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Christmas Uncut
Scandal. Controversy. Massacres. Mystery... Christmas?
This is a book about the real Christmas; the one that has been lost by being turned into a children's nativity play. The one that's been buried under made-up details about donkeys and innkeepers and kings.
And this is a book about why what really happened at Christmas really matters today—about how these amazing events can transform people's lives and futures.
This is a book about the real Christmas; the one that has been lost by being turned into a children's nativity play. The one that's been buried under made-up details about donkeys and innkeepers and kings.
And this is a book about why what really happened at Christmas really matters today—about how these amazing events can transform people's lives and futures.
- GenresChristmasNonfiction
64 pages, Paperback
First published September 21, 2012
7 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Carl Laferton
79 books17 followersCarl Laferton is Senior Editor at TGBC. He is author of Original Jesus, Promises Kept and Christmas Uncut, and series editor of the God's Word For You series. Before joining TGBC, he worked as a journalist, a teacher, and pastored a congregation in Hull. Carl is married to Lizzie and they have two children, Benjamin and Abigail. He studied history at Oxford University.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
November 19, 2023
In Christmas Uncut, Carl Laferton masterfully unveils the genuine essence of the Christmas story, offering a less embellished but profoundly impactful perspective on the birth of Jesus. Laferton skillfully navigates the Nativity scene, stripping away the layers of tradition and pageantry to reveal the heart of the Gospel message.
I found this book to be a refreshing reminder of the profound truths often obscured by the glitter and tinsel of the season. Laferton astutely delves into the implications of Jesus's birth, connecting it seamlessly to the eventual sacrifice on the cross. The revelation that God's anger was borne by Jesus during the crucifixion adds a sobering layer to the narrative, compelling readers to contemplate the depth of divine love.
Christmas Uncut serves as an excellent resource, especially for those seeking a deeper understanding of the Christmas story. The concise yet impactful exploration of the real events surrounding Jesus's birth makes it an ideal giveaway for Christmas services, inviting individuals to ponder the profound "why" behind the holiday.
Laferton artfully weaves together the traditional and the unconventional, infusing the narrative with humor and wit. The vignettes about Christmas pageants effectively highlight the disparities between the idealized versions and the raw reality of the events.
Christmas Uncut stands out for its gospel-centered approach. Each chapter focuses on real people, places, and hardships associated with Jesus's birth, dispelling inaccuracies and human additions to the Nativity story. Laferton's writing effortlessly guides readers through doubts, faith, and the true meaning of Christmas, presenting it not as a fluffy and cute tale but as a real and impactful event.
Laferton's reminder that the first Christmas is intricately connected to the first Easter underscores the narrative's enduring significance. Christmas Uncut excels in delivering a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of the Christmas message, making it valuable to everyone!
I received a copy of Christmas Uncut via The Good Book Company. I am not required nor was I asked to write a positive review nor am I paid to do so. The words above are my honest review of this insightful book!
I found this book to be a refreshing reminder of the profound truths often obscured by the glitter and tinsel of the season. Laferton astutely delves into the implications of Jesus's birth, connecting it seamlessly to the eventual sacrifice on the cross. The revelation that God's anger was borne by Jesus during the crucifixion adds a sobering layer to the narrative, compelling readers to contemplate the depth of divine love.
Christmas Uncut serves as an excellent resource, especially for those seeking a deeper understanding of the Christmas story. The concise yet impactful exploration of the real events surrounding Jesus's birth makes it an ideal giveaway for Christmas services, inviting individuals to ponder the profound "why" behind the holiday.
Laferton artfully weaves together the traditional and the unconventional, infusing the narrative with humor and wit. The vignettes about Christmas pageants effectively highlight the disparities between the idealized versions and the raw reality of the events.
Christmas Uncut stands out for its gospel-centered approach. Each chapter focuses on real people, places, and hardships associated with Jesus's birth, dispelling inaccuracies and human additions to the Nativity story. Laferton's writing effortlessly guides readers through doubts, faith, and the true meaning of Christmas, presenting it not as a fluffy and cute tale but as a real and impactful event.
