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The Spirit of Christmas: With a Foreword by Debbie Macomber
A heartwarming collection of true stories that will inspire, entertain, and get everyone into the spirit of Christmas At Christmastime, it’s hard not to get caught up in the shopping, the decorating, the party planning and the family drama—and too we often to lose sight of the true meaning of the season. But sometimes, though God’s grace or a simple twist of fate, we’re able to step back and understand what the holiday is truly about.The Spirit of Christmas is an inspiring collection of true stories from real-life people who have experienced such moments where the meaning of the season becomes clear and touches their hearts. A man mailing gifts at the post office witnesses a moving scene that changes his life forever. An unhappy couple are drifting further apart…until a special Christmas gift allows them to renew their love and mend their fractured marriage. And a father tries to keep the spirit of Christmas alive for his son with a grand gesture--a gesture that will be remembered by his family and many others for years to come.Filled with magic, wonder and deep meaning, it’s impossible for these stories not to touch your heart—and fill you with The Spirit of Christmas.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published October 25, 2011
67 people are currently reading
292 people want to read
About the author
Cecil Murphey
166 books58 followersCecil Murphey has written or coauthored more than one hundred books, including the autobiography of Franklin Graham, Rebel with a Cause. A collaborator on the bestseller Gifted Hands with Dr. Ben Carson, Cecil resides in Georgia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
January 25, 2017
Charming book of Christmas related short stories. Spiritual and inspiring. Nice book to share with family.
March 12, 2016
The Spirit of Christmas by Cecil Murphey and Marley Gibson is a wonderful anthology of short, short stories about the true meaning of Christmas. These are all very real, very true stories direct from the people who experienced them.
I wasn't sure what I was going to find when I read this, all I know is that there are somethings that can't be explained. Faith, belief and love. There is nothing more important than those three things.
If you're searching for something and can't find it, tf you're feeling down, or if you're feeling lost this time of year, then I highly recommend reading this book. You won't be sorry.
I wasn't sure what I was going to find when I read this, all I know is that there are somethings that can't be explained. Faith, belief and love. There is nothing more important than those three things.
If you're searching for something and can't find it, tf you're feeling down, or if you're feeling lost this time of year, then I highly recommend reading this book. You won't be sorry.
November 18, 2013
As in all collections of stories in fiction or non-fiction there are always some stories you like and some you don't like. I have to say I liked almost all the stories in this collection. In these stories we are reminded why we celebrate this season and why love comes back to many at this time of year. We also learn that miracles can happen.
A quick, often fun read for anyone.
A quick, often fun read for anyone.
December 26, 2012
This was a really good collection of stories to put anyone in the Christmas spirit. :)
4/5 stars.
*I suppose I did finish this on December 26, but it felt like December 25 because I finished it at 12:40 am. ;)
4/5 stars.
*I suppose I did finish this on December 26, but it felt like December 25 because I finished it at 12:40 am. ;)
December 8, 2012
This superb collection of true Christmas stories will definitely put your heart and soul in the spirit of Christmas. I think this would be a great family read aloud that would only take a few short moments each evening from the day after Thanksgiving til Christmas Day.
December 24, 2014
Personally, I thought there were just too many stories, and they were too short. I couldn't truly get invested before it was on to the next one. There were a few, though, that I found to be very meaningful.
December 4, 2011
Very, very good book.
December 23, 2011
When the business of Christmas overwhelms you, take a moment and read one of these true stories of Christmas that will touch your heart.
January 3, 2012
To be honest, I didn't read the whole thing. It's a collection of stories. Some were good and some not so good. I lost in interest part way through.
January 30, 2012
Soooo my mom buys me a christmas book every year for christmas...but I don't think she actually reads what they are about...this one was a bit too religious for my taste
January 3, 2015
Lovely collection of stories. Just right to put me in the spirit for Christmas.
December 3, 2013
Individual stories of Christmas revelations. Devotional stories, some of which spoke to me and some didn't. Overall, a heartwarming, feel good book.
December 5, 2013
Lovely Holiday based stories that made me think. Being grateful for the daily often over looked "small" things was among the lessons I learned.
December 19, 2015
A lot of the stories are touching but too many of them try to make a "Jesus" lesson when the story really just a nice story.
December 31, 2015
This is really good book if your not in the Christmas spirit or if you want to read short stories written by several different people that remind us what the true meaning of Christmas is all about.
June 9, 2025
The Spirit of Christmas by Cecil Murphey and Marley Gibson is not just a book it’s an experience. One that slows you down in the middle of the chaos we often find ourselves in during the holidays, and quietly reminds you of what really matters.
What struck me most while reading this collection of stories is how incredibly real and human it all feels. These aren't exaggerated or overly polished tales meant to tug at your emotions artificially. They’re grounded, heartfelt, and deeply sincere. Each story has its own voice, but the thread that runs through them all is a quiet kind of grace the sort that sneaks up on you and leaves you teary eyed when you least expect it.
