in order to unite us to God. In this short volume, priest and theologian Emily Hunter McGowin invites us into the church's celebration of that great exchange, in all its theological and liturgical splendor.

Each volume in the Fullness of Time series invites readers to engage with the riches of the church year, exploring the traditions, prayers, Scriptures, and rituals of the seasons of the church calendar.

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

138 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 12, 2023

Reviews

[Carmen Imes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. McGowin strikes the perfect balance between deep theological reflection on the incarnation of Christ and vignettes of real life today. From decorations and traditions (Charlie Brown and the Nutcracker, for example) to the Sandy Hook massacre and the Civil Rights movement, McGowin weaves a stunning tapestry in which everything takes its proper place. She asks the penetrating question, what does it mean for us living in this dark world that Christ was born?

I loved this little book! It would make a great gift for anyone wrestling with the season and trying to find joy as well as for pastors and others planning church services.

[Corjan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Het deel over Kerst vind ik minstens zo goed als dat over Advent, en maakt extra nieuwsgierig naar de andere deeltjes.
Emily Hunter McGowin schrijft – evenals Tish Harrison Warren – helder, persoonlijk en met oog voor het grote geheel. Voor mij valt er bovendien veel nieuw licht op 'the Christmastide'.
Ter illustratie een aantal aansprekende citaten:

Indeed, one way to “keep Christ in Christmas” is to “keep the Mass in Christmas.”

Many Christians find themselves scandalized by the degree in which their relatively comfortable lives seem to be built on the unjust treatment and deprivation of people in other parts of the world.

The full calendar helps us remember that the baby in the manger did not come simply to be cradled and adored. He came to live, die, and rise again for the redemption of the world. He came to inaugurate a new kingdom and to empower us to live within it. The Festival of the Incarnation is followed by Epiphany, Lent, and Easter—and by Pentecost and Ordinary Time too.

The God of the crèche is also the God of the cross.

The Christmastide crackdowns in China suggest the communist government knows that the Christ Child constitutes a profound threat to their power.

At the social and political level, we have a tendency to fashion antagonistic in groups and out groups, with accompanying “us versus them” discourse, to secure identity and shore up power and wealth. From such poisoned soil grows racism and tribalisms of all sorts, which perpetrate untold damage on people and communities.

In some versions of the nativity icon, it looks as though the heavenly beam is piercing the image, literally bisecting the icon and splitting open the world. This seems to me an apt picture for the coming of Christ. Yes, he brings tidings of comfort and joy. And thank God he does! But he also brings a piercing luminosity that exposes our sin and drives out the darkness. Like a skilled surgeon, God in Christ cuts away our cancerous parts and, by his Spirit, applies healing balm to make us both holy and whole. It’s a prospect both glorious and terrifying—as the work of God always is.

[Barry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rounding up to 4

Rather than writing a blurb of my own I’m just going to attach the excellent review that Bob wrote:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, Christmas, by Emily Hunter McGowin, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This book brings Christmas back to its root about the nativity, how Jesus is the reason foe the season. The author also reflects on her family Christmas traditions. All in all a good Christmas read for the family.

[Anneke Kloosterman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Opnieuw een mooi boekje in deze prachtige serie! Fijne combinatie van (Anglicaanse) traditie, academische theologie en devotie. Daarnaast mooie suggesties “for further reading”.

[Meredith Martinez · Rating 4 out of 5]

(4/5 stars) This is the second book I've read in the Fullness of Time series, the first being Lent: The Season of Repentance and Renewal, and I enjoyed the reflections as we get closer to the Christmas season. As Esau McCaulley writes in his introduction of the book,

"These are not, strictly speaking, devotionals. They are theological and spiritual reflections that seek to provide spiritual formation by helping the reader live fully into the practices of the season. We want readers to understand how the church is forming them in the likeness of Christ through the church calendar."

Though I do not attend a church that strictly follows the liturgy (McCaulley was ordained in the Anglican Church in North America and his partners in this series are also part of liturgical churches), I did find that this book pulled me into the beauty of the church calendar and the richness of the traditions beyond December 25th to the whole liturgical season (Dec 24 - Jan 6). Emily Hunter McGowin is a skilled writer and her reflections invite the reader to relish the theological truths revealed to us during the Christmas season - a God who became man to dwell among us, to care for the poor and lonely, to mourn with us, and ultimately to usher in a re-creation.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Christmas: The Season of Life and Light is out now!

[Laney Dugan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really appreciated this book, and thought it was a beautiful continuation of the brilliant Fullness of Time series walking through each season of the liturgical calendar! I feel like I’ve heard all the thoughts about Christmas — from “Jesus is the reason for the season” to “Christmas was originally just a pagan holiday” — and I found the brief but methodical handling of the origins of Christmas within the church tradition was very insightful. It was less heavy on how to live into the season than other books I’ve read in this series, but I loved the challenge to see Christmas as a season for corporate worship and not just insular family unit activities. I also loved how the idea of “theosis” was brought up in this book… a recurring theme in much of my reading lately that I’ve loved!

[Bradyn Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

The authority of this poor child will grow (Isa. 9:7). It will encompass all the earth, and knowingly or unknowingly, all human generations until the end of the ages will have to serve it. It will be an authority over the hearts of people, but thrones and great kingdoms will also grow strong or fall apart with this power. The mysterious, invisible authority of the divine child over human hearts is more solidly grounded than the visible and resplendent of earthly rulers. Ultimately all authority on earth must serve only the authority of Jesus Christ over humankind. - Bonhoeffer

[Melody Schwarting · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of people have lots of things to say about Christmastide, and McGowin cuts through the noise by focusing on different ways we can live in the image of God during the twelve days. She begins by exploring the origins of Christmas and clearly lays out the tangle surrounding dates, festivals, and so forth that I've read in much longer academic works. I love Christmas, and I feel invigorated to celebrate meaningfully after finishing this book.

I am really appreciating the Fullness of Time series. It's important that each of the books are written by clergy; while most of the authors are academics too, they also preach and priest through the seasons with congregations and families.

[Colton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Fullness of Time series continues to impress. Great introduction for those wanting to engage with the Christian calendar in a more meaningful way.

[Cale Manley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about the significance of some of the ways Christmas has been celebrated throughout church history.

[Adrienne Von Bloch · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Fullness of Time series is wonderful.

[Ellen Vosburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is going on my list to reread every Christmas! McGowin's historical and theological exploration of Christmastide is illuminating and spiritually enriching. She takes the most mundane aspects of our cultural Christmas celebrations and shows how they can have depth and new meaning when understood within the full scope of Christian tradition and biblical theology. She brings a sacramental perspective that is subtle and beautiful. My love for the story of Jesus and God's mission to restore and reconcile all things to himself through his Son is refreshed and renewed. Highly recommend!

[Ashley Hoss · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so well written. I loved how robust the Christology was throughout the book. Short introduction to the liturgical Christmas season in the Anglican tradition, but very well done.

[Jamie Moon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ A great addition to the Fullness of Time series, of which I have now read 3 of 6. I have found over recent years that I love observing Advent, but struggle with Christmas. Learning the history of Christmastide was helpful in redeeming some of the season for me, as well as revealing what I feel I often miss from current Christmas celebrations in churches and society. I look forward to implementing some greater intentionality next Christmastide.

[Kristen Keeling · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve heard a lot over the years about the “meaning” of Christmas so I think it’s hard for a book to bring new and fresh ideas. This short and simple book was really refreshing.

“While we await the day when our righteous judge returns to set all things right, the people of God light candles and sing, holding space for grief and lament even while looking forward with hope. Into a world of darkness and death, God in Christ brings light and life—even if we can’t see it yet.”

[Jessica Telian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what to expect with a book focused just on Christmas(tide) as a subject, but I was so pleasantly surprised. Extremely well-written and full of interesting historical tidbits, it's also overflowing with hope. I highlighted so many amazing quotes in it, but one in the conclusion summed the book up well...

"Placing Christmas in this larger context [of the liturgical year] helps us resist the cultural tendency to freeze the cherubic baby Jesus in time, romanticized and sentimentalized beyond recognition. The God of the crèche is also the God of the cross. The God of the holy innocents is also the God of the tomb. And the God of the flight to Egypt now reigns as Lord of all. Only this expansive, all-encompassing story is truly good news for all humankind."

[T.K. CHAPMAN · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't dislike the book, but I just expected more. I was hoping for a little more coverage of and spiritual significance of various Christmas traditions, etc. I also found myself questioning the theological accuracy of some things. I'm not saying the author is wrong necessarily... just needed more explanation perhaps. Still glad I read it. Still plan to eventually read the rest of the series.

[Brayden Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reorienting our hearts away from the consumeristic day that materialism dominates toward the 12 day feast of the incarnation. A time to celebrate the light of Christ even in the darkness of the day. Beautiful!

[Sue Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great non fiction book giving the history of Christmas celebrations. Perfect for December!

[Madison Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

looots of historical background and kinda social justice forward. not my favorite set up but interesting content

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Illuminating, convicting, hopeful, and joyful. A wonderful book that engages both secular and sacred Christmas traditions and draws out themes that are often overlooked.

[Mitchell Dugan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Does a lot for a small book between breaking some myths of various Christmas origins, highlighting important theological aspects of the season, and showing just how important and relevant this is today.

[Meghan Safstrom Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful little book; I really liked it. McGowan's writing style particularly drew me in, as several of her striking images, phrases, and stories made me pause and reflect. It wasn't that the material she presented was new or novel, per se, but her decisions on how to weave it all together were stunning.

[Lily Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent, informative, and deeply theological meditation on the Christmas season. McGowin beautifully weaves in history of the celebration of Christmas from the tradition with theological reflections on the significance of the incarnation, and a rich variety of sources ranging from the early church to present.

This was a quick but rich read during a busy time of year that moved me to once again reflect on the depth of the mystery and hope of the incarnation. I would recommend to everyone during this Advent and Christmastide.

Note: I listened to the audiobook on Hoopla, which was narrated by the author and excellent.

[Adam Shields · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary: Spiritual and theological reflections on Christmas and its traditions. 

Emily Hunter McGowin's Christmas is part of a series of books on the seasons of the liturgical calendar. Esau McAulley is the series editor and author of the book on Lent. The series also includes Tish Warren on Advent, Flemming Rutledge on Epiphany, and Emilio Alvarez on Pentecost.

Christmas is a nostalgic holiday and one that is relatively modern. It is not that the trope of Christmas being a pagan holiday is true (the book handles this well.) But our modern focus on gift giving and family and sentimentality is relatively recent. The Holy Post podcast recently had two episodes that talked about this. One was about St Nicholas, and the other was about David Taylor's Christianity Today article on American Christmas. Taylor's article is about how Christmas was not celebrated widely in the United States until the late 1800s. Congress met on Christmas when it fell on a weekday until the 1850s. Celebrating Christmas was against the law in Puritan New England from the mid-17th century because of its association with Catholicism and because of the history of how the celebration had been associated with debauchery in England.

But as Taylor points out, Queen Victoria and her German husband started using Christmas Trees to decorate and modeled a family-centered celebration of Christmas that was more common in Germany. A few years later, Charles Dickens published a Christmas Carol. And when it was published, few people would have had Christmas off of work. But the story's popularity did shame employers into giving Christmas day off.

The final aspect that made the modern celebration of Christmas what it is now is art. In 1823, A Visit From St. Nicholas by Clement Moore was published, which we have all heard with the starting line, "Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house..." And then, a series of artists over the next 100 years or so, shaped the image of Santa Claus into what we know now. Most important are the images Haddon Sundblom did for Coca-Cola that used Coke's colors to associate Santa Claus with Coca-Cola.

I think it is important that we understand that background, some of which is discussed in McGowin's book, to know that Christmas's association with family, nostalgia, and consumerism is fairly new. McGowin's focus is on the spiritual and theological reasons for celebrating Christmas. First, she grounds the celebration in a tradition older than the 18th century and grapples with why we celebrate Jesus' birth when we do. Then, she explores the importance of the incarnation and what the incarnation means in regard to the redemption of creation. And there is a good discussion about why Jesus' poverty was not incidental to his incarnation.

The twelve days of Christmas (that time from Dec 25 to Epiphany on Jan 6) are intended to be a celebration. But it is a celebration that includes holding space for grief and lament by remembering St Stephen (a Christian martyr) and the Holy Innocents (the murder of all the boys under 2 by Herod). Later, Thomas Becket's martyrdom was also added to the twelve days of Christmas.

Christmas gifts were initially focused on giving to the poor, not family and friends. That shift is also worth noting because of its theological implications.

Except for Emilio Álvarez, all the rest of the authors of this series are Anglican or Episcopal priests. It makes sense that a series on the importance of the liturgical calendar is written by people who adhere to the liturgical calendar. I lean strongly toward Anglican theology and practice, but it is worth noting that there is a lot of reference to Anglican theology in the broad sense of that term, which is still a fairly small group among Evangelical-leaning Christians to whom the book is written.

This is a short book that would work well in a small group. It is short enough to read it in a couple of hours and discuss it in two or three sessions. 

This was originally posted on my blog at https://bookwi.se/christmas/

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary: Spiritual and theological reflections to aid readers in their celebration and spiritual formation around the season of Christmas.

Through all my years as a Christ-follower I have sensed that something very singular occurred with the birth of Jesus, at once Lord of the universe and helpless babe, born in borrowed quarters, hunted by a ruthless king, and with his parents, a fugitive and refugee. At least, I try to ponder these things when not pre-occupied by shopping, decorating, and all the gatherings that surround this season.

One of the ways I carve out space to remember what we are celebrating is reading literature that reminds me of the wonder behind what can become familiar. For this year Emily Hunter McGowin’s little book, Christmas, has offered rich reflections on Christmas and the One we celebrate during this season. The book is one of the Fullness of Time series published by IVP Formatio, edited by New Testament theologian Esau McCaulley. The website for the series states: “The Fullness of Time series invites readers to explore the riches of the church year, guided by some of our finest church theologians. Each volume introduces the traditions, prayers, Scriptures, and rituals of a season of the church—not as an academic exercise, but as an reflections on the theological and spiritual treasures of the church calendar.”

This volume certainly accomplishes that purpose. McGowin begins by discussing the origins of Christmas. While McGowin admits that we do not know the date of Jesus’ birth, she also refutes the myth that Christmas originated as a pagan celebration. She contends that it arises from the church’s belief that the annunciation to Mary and crucifixion of Jesus, both occurred on 14 Nisan, or March 25. December 25 is nine months later! There is evidence for this date going back to the fourth and fifth centuries, unconnected with any pagan celebration. McGowin contends that Christmas, like other dates and seasons in the liturgical year can be times of attending to the Triune God.

Having established the roots of this tradition within Christian liturgical practice, she turns in the remaining four chapters to consider the theological significance of Christmastide. She explores the idea of the Great Exchange, that in the Incarnation, The Son of God partakes in our humanity that we might partake in his divinity, that we might be restored and united with God. Our gift-giving can be a celebration of this great gift.

She explores how the birth of this man born to be king occurs under such poor circumstances. He is God who identifies with the poor. And in this, his birth challenges us to choose, not wealth, but to use our resources in service of the poor.

McGowin considers the mission to redeem creation. This is evident even in his circumcision on the eighth day, faithful in all things to reconcile all through his blood, inaugurating the new creation, one day to be brought to fulfillment. Hence we set up trees and decorate, celebrating both creation and re-creation.

Christmas is a season of light…and life. But many suffer under oppression or bear griefs. The light shines amid darkness. McGowin explores how the Nine Lessons and Carols inb the Anglican tradition, how the remembrance of the holy innocents and the martyrdom of St. Stephen in this season hold “space for grief and lament while looking forward with hope.” And so we light candles and strings of lights. We believe Christ’s coming “brings light and life–even if we can’t see it yet.”

McGowin concludes the book with a reflection on Orthodox nativity icons and the intersection of creche and cross. We’re reminded to see Christmas in context with the whole church year and to set the birth in context with Christ’s Passion. In this conclusion, as throughout the book, ths story of Christmas also serves as a lens through which we see the stories in our news–the conflicts, the tragedies, the existential challenges that resist human solutions.

As you may discern, this isn’t a book of precious thoughts and saccharine sentimentality. These are reflections of theological substance and spiritual depth in language expressive of the lived experience of contemporary Western Christians within a larger global community. And they are reflections that bring deeper significance to our giving of gifts, charitable efforts, and all the decorating and lighting of the season. She shows how these all point to the One who is life and light for the world.

________________________________

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher.

[SundaytoSaturday .com · Rating 4 out of 5]

SUMMARY: In many parts of the world it is effortless to get lost in the consumerism and busyness of Christmas. As a result, some people looking for deeper meaning cynically reject the celebration of Christmas. In Christmas: The Season of Life and Light Anglican priest Emily Hunter McGowin says not so fast as she frames Christmas within the church's liturgical calendar while celebrating and exploring the ways the holiday's traditions such as gift-giving and decorations can point us towards the story of Jesus.

"The point of Christmas, like the rest of the liturgical calendar, is to attune our whole selves to the triune God," McGowin writes. "Observed with wisdom, thoughfulness, and care, [Christmas] provide[s] numerous opportunities to rejoice in God's salvific work in Christ and open ourselves to the Spirit's transforming power in our hearts, homes, and communities."

McGown begins with a short history of Christmas touching on its wild roots to its current materialistic iteration. She quickly pivots to how December 25th became established as the birthday of Jesus explaining the differences between two theories--the history of religious theory and the calculation theory--and which one she thinks is correct.

"Though there is no empirically verifiable ways to guarantee December 25 is the day, there's no good reason to refrain from celebrating the coming of Christ on that day either," McGowin pens.

McGown spends the bulk of the book tackling some of the popular holiday traditions such as gift giving, decorating, lighting candles, and singing arguing that these traditions, with the right mindset, can lead to spiritual formation such as generosity (gift giving), affirming that creation is good (decorations), resisting the dark (lighting candles), and praising God (singing).

For those looking for ways to push back against the consumerism and busyness associated with Christmas McGown has a simple suggestion--be with your church community.

"We must prioritize the liturgical journey to Christmas through communal worship...amid the consumption threatening to overwhelm the Christmas season, corporate worship is the best way to pursue the renewal by the Holy Spirit we all desperately need."

At a tidy 152 pages, including eight pages of liturgical prayers and scripture readings in an appendix, Christmas is beautifully hardbound with glittering gold end sheets in the front and the back. The simple cream cover with a sparkling gold Bethlehem star overlaid a bed of pine is simple and elegant. The matte pages are thicker than most books suggesting this is a book to be read every Christmas season.

All in all, Christmas: The Season of Life and Light serves as an accessible guide to infuse the holiday season with a sense of reverence and purpose that can be revisited yearly.

KEY QUOTE: "The season of Christmas ought to be observed within the larger church calendar, which details the rest of Christ's life, death, resurrection, and ascension, as well as the story of Christ's body, the church. The full calendar helps us remember that the baby in the manger did not come simply to be cradled and adored. He came to live, die, and rise again for the redemption of the world. He came to inaugurate a new kingdom and to empower us to live within it."

MORE: Visit SundaytoSaturday.com where we curate content for the church.

[Lghiggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

In reading the book Advent by Trish Harrison Warren, I learned much about liturgical Protestant churches (typically Lutheran, Anglican, and Episcopalian) that follow a structured, participatory format with foundations in practices of the early Christian church. The church calendar begins with the season of Advent focusing on repentance and the anticipated coming of the Messiah, which is celebrated on December 25th at the commencement of the Twelve Days of Christmas.

I decided to follow up my reading of Advent with the book entitled Christmas: The Season of Life and Light which is also in the Fullness of Time series, but is written by a different author, Emily Hunter McGowin. I was pleased that Christmas held many of the same qualities that are found in Advent. Both are short books and very readable, but are packed with theological truths. McGowan did a lot of research, as witnessed by her footnotes, and she includes a brief list of books for further reading at the end of each chapter. After a fairly personal introduction, she very appropriately begins with the origins of the celebration focusing on the debates about when Christ was actually born. Much of the book discusses God in relationship to people. God’s gift of His Son can be related to the gifts we give at Christmas. Jesus was born in a poor family, and He was concerned about the poor all through his three year ministry. He leaves Christians with the mandate to give sacrificially to the poor. Decorations are an important part of our Christmas customs in the West, and her analysis of their role is found in the chapter “God of Creation and Re-Creation.” McGowan does not gloss over the tragedy of Herod’s slaying children in an attempt to ensure his throne from the threat of this newborn King. Singing and lighting candles are highlighted in her discussion of life and light.

Christmas ends with an appendix listing the “appointed Scriptures and collects” or prayers for Christmas found in the 1979 Lectionary and the Book of Common Prayer. I look forward to reading the other books in the series, all by different authors: Epiphany, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost.

Christmas permeates our society in cultural as well as religious ways. Therefore, this series has benefits of instruction and understanding for all—Christians who use the Book of Common Prayer and those who don’t, as well as those who aren’t followers of Jesus. I invite you to read this book to examine the truths behind our customs and the reasons Jesus Christ is the focus of this season named after Him.

[Markie · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Christmas: The Season of Life and Light" by Emily Hunter McGowin is a thought-provoking and insightful exploration of the significance of Christmas within the context of the church calendar. In this short volume, the author delves deep into the theological and liturgical aspects of Christmas, inviting readers to go beyond the cultural trappings of the holiday and rediscover its timeless beauty.

The book emphasizes the profound exchange that occurred at the first Christmas, where God chose to relinquish the glories of divinity and take on the vulnerability of human existence. This act of divine incarnation serves as the foundation of the Christmas celebration, as it unites humanity with God in a remarkable way. Emily Hunter McGowin skillfully presents this theological truth and encourages readers to reflect on the profound implications of this wondrous exchange.

One of the book's strengths lies in its ability to invite readers into the church's celebration of Christmas by exploring its rich traditions, prayers, Scriptures, and rituals. By delving into the liturgical significance of the season, the author offers a fresh perspective that goes beyond the typical commercialized portrayal of Christmas in our society.

The writing style is eloquent and engaging, making complex theological concepts accessible to a broader audience. Emily Hunter McGowin's expertise as a priest and theologian shines through as she weaves together historical insights and spiritual reflections to create a compelling narrative.

As part of the Fullness of Time series, "Christmas: The Season of Life and Light" provides readers with an opportunity to engage deeply with the church year's various seasons. The book serves as a valuable resource for individuals seeking a deeper understanding of the theological and liturgical significance of Christmas.

In conclusion, "Christmas: The Season of Life and Light" is a must-read for anyone seeking to rediscover the true essence of Christmas beyond its commercialized representation. Emily Hunter McGowin's exploration of the wondrous exchange that occurred at the first Christmas offers profound insights into the significance of this season in the church calendar. With its thought-provoking reflections and rich theological content, this short volume provides readers with a transformative and enlightening perspective on the timeless beauty of Christmas. It is a valuable addition to the library of those looking to deepen their understanding and appreciation of the spiritual significance of this cherished holiday.