Christmas from the Back Side: A Different Look at the Story of Jesus Birth

by J. Ellsworth Kalas

Popular and beloved author J. Ellsworth Kalas presents new insight into the biblical story of Christmas. Kalas approaches the season through the "back side"--through a unique starting point, a creative retelling, a new "lens," or the eyes of a minor character.

Kalas's creative approach both clarifies basic teachings and introduces new possibilities of meaning, even for those who are most familiar with the Christmas story. Enriched with contemporary illustrations and personal experiences, this volume will provide new perspectives.

Genres: Nonfiction, Faith, Christianity, Christmas, Religion

85 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2003

About the author

J. Ellsworth Kalas has been part of the faculty of Asbury Theological Seminary since 1993, after thirty-eight years as a United Methodist pastor and five years in evangelism with the World Methodist Council. He has been a presenter on DISCIPLE videos and is the author of more than thirty books, including the popular Back Side series as well as the Christian Believer study.

Reviews

[Marilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an excellent choice for our Monday morning study group. It was a good reminder that God can't be programmed and that the grace of God can't be predicted. This was a thoughtful retelling of the Christmas story as we took a look at its scandal, the government's involvement, and its unfolding in the most unlikely of places.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as engaging as the author's Parables from the Backside, but still a book of interest to my women's Bible study and which gave us a new way to look at some of the events of the traditional Christmas narrative.

[AngelaGay Kinkead · Rating 2 out of 5]

I appreciate Kalas' creative approach of looking from the "back side--through a unique starting point, a creative retelling, a new "lens," or the eyes of a minor character." This wasn't one of my favorites. Didn't spark my own creativity, but it was a nice Sunday School Advent study.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

New to m author, Found this book in a thrift store and I like looking at all sides of issues. Christmas should be studied from all sides. This book takes a look at different aspects of the Christmas story. Always good to 'listen' and read on different thoughts and ideas.

[Patricia M Thompson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read in our Sunday School Class. The author had and unusual take on the Christmas story. Definitely a contemporary outlook on How3 the birth might have occurred. Not on my perspective of how it happened. This was not one of my favorite Bible studies during the Christmas season.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always love books by Dr Kalas. Here he gives us something to think about, a different way to look at this season of Christmas.

[Kathleen Rehagen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not AS good as The Journey by Adam Hamilton, but it was still a good read. Read it twice accidentally.

[Maryjane Nordgren · Rating 3 out of 5]

I especially enjoyed the section on the three wise men and what really constitutes wisdom

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a brief well done look at events in the Bible related to the birth of Christ.

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some books are good because they deliver new information. Some books are good because they are wildly entertaining. For me this book was neither. So why the four star rating? Several reasons come to mind. Firstly, Dr. Kalas was always more than generous with me on my papers, so I'd like to return the favor. Secondly, and I know this may shock some, I think it's important to be taught to think pastorally. Joe and Susy Pewsitter don't want a lecture, they want the Word of God to come alive and capture their hearts and minds (this may or may not be a conscience desire), but many of the theologically sound pastors spend so much time in academic books that they forget how to talk to common folks--I view myself in this camp. However, when I read Dr. Kalas's books I can hear his voice the same as any conversation we've ever had. Thirdly, this slim volume has many great insights but even more great questions to shake up the often stagnant images we have about Christmas. I look forward to reading this with my family in coming years.

[Jeremy · Rating 4 out of 5]

My mom gave me this book, has alternative ways of looking at the Christmas story. The section on JC being born in a hotel and against the Empire both made it into my Christmas Eve sermon, so any book that gives me sermon material automatically is worth it! Reading it coincided with God & Empire made for good parallelism too!

[Amelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading it again....so inspirational!

[Ngdecker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book for a class at church. I enjoyed the book and it led into very interesting discussions.

[Danielle Woods · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a very though provoking away to look at the Christmas Story! We did this as a bible study at church.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! This is written by Mother's favorite professor in seminary at Asbury and now I know why.