One of the stories that stayed with me involved a man at the post office. On the surface, it seemed like an ordinary setting, the kind of place we rush through during the holidays. But something so simple a scene he witnessed while waiting in line turned into a life altering moment. I won’t spoil the details, but it made me pause, put the book down, and just sit with the emotions it stirred in me. That story made me look around at the people I usually pass by and wonder what small act I could offer that might make a difference to someone else.
Another particularly powerful story follows a couple who had been growing apart. Their journey toward healing through a single, heartfelt Christmas gift was one of the most touching things I’ve read in a long time. It wasn’t dramatic or overdone it was beautifully ordinary, and that’s what made it so special. It reminded me that sometimes, love is restored not through grand declarations, but through thoughtful acts and presence. The emotional honesty of their story made me reflect on my own relationships and how I show up for the people I love.
Then there’s the father trying to keep the magic alive for his son. His grand gesture it’s hard to describe it without choking up was the kind of act that might seem small in the moment but lives on for generations. There was something sacred in the way this father gave of himself, not just for his child, but for anyone who would hear his story. It reminded me of the sacrifices parents make every day, especially during the holidays when the pressure to create magic can feel overwhelming.
The beauty of this book lies not in complex plots or literary fireworks, but in its quiet simplicity. Murphey and Gibson have done something truly special here they’ve collected stories that don’t just entertain; they restore faith. Faith in kindness, in love, in family, and in the small miracles that often go unnoticed.
As I read, I found myself alternating between smiling through tears and nodding in quiet agreement. It’s not all sweetness some stories are tinged with grief, others with longing but each one circles back to the central message: that the true spirit of Christmas is found not in gifts or glitter, but in grace.
What I appreciated most was the diversity of voices and situations. These aren’t stories from people who have perfect lives or holiday experiences. They’re messy, real, sometimes broken but always hopeful. There’s a humble, everyday quality to these moments that makes them incredibly relatable. No matter where you are in life, I think there’s at least one story in this book that will feel like it was written just for you.
This book is a perfect fireside companion. It’s the kind of book you can read in one sitting if you want, but it’s even better when you read a few stories at a time, maybe with a warm drink in hand, letting each one settle in. I found myself re-reading certain sections just because they made me feel grounded again amidst the usual December chaos.
I didn’t expect to feel so moved. I expected something sweet and maybe sentimental. But what I got was something far more meaningful. The Spirit of Christmas doesn’t preach, it doesn’t lecture it simply tells the truth, over and over again, through the lives of ordinary people who experienced extraordinary moments of grace.
This book made me want to be better to show more kindness, to be more patient, to pause more often. It made me realize that the most memorable gifts aren’t the ones under the tree, but the ones we give from the heart: our time, our presence, our forgiveness, our love.
If you're looking for something to reconnect you with the true meaning of Christmas, something that will restore your spirit rather than drain it this is the book. It’s one I’ll be keeping on my shelf and returning to every holiday season, not just to be reminded of Christmas, but to be reminded of humanity.
What struck me most while reading this collection of stories is how incredibly real and human it all feels. These aren't exaggerated or overly polished tales meant to tug at your emotions artificially. They’re grounded, heartfelt, and deeply sincere. Each story has its own voice, but the thread that runs through them all is a quiet kind of grace the sort that sneaks up on you and leaves you teary eyed when you least expect it.
One of the stories that stayed with me involved a man at the post office. On the surface, it seemed like an ordinary setting, the kind of place we rush through during the holidays. But something so simple a scene he witnessed while waiting in line turned into a life altering moment. I won’t spoil the details, but it made me pause, put the book down, and just sit with the emotions it stirred in me. That story made me look around at the people I usually pass by and wonder what small act I could offer that might make a difference to someone else.
Another particularly powerful story follows a couple who had been growing apart. Their journey toward healing through a single, heartfelt Christmas gift was one of the most touching things I’ve read in a long time. It wasn’t dramatic or overdone it was beautifully ordinary, and that’s what made it so special. It reminded me that sometimes, love is restored not through grand declarations, but through thoughtful acts and presence. The emotional honesty of their story made me reflect on my own relationships and how I show up for the people I love.
Then there’s the father trying to keep the magic alive for his son. His grand gesture it’s hard to describe it without choking up was the kind of act that might seem small in the moment but lives on for generations. There was something sacred in the way this father gave of himself, not just for his child, but for anyone who would hear his story. It reminded me of the sacrifices parents make every day, especially during the holidays when the pressure to create magic can feel overwhelming.
The beauty of this book lies not in complex plots or literary fireworks, but in its quiet simplicity. Murphey and Gibson have done something truly special here they’ve collected stories that don’t just entertain; they restore faith. Faith in kindness, in love, in family, and in the small miracles that often go unnoticed.
As I read, I found myself alternating between smiling through tears and nodding in quiet agreement. It’s not all sweetness some stories are tinged with grief, others with longing but each one circles back to the central message: that the true spirit of Christmas is found not in gifts or glitter, but in grace.
What I appreciated most was the diversity of voices and situations. These aren’t stories from people who have perfect lives or holiday experiences. They’re messy, real, sometimes broken but always hopeful. There’s a humble, everyday quality to these moments that makes them incredibly relatable. No matter where you are in life, I think there’s at least one story in this book that will feel like it was written just for you.
This book is a perfect fireside companion. It’s the kind of book you can read in one sitting if you want, but it’s even better when you read a few stories at a time, maybe with a warm drink in hand, letting each one settle in. I found myself re-reading certain sections just because they made me feel grounded again amidst the usual December chaos.
I didn’t expect to feel so moved. I expected something sweet and maybe sentimental. But what I got was something far more meaningful. The Spirit of Christmas doesn’t preach, it doesn’t lecture it simply tells the truth, over and over again, through the lives of ordinary people who experienced extraordinary moments of grace.
This book made me want to be better to show more kindness, to be more patient, to pause more often. It made me realize that the most memorable gifts aren’t the ones under the tree, but the ones we give from the heart: our time, our presence, our forgiveness, our love.
If you're looking for something to reconnect you with the true meaning of Christmas, something that will restore your spirit rather than drain it this is the book. It’s one I’ll be keeping on my shelf and returning to every holiday season, not just to be reminded of Christmas, but to be reminded of humanity.
December 30, 2024
The Spirit of Christmas is a moving book of true, short stories that center around the Christmas Holidays put together by Cecil Murphey and Marley Gibson. My top five stories are;
1. When Pop-Pop Sang (Baseball)
2. Mama’s Wish (Snow)
3. He Didn’t Believe (Henry Ford)
4. A Mysterious Christmas Gift (Phone Jacks)
5. The SPCA Christmas; a story about a daughter, who after she marries; follows in her Mom’s footsteps, which includes inviting a hodgepodge of people for Christmas dinner even though when she was growing up she was not a fan of this practice🎄
1. When Pop-Pop Sang (Baseball)
2. Mama’s Wish (Snow)
3. He Didn’t Believe (Henry Ford)
4. A Mysterious Christmas Gift (Phone Jacks)
5. The SPCA Christmas; a story about a daughter, who after she marries; follows in her Mom’s footsteps, which includes inviting a hodgepodge of people for Christmas dinner even though when she was growing up she was not a fan of this practice🎄
December 19, 2017
A nice collection of Christmas stories that remind us of the reason for the season. Perfect for those busy nights when you only have a few minutes to read before bed. The stories are short and sweet. My only complaint was that all the stories seemed to be told in the same voice, even though, they were supposed to be written from different authors.
February 7, 2022
I was going to give it one star and stop reading it. I don't like giving up on a book. So I keep reading and I found the stories towards the end were a bit better.
I won't go into details, there are 42 short stories and I could write something about most of them.
They are nice feel good stories but too sappy for me, and I like sappy. Sorry.
I won't go into details, there are 42 short stories and I could write something about most of them.
They are nice feel good stories but too sappy for me, and I like sappy. Sorry.
December 25, 2017
I got this at bookstore under Fiction Romance, bit it is neither of these things. It is true stories of Christmas miracles. They are touching and sad. There are 42 accounts of peoples' faith being tested at Christmastime
December 25, 2017
If you love to read and want to get in the Christmas spirit, but you are short on time, this book filled with short Christmas stories is perfect! They are written by a variety of authors, and while some are humorous, others are heartwarming. This book is a must read!
December 13, 2019
This book had 42 very cute and sweet Christmas Short stories to get you into the Christmas spirit.
I really enjoyed this book!! It's perfect for a quick read in a Christmas read a thon!!
Can't wait to read more by Cecil Murphey and Marley Gibson in the future!!!
I really enjoyed this book!! It's perfect for a quick read in a Christmas read a thon!!
Can't wait to read more by Cecil Murphey and Marley Gibson in the future!!!
January 3, 2022
This was thoughtful book with very short (2-3 page) dies of Christians experiences. Some were sad, thoughtful, joyful, grateful, religious, but they all had a holiday message. This is more of a book to read day by day little by little.
December 29, 2017
This was a neat book. I didn't realize, but It had a bunch of different little short and personal stories from different people. Several were really special and I shared with my family.
December 28, 2019
Good collection of short stories. I enjoyed it very much.
February 6, 2022
2011 - Christmas stories - HB
December 1, 2022
I needed this one....so many emotional tears of joy 🙏🏻💗💐
October 29, 2023
Good quick read.
January 10, 2024
Uplifting true Christmas stories that will warm your heart and remind you of the TRUE meaning of Christmas!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews