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Come Home for Christmas: Jesus Is Calling You Back to the Greatest Story Ever Told

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Matthew West, in his trademark creative and engaging style, leads readers to experience Christmas through the eyes of a child and to come home to greater joy, hope, peace, and belonging found only in Jesus.

Come Home for Christmas invites readers to enter the Christmas season with the intention of returning their hearts to God. In the midst of what can be the busiest and most stressful holiday season, each chapter points the reader to the kingdom realities that God invites each of us to participate in through the birth of Jesus. Matthew West's humor, Bible-teaching, and storytelling challenge us to embrace this season of Christmas as the homecoming that God intends for it to be. Through the pages of this winsome and inspiring book, you

Feel the wonder of Christmas as you did when you were a childMove beyond the baby in the manger to the Savior of the worldReturn your heart to the joy, peace, love, and hope found in JesusRestore neglected or broken relationships with family and friendsCome home to the life God intended you to experience throughout the year 

This special book, which springs out of Matthew's love for Christmas, reminds us that the story of Christmas calls readers back to the heart (or the home) of what it means to be loved by God. Each chapter will include a specific Bible reading about the Christmas story, and the book will include small group discussion questions and an Advent challenge.

176 pages, Hardcover

Published September 10, 2024

34 people are currently reading
8624 people want to read

About the author

Matthew West

51 books89 followers
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
Profile Image for E.A..
Author 13 books192 followers
December 30, 2025
Short. Sweet. Heartfelt.

I enjoyed this reflection on coming home for Christmas from a singer I’ve listened to for many years. Great reflections on the gospel and many well-placed tie-in’s to Wests life.

100% recomend to all!

My rating: 4.2*

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
54 reviews1 follower
December 21, 2024
I really enjoyed this book and found it was a great addition to devotion time. It was full of Christmas memories, humor, scripture, talk of movies we know and love, and reminders of what is important during this season and what we should focus on. A good read for anyone on their journey of faith
Profile Image for Maggie Carr.
1,387 reviews44 followers
January 23, 2025
Snippets of stories, centered around music and movies sharing an invitation to keep Christ the center of the holiday season.
Profile Image for Andrea.
121 reviews2 followers
November 12, 2025
I don’t know what it was but I just could not connect with this book. Maybe it was because it was audio? Overall the short stories were good and inspirational. A reminder to focus on what really matters at Christmas, and all year. Giving it a higher rating because of content, it did have a good message.

Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to read an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Nikkireads.
100 reviews
November 25, 2025
I really enjoyed this one. It’s the perfect seasonal read. Quick, heartfelt, and full of truth. The ending hit hard in the best way, reminding me that at the end of the day, what matters most is coming home to God.

Live your life for Jesus, forgive yourself, and extend that forgiveness to others. This story captured all of that so simply and so powerfully. This book was the reminder my heart needed this season.
Profile Image for Laura Robinson (naptimereaders).
351 reviews308 followers
December 25, 2025
I loved listening to this book! Matthew did such a fantastic job narrating and writing such a lovely story.

I actually think I’ll buy a few copies next year and pass them out to some of my neighbors. The premise of “coming home for Christmas” spiritually was so beautifully done. It was gentle, kind, and even made me cry a few times.

It’s such a sweet reminder that we are never “too far” from the love of Christ, and that Christmas is the perfect time to come home.

Thank you to NetGalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for a review.
Profile Image for Timothy Henson.
45 reviews
January 8, 2025
A Christmas book in January? Yes. In this book, Matthew West invites all to come home for Christmas yet the message in each chapter can be applied in our lives outside the holiday season. I really enjoyed of the messages and pray they remain with all year through and into the next holiday season.
Profile Image for Nan.
103 reviews
December 3, 2025
Well written and fun book that has a much needed message that we should remember all year round instead of just at Christmas time. Mathew West did a wonderful job of blending personal stories, biblical passages and pop culture to share the true meaning of coming home for Christmas.
Profile Image for Donna Huber.
Author 1 book306 followers
December 8, 2025
Among all the holiday fiction I read during this time of year, I like to read at least one book that focuses on the true meaning of Christmas. West uses a lot of pop culture references (movies like Elf) to be object lessons of what God did for us. Read my full review at Girl Who Reads.
Profile Image for ♡︎.ᐟજ⁀➴ Erie .
113 reviews11 followers
January 7, 2025
🎄 A Secular Peek into Sacred Celebration 🎄

📚 The Book:

Come Home for Christmas: Jesus Is Calling You Back to the Greatest Story Ever Told by Matthew West was provided to me courtesy of W Publishing Group. As someone who isn't Christian, my perspective on this book might differ significantly from its intended audience.

What to Expect:

⚝・┆Non-Religious Perspective:🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Coming into this book, I knew my viewpoint would be unique. I don't resonate with faith-based narratives, so I approached this with an open mind, looking mainly for the human, cultural, and familial aspects of Christmas.

⚝・┆Festive Anecdotes & Humor: 😂 Matthew West's style is engaging; he sprinkles humor and personal Christmas stories throughout, which even a non-believer like me could enjoy. His memories of midwestern winters and family traditions are universally relatable.

⚝・┆Focus on the Spiritual: ✝️ The core message of the book is unmistakably Christian - it's about returning to faith and the birth of Jesus. This theme, while central, didn't connect with me, but I could appreciate how it might resonate with believers, especially during Advent.

Highlights:

⚝・┆Universal Themes: 🎅 While the book's spiritual undertones were not for me, West does touch on themes like family, reflection, and the magic of Christmas that anyone can appreciate. His invitation to 'come home' can be seen in a secular light as coming back to one's roots or reconnecting with loved ones.

⚝・┆Cultural Insights: 🌍 For those interested in the cultural practice of Christmas in Christian communities, this book offers a glimpse into how faith and festivity intertwine during this season.

Overall Impression:

⚝・┆A Mixed Bag: 🎁 For someone like me, who doesn't engage with Christian theology, the book was a bit of a challenge. The scripture readings and spiritual calls to action didn't strike a chord, but the warmth of the storytelling was undeniable.

⚝・┆Genuine Passion: ❤️ Matthew West's love for Christmas and his faith is palpable, which gives the book an authenticity that's hard not to respect, even if you don't share the same beliefs.

In conclusion, Come Home for Christmas by Matthew West is a book that speaks directly to the heart of the Christian celebration of Christmas. For me, as a non-Christian, it was like watching a beautiful dance that you appreciate for its artistry but don't fully understand the steps. However, I can see how this book would be incredibly moving for someone of faith, serving as both a devotional and a reminder of the season's spiritual significance.

Would I Recommend It?

For Christians or those exploring Christian faith, especially during the holiday season, this book could be a wonderful addition to your Christmas reading. For those outside this faith, it might not hold the same appeal, but it does offer a look into the Christian perspective of Christmas which can be culturally enriching.
Thank you, W Publishing Group, for providing me with this book. 📖✨

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5) - While the spiritual content wasn't for me, the warmth, storytelling, and cultural insights made it a pleasant read.
Profile Image for Samantha Schramuk.
32 reviews1 follower
November 17, 2025
ARC read through NetGalley:

A 5⭐️ read in my book!

Although it took me a minute to decipher the writing style, I loved how the author used short stories from his childhood, along with Bible verses, to connect to Jesus and what the true meaning of Christmas is. As an adult, Christmas just doesn’t feel the same, this book is a great reminder that Christmas doesn’t have to be the same, or perfect, and it’s not about things, but about coming back to Jesus, and making him the focus of the season. I also feel this book can also be a great message to non-Christians. Just by listening to the author talk about himself as an adult and how he thinks of Christmas now verse his Christmas past, I think it gives a great message of not focusing on the consumerism of Christmas and to put the focus back on family, friends, giving back, and going back to a simpler time.

Reading this book gave me a wild sense of nostalgia which made it hard to put down. I’m grew up in, and to this day still live in a town close by to the one the author mentioned growing up in. A lot of the Christmas traditions mentioned were ones that I also did growing up; so it really brought me back. This book made me think of my Christmases of the past and family members that are no longer with us. This book opened my eyes to how different my holiday season is as an adult and just how much my Christmas traditions changed over the years; many without even realizing.

I think this book would be a great Christmas season devotional to help remember the true meaning of the season 🎄✨

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book as an ARC reader. All of these ideas are my own.
83 reviews2 followers
December 17, 2025
Come Home for Christmas: Jesus Is Calling You Back to the Greatest Story Ever Told by Matthew West is a heartfelt and uplifting guide that gently refocuses the Christmas season on what matters most. In his signature blend of humor, storytelling, and biblical insight, West invites readers to step away from the noise and stress of the holidays and return their hearts to the hope, joy, and peace found in Jesus.

What makes this book especially meaningful is its childlike sense of wonder. West encourages readers to rediscover Christmas through fresh eyes, recapturing the awe, excitement, and simplicity that often fade with time. Yet the message goes deeper than nostalgia. Each chapter moves beyond the baby in the manger to the profound truth of Christ as Savior, calling readers into a richer, more intentional faith.

The structure of the book makes it ideal for the Advent season. Thoughtful Bible readings, reflection questions, and an Advent challenge create space for both personal devotion and meaningful group discussion. West’s writing is approachable and sincere, making spiritual truths feel accessible and deeply personal.

Perhaps most impactful is the book’s emphasis on “coming home” to God, to loved ones, and to the life God intended for us all year long. It gently challenges readers to heal relationships, renew faith, and embrace the kingdom realities made possible through Jesus’ birth.

Come Home for Christmas is more than a seasonal read; it’s a reminder of belonging and grace. It’s a perfect companion for anyone longing for a Christ-centered, joy-filled Christmas and a faith that extends well beyond the holiday season.
Profile Image for Kendra Neal.
1,799 reviews49 followers
November 22, 2024
I have been a fan of Matthew West for many years. He is a WONDERFUL Music Artist and I was excited to read his new Christmas Book: Come Home For Christmas: Jesus Is Calling You Back to the Greatest Story Ever Told.

WOW, this is a BEAUTIFULLY written book about the Christmas Season. The Christmas Season is a "magical season" for Kids. As we grow older we start understanding the depth of the Christmas Season and what the season is truly about. The BUSY times of the Season can pull us away from truly remembering that "Jesus is the Reason" for the season. Matthew has written this book to help Adults and Families refocus during the Christmas Season and "Come Back to God" during the Celebrations. We can have all the Family Gatherings, enjoy the fun activities at Church and in the Community, but we need to remember and celebrate God in our hearts throughout the Christmas Season. I really LOVE the layout and format of the book. Each Chapter has a bible reading about the Christmas Story, an Advent Challenge and discussion for Small Groups or Families. I HIGHLY suggest this book for Families and everyone during the Christmas Season and to remember that "Jesus is the Reason for the Season". GREAT BOOK!
Profile Image for Cover Lover Book Review.
1,488 reviews86 followers
November 20, 2024
A 2024 Fav♡rite

Come Home for Christmas” is such a rewarding book! If you want to be inspired, refreshed, and reminded of what Christmas is and means and does…then read this book! With so much beauty, wonder, and heart, you’re sure to appreciate and enjoy Christmas at a higher level.

This book packs a punch, with humor, heart, and homespun stories of hope. I love how West brings the reader into his Christmas memories and reminders of the central meaning of Christmas—Jesus Christ.

The lyrics to West’s song offers a whole new feel to it now: “How long has it been since you’ve felt that feeling of wonder … Come home, come home, come home, come home for Christmas. Let your heart be turned once again.”

This beautiful book filled me with a new energy. It makes a wonderful devotional and a thoughtful gift.

First Line: There is winter…and then there is winter in the Midwest.
Genre: Christmas, Devotional
Author: Matthew West
Page Count: 176

#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.
Profile Image for Nikki.
1,194 reviews28 followers
December 15, 2025
Come Home for Christmas by Matthew West is the book I needed this Christmas!

This was such a special book! I loved hearing about the author’s Christmas traditions and how he and his family celebrate. But more than that, I loved how Jesus was the center of it all! I feel like I learned so much and saw the Nativity story in a new way.

I loved how this felt like a conversation. This was not heavy and felt very welcoming.

I absolutely love the narration by Matthew West! I loved how I could hear the emotion behind his stories and of course the little snippets when he would sing! I think reading this as an audiobook made it so special because you can really feel the heart behind it!

I highly recommend reading Come Home for Christmas! I think this will be on my annual Christmas reading!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Come Home for Christmas (Jesus Is Calling You Back to the Greatest Story Ever Told) by Matthew West
Narrated by Matthew West
Publisher: W Publishing Audiobooks
Genre: Christian; Religion & Spirituality
Published: September 10, 2024
Profile Image for Connie Saunders.
1,846 reviews159 followers
November 20, 2024
"Why don't you come home for Christmas" are words that many people love hearing as an invitation to physically be with family but this new book by singer/songwriter Matthew West reminds us that it is our hearts that need to return home for Christmas. Come Home for Christmas is such a heartwarming book! I was encouraged, inspired, and reminded that Christmas is more than how many presents are under the tree or how many parties and dinners I attend. Christmas is the time to recall the greatest story ever told and to reaffirm the promise of everlasting love and eternal life that was offered by a special birth!

Come Home for Christmas is small enough to stick in a Christmas stocking but it's packed full of memories, humor, great stories, and even a few West family Christmas recipes. This book is a perfect addition to personal devotion time, especially during the Advent season, but it would also be a wonderful gift!

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher via FrontGate Blogger Network. There was no obligation for a positive review.
Profile Image for Jeff.
291 reviews7 followers
November 1, 2025
What a wonderful treat this audiobook is. Written by singer/songwriter Matthew West, to challenge us to remember the true reason of the season.

If you follow Matthew West’s career, you no doubt already know of his love for the Christmas season. West has written quite a few original Christmas songs that are absolutely fun and beautiful.

West writes about his love and joy for the holiday season and how it came about as a child. He focuses on the joy and peace that can only be found in Jesus, the Messiah.

I’m not sure if Matthew West ever saw himself following in his father’s footsteps as a preacher, but he preaches a beautiful Christmas sermon through this short book.

Added to the beautiful book is having Matthew West narrate the audiobook. Great job, as always.

Get this audiobook/book and remember the joy.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for this ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

282 reviews6 followers
December 16, 2025
This is an awesome seasonal read/listen. So often we get lost in the activity and business of the holiday season and we forget the real reason for the season. This book reminisces about special family time and holiday memories, but reminds us to keep site of, look for and find Jesus amid the excitement and events.

It all started with a simple "yes" from Mary and the many yeses that followed give us hope for a future of an eternal home in heaven with Jesus. This book is the perfect reminder to keep our focus not only during this season, but always on Jesus and the miraculous gift of His coming and sacrifice for us.

The audio version of this book was excellent, narrated by the author it had a genuine and heartfelt tone making it a great listen for the whole family. It would be an awesome new Christmas tradition to listen to this together each year.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to review this wonderful audiobook.
Profile Image for Ashley.
329 reviews5 followers
November 4, 2025
Matthew West narrates his own story and did a wonderful job doing so. For me it added a more personal touch to the stories.

During the holiday season we all get stuck in the chaos of it all and this book is a good reminder to slow down. West shares personal stories of the holiday season and ties these stories in with God's word. There are good reminders to slow down and remember what this time of year is about.

I didn't have the physical copy to read along with the audio, but I recommend doing so to write your thoughts and take notes.

Thank you W Publishing Audiobooks and NetGalley for the ALC.
Profile Image for Tarissa.
1,591 reviews83 followers
December 1, 2025
A lovely Advent devotional! Great to share with friends and family. Matthew West covers a lot of ground in this book for the Christmas season...

I love how he even talks about how Brokenness is a part of Christmas. This thought really reached out and touched me. For it is from a broken world that Jesus came. And if you're experiencing a broken time in your life during this Christmas season, perhaps that is the very place to discover Joy within.

Come Home this Christmas. Belonging is waiting. Hope and Love can be found again.


I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley, but was not required to leave a positive review.
Profile Image for Rina.
104 reviews21 followers
December 23, 2025
I highly enjoyed this book! Matthew West does a great job of combining relatable stories and wonderful reminders for Christians as we make our way through the Advent season. His warmth and passion are apparent in each chapter and the lessons he shares are well explained. A person easily gets caught up in his genuine enthusiasm for Christmas and love of family. I liked how he tied music references and pop culture to Biblical lessons.
I listened to this on audiobook and really enjoyed Matthew's narration. His style is light and engaging despite some heavier lessons.

Thanks to NetGalley for the audio copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Donald Kirby.
210 reviews3 followers
September 23, 2024
The truth

Matthew West gives a good example of what Christmas is all about. Throughout the whole book, he talks about finding Jesus in the darkness. I think Matthew, for writing this Book, we need to see the meaning of Christmas again. It’s not about Apple watches, iPhone 16, iPad, etc. Android, so this could go on. I Challenge you to read this book because it’s more than just a Christian discussing the meaning of Christmas. Someone tells you that even with the mistakes you make in this life, you are still forgiven. Thank you, Matthew West!
1,282 reviews23 followers
December 31, 2025
This was a terrific Advent devotional. It features chapters on topics such as healing, joy, peace, and forgiveness to prepare your heart for celebrating the true meaning of Christmas - the birth of Jesus. I enjoyed this and could easily see this as a book read every year.

I listened to the audiobook which was read by the author who did an excellent job.

Thanks to NetGalley and W Publishing. I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Profile Image for BooksWithZee.
104 reviews1 follower
November 30, 2024
A beautiful story on how Jesus is our living hope. He has never failed us and He most definitely won’t stay now. Our hope is Jesus. We can rely on him in these times because He has given us a promise that he will return. So in this time of Christmas we should remember him and know that the reason for the season is Jesus and we should never forget that. He gives us hope in these hard times and will be there in the happy ones Jesus will heal and we have Hope.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
75 reviews1 follower
November 12, 2025
I’m such a big fan of Matthew West’s music, so I was thrilled to see he had written a Christmas book—and it did not disappoint! I loved the heartfelt stories from both Christ’s life and the author’s own experiences, all reminding us what it truly means to come home for Christmas. It’s an inspiring, faith-filled read that’s perfect for getting into the Christmas spirit.

Thank you to W Publishing Audiobooks and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Anna Bailey.
155 reviews2 followers
November 13, 2025
Review: Wow what a great book to read or listen to around a Christmas time. It really helped me remember the true meaning of Christmas, gave me a reminder of Christ's love and that he is the true prince of peace. If you are a new person coming to christ, a brand new baby Christian, someone who has walked with God your whole life or somewhere in between. This book is for you! I think the fact that Mathew West reads the audio made me love it that much more!
Profile Image for Greg.
388 reviews
December 8, 2025
Coming Home for Christmas by Matthew West is a warm, gentle read that reflects on family, faith, and the pull of going back to what feels familiar during the holidays. The stories and reflections are simple but comforting, capturing the emotional mix of nostalgia and gratitude that December often brings. It doesn’t try to be grand or overly dramatic—just heartfelt reminders of what matters most, making it a pleasant seasonal read for anyone who wants something light and reflective.
Profile Image for Jess.
37 reviews
December 24, 2024
Matthew is a gifted storyteller. This is one of the many reasons why I enjoy his concerts. In this Christmas devotional, he weaves together life stories with God's Word. He makes you ponder the greatest story ever told. And in the process, he will have you laughing at times and at other times bring you to tears.
Profile Image for Molly.
21 reviews
December 28, 2025
The memories and stories were beautiful. The author had a very fun and friendly way of telling them. Even with the fun, there were poignant messages throughout the book.
It didn’t feel too heavy on the scripting and sermon side. I loved how he used scripture throughout while making his points but it didn’t feel forceful.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews

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