Laferton's reminder that the first Christmas is intricately connected to the first Easter underscores the narrative's enduring significance. Christmas Uncut excels in delivering a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of the Christmas message, making it valuable to everyone!
I received a copy of Christmas Uncut via The Good Book Company. I am not required nor was I asked to write a positive review nor am I paid to do so. The words above are my honest review of this insightful book!
December 6, 2017
Read this before but just really enjoy the speedy recap of why Christmas is so FAB
December 30, 2020
This is a great resource for older primary and teenage children (and adults). It’s simple and witty and I love how the writer dispels the inaccuracies and human additions to the Nativity Story.
Each chapter focuses on the different but very real people present at Jesus’s birth and afterwards, from his parents to the wise men. It’s a really gospel centred little book and helps us see that the first Christmas was not all fluffy and cute but a real event. Real people, with doubts and faith, real places like Nazareth and Bethlehem, and real hardships, threats and joy!
Christmas Uncut will not only help you see the baby Jesus in the manager but the trajectory of His life on earth and the reason why He came - to be the Saviour of the world.
Perfect gift for Christian young people and those who have questions and are seeking answers.
Each chapter focuses on the different but very real people present at Jesus’s birth and afterwards, from his parents to the wise men. It’s a really gospel centred little book and helps us see that the first Christmas was not all fluffy and cute but a real event. Real people, with doubts and faith, real places like Nazareth and Bethlehem, and real hardships, threats and joy!
Christmas Uncut will not only help you see the baby Jesus in the manager but the trajectory of His life on earth and the reason why He came - to be the Saviour of the world.
Perfect gift for Christian young people and those who have questions and are seeking answers.
December 15, 2025
This is a beautiful book on what Christmas really is. Each chapter begins with an anecdote from the church Christmas play with the children. For example when one little shepherd runs off the stage it’s the lead in to what really happened with the shepherds that day. It’s well written and full of little details of the Christmas story that have gotten twisted over the years. You will love this book!
December 12, 2024
A pleasant look at the facts of Christ's birth death and resurrection with an eye toward helping people understand salvation.
October 26, 2023
Christmas Uncut presents a less sugar-coated version of the Christmas story than we might normally see or hear, explaining what actually happened when Jesus was born and the true implications. And in doing so it brings the Gospel message very clearly to the reader.
I have been a Christian for about 30 years, but still learn new things all the time. This book pointed out something I don't think I had realised fully before. That is that when Jesus died on the cross, the eventual outcome of the Christmas story, that God, His Father, was angry. But not angry at those who put Jesus to death, or at us whose sin ultimately put Him there. But the anger was put upon Jesus. Jesus had to carry that anger, along with everything else, so that we don't have to. I found that quite a sobering, especially as a father.
And so thoughts like this do start to cut through the glitter and tinsel, to explain the "why" - why Jesus came to live on earth as we remind ourselves of every Christmas time.
This is a short, punchy explanation, ideal to use as a Church resource to giveaway in the build up to Christmas to those you may invite along to a Christmas service, especially for people who may be searching for a deeper understanding or looking into the Christian faith for the first time.
Read more reviews of Christian books at https://www.robseabrook.com/category/...
I have been a Christian for about 30 years, but still learn new things all the time. This book pointed out something I don't think I had realised fully before. That is that when Jesus died on the cross, the eventual outcome of the Christmas story, that God, His Father, was angry. But not angry at those who put Jesus to death, or at us whose sin ultimately put Him there. But the anger was put upon Jesus. Jesus had to carry that anger, along with everything else, so that we don't have to. I found that quite a sobering, especially as a father.
And so thoughts like this do start to cut through the glitter and tinsel, to explain the "why" - why Jesus came to live on earth as we remind ourselves of every Christmas time.
This is a short, punchy explanation, ideal to use as a Church resource to giveaway in the build up to Christmas to those you may invite along to a Christmas service, especially for people who may be searching for a deeper understanding or looking into the Christian faith for the first time.
Read more reviews of Christian books at https://www.robseabrook.com/category/...
November 19, 2018
I saw this while looking for a small group Advent study for our Sunday school class. There are SO many cookie-cutter studies out there. After you have read a few of those, you just don't want to read any more.
This one purports to share the "real story" of Christmas, as related in the Gospels. It is a bit different than some of the others and kept my interest, throughout. These kinds of studies are intentionally "broad brush" looks and I wish this would have been longer and more detailed. There were LOTS of areas where he could have gone into more depth and I wish he had done so.
I liked the vignettes about the Christmas pageant that were interspersed with the readings. This highlighted some of the differences between how we celebrate Advent at church, in contrast to a more true to life approach. For instance, parents are perfectly fine with their daughters being Mary in the church pageant. But what parent in their right mind would have ever chosen that, in real life?
Sadly, the title is a bit ironic for me, because it felt to me like this was the abridged version. I would have liked a more in depth study about the differences between how we are taught and celebrate the nativity story vs. what we actually believe happened.
This one purports to share the "real story" of Christmas, as related in the Gospels. It is a bit different than some of the others and kept my interest, throughout. These kinds of studies are intentionally "broad brush" looks and I wish this would have been longer and more detailed. There were LOTS of areas where he could have gone into more depth and I wish he had done so.
I liked the vignettes about the Christmas pageant that were interspersed with the readings. This highlighted some of the differences between how we celebrate Advent at church, in contrast to a more true to life approach. For instance, parents are perfectly fine with their daughters being Mary in the church pageant. But what parent in their right mind would have ever chosen that, in real life?
Sadly, the title is a bit ironic for me, because it felt to me like this was the abridged version. I would have liked a more in depth study about the differences between how we are taught and celebrate the nativity story vs. what we actually believe happened.
January 2, 2023
An excellent, short book dealing with what really happened on that first Christmas and why it really matters. The author uses the traditional nativity play as a foil for his comments and explanation, and uses it to brilliant effect!
This is an excellent primer to the Christmas story for someone who doesn't believe in the true Christmas story, but also a timely reminder to those of us who do that all the extraneous tradition that has accumulated around the first Christmas event is really just that ... unnecessary!
The author also reminds us that the first Christmas was a precursor to the first Easter!
It can easily be read in one short sitting.
A solid 4-star read!
This is an excellent primer to the Christmas story for someone who doesn't believe in the true Christmas story, but also a timely reminder to those of us who do that all the extraneous tradition that has accumulated around the first Christmas event is really just that ... unnecessary!
The author also reminds us that the first Christmas was a precursor to the first Easter!
It can easily be read in one short sitting.
A solid 4-star read!
December 13, 2025
“What really happened at Christmas-and why it REALLY MATTERS”
A wonderful book that doesn’t have to be delegated to Christmas. If you or someone you know has doubts about events which occurred in Bethany over 2000 years ago, then I believe you’ll find this book both fun to read and a powerful witness to the truth over legend.
This would be a great book to read as a family with elementary and middle school children. But, all ages can appreciate the humor and seriousness brought together in the pages of this book.
A wonderful book that doesn’t have to be delegated to Christmas. If you or someone you know has doubts about events which occurred in Bethany over 2000 years ago, then I believe you’ll find this book both fun to read and a powerful witness to the truth over legend.
This would be a great book to read as a family with elementary and middle school children. But, all ages can appreciate the humor and seriousness brought together in the pages of this book.
December 2, 2023
AN EASY READ, GREAT TO GIVE AWAY, A GIFT FROM A PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AFTER THEIR CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE POINTS PEOPLE TO THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS IN A FUN AND ENTERTAINING WAY. PLUS, A REALLY GOOD "WHAT IS NEXT" SECTION IN THE BACK TO KEEP PEOPLE GOING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION AND MAYBE ANSWERING SOME PERTINENT QUESTIONS THAT THEY MAY HAVE.
December 2, 2025
Simple account of the Christmas and Gospel story. I enjoyed the wittiness and candor of this account as well as the debunks of some common arguments against the story in the back. Perfect quick read for a teen or baby Christian.
November 15, 2017
Clearly described
December 22, 2021
A great explanation of the Christmas message for Christians and non-Christians
Read
December 1, 2023This is not so much a book as it is a tract. I was expecting more depth and perspective.
December 26, 2023
Great little book to share with others about what Christmas is really all about!
December 24, 2025
Another excellent booklet which makes a great little Christmas give away.
November 24, 2012
The subtitle of this book by Carl Laferton and published by The Good Book Company nicely explains what we are getting: “What really happened and why it matters….” It’s a book for our families and might be used as well for those not familiar with Christianity.
The focusing on what really happened is helpful. He relates how our knowledge of the Christmas story comes more from Nativity Pageants than the Bible. I’ve always been amazed at the facts that are commonly wrong. Here the details are given, the misunderstandings addressed, and all given in a way anyone can comprehend.
He writes to hold attention with timely and helpful illustrations, again with younger folks in mind. For example, he brings the shepherds to life. He takes the highly romanticized view of them back to reality. He shows they are as looked down on as one of the lowest professions. You might think differently the next time you sing about shepherds watching their flocks by night!
The better part is why it is important. It’s more than a good story. It’s about a Savior. The manager is only important as it relates to a cross. The book ends answering questions younger folks, or even non-Christians, might ask. I pray this helps turn folks to Christ. It may because of the warm feelings Christmas stirs in many. This book is worth having and passing along.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 .
The focusing on what really happened is helpful. He relates how our knowledge of the Christmas story comes more from Nativity Pageants than the Bible. I’ve always been amazed at the facts that are commonly wrong. Here the details are given, the misunderstandings addressed, and all given in a way anyone can comprehend.
He writes to hold attention with timely and helpful illustrations, again with younger folks in mind. For example, he brings the shepherds to life. He takes the highly romanticized view of them back to reality. He shows they are as looked down on as one of the lowest professions. You might think differently the next time you sing about shepherds watching their flocks by night!
The better part is why it is important. It’s more than a good story. It’s about a Savior. The manager is only important as it relates to a cross. The book ends answering questions younger folks, or even non-Christians, might ask. I pray this helps turn folks to Christ. It may because of the warm feelings Christmas stirs in many. This book is worth having and passing along.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 .
January 6, 2013
This is such an interesting and informative little book! It's especially aimed at unbelievers or those who may not know the details of the true Christmas story. Each chapter focuses on a different person or group in the story and their role, such as the wise men or Mary.
At the beginning of each chapter, the author gives us an amusing scene from a children's nativity play. The next section is called "What really happened" and features the actual Scripture in bold showing what really happened with some of his explanation mixed in. He gives the Scripture references for each section next so you can read them for yourself in the Bible. The last section is "Why it really matters" and he had very interesting thoughts about how this applies to us. The section on the wise men asked if these men were crazy or stupid to travel so far, bring gifts, and worship a baby, but he points out this isn't just any baby. If Jesus is truly a Savior and King, then we need to decide whether to worship Him ourselves and what that really means. Read the rest here: http://shopgirl152ny.blogspot.com/201...
At the beginning of each chapter, the author gives us an amusing scene from a children's nativity play. The next section is called "What really happened" and features the actual Scripture in bold showing what really happened with some of his explanation mixed in. He gives the Scripture references for each section next so you can read them for yourself in the Bible. The last section is "Why it really matters" and he had very interesting thoughts about how this applies to us. The section on the wise men asked if these men were crazy or stupid to travel so far, bring gifts, and worship a baby, but he points out this isn't just any baby. If Jesus is truly a Savior and King, then we need to decide whether to worship Him ourselves and what that really means. Read the rest here: http://shopgirl152ny.blogspot.com/201...
October 10, 2016
The author does a fine job of relating the biblical story of Christmas to the typical modern depiction of the nativity, contrasting the differences, pointing out what actually happened according to the biblical narrative (with the corresponding references if you want to read the Bible for yourself), and explaining why it really matters. I would not hesitate to give this book to someone who is unchurched but interested to exploring Christianity. The book ends with a few of the best objections people have for saying how ridiculous to think Jesus rose from the dead. The author then explains these objections as well as he can and points out the questions the objections don't and can't answer. I recommend this book as a good evangelistic tool that could be used to further engage the people in our spheres of influence.
January 8, 2013
This book describes those parts of the Christmas story that don't usually make it into the children's Christmas plays. Each chapter begins with a short description of a children's Christmas play gone very wrong and very funny. But then moves on to the "real" Christmas story. I found the book a mindful recall of the earthiness of the incarnation story and the depth of faith, hope and seemingly reckless obedience it elicited. It's an easy read and appropriate for giving to someone who is newly grappling with what Christmas is all about. There is a clear call to Christ that makes it evangelistic and at the same time an interesting Christmas read.
January 16, 2014
This book – more of a glorified pamphlet in length – is written creatively and with engaging tones!!!
It's theme is strongly evangelistic and would be a great resource for gifting to unsaved neighbors/coworkers/loved ones for the purpose of starting gospel conversations surrounding Christmas time!
One slight disappointment I had in the author's choice of words when describing his own salvation. He chose terms which place emphasis on personal action ("accepting Christ" "making decision for Christ"etc)rather than heart response of faith to God's initiating call. Overall this does not hinder me from recommending this book, as it is a word usage issue rather than doctrinal error.
It's theme is strongly evangelistic and would be a great resource for gifting to unsaved neighbors/coworkers/loved ones for the purpose of starting gospel conversations surrounding Christmas time!
One slight disappointment I had in the author's choice of words when describing his own salvation. He chose terms which place emphasis on personal action ("accepting Christ" "making decision for Christ"etc)rather than heart response of faith to God's initiating call. Overall this does not hinder me from recommending this book, as it is a word usage issue rather than doctrinal error.
December 16, 2012
Delightful little book that takes an elementary school Nativity play and explores with a good deal of humor the differences between the Biblical account of Jesus' birth and the our common misconceptions of the events surrounding his first coming. Laferton continunally calls on the reader to make a decision about the truth of the gospel as found in these stories. Christmas Uncut is a good book with a refreshing take on the very familiar Christmas stories. Recommended as a tract to hand to unbelievers for its readable style and short length.
January 6, 2013
I read this book on my kindle just before Christmas and found it straight forward and funny in places. It tells the Christmas story but not as you will find it in your child's nativity play. Its the perfect book to read on the weeks leading up to Christmas will defiantly be checking out some of Carl's other books
February 5, 2014
A wonderfully original look at the story of Christmas, debunking all the myths, in an approachable, not preachy style. Great for Christians to read but especially good to give to non Christians who probably only know the fluffy, sanitised version. Highly recommended.
November 19, 2014
I laughed out loud at parts where the children decided to change their nativity play and was reminded of the actual event. I also found the question and answer part at the back very interesting and thought provoking.
December 22, 2012
A gripping explanation of what happened at Jesus' birth and why it matters. Only 60 pages or so. We'll be giving 100+ away at our Christmas Services tomorrow [www.bostinnews.com].
January 10, 2013
A great little book that cuts through the misconceptions of Christmas and explains the true story. Great to read at Christmas when all the other distractions are going on
January 12, 2014
Carl Laferton does a very concise job of sharing the Gospel of salvation via the Christmas story. He is knowledgeable, humorous, and compassionate. This is a quick read also!
January 1, 2015
Excellent evangelistic read to give away at Christmas.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews