Follow the Star: Christmas Stories That Changed My Life

by T.D. Jakes

New York Times bestselling author T. D. Jakes presents the perfect gift for the a heartwarming collection of stories and reminiscences that will bring readers a deeper understanding of the true meaning of Christmas.

At Christmas, families gather and presents are exchanged. But the true meaning of the holiday does not come wrapped in brightly colored paper, nor are scrumptious meals the reason for the season. The real gift of Christmas is the birth of Jesus—and the celebration is to honor the miracle with those we love.

In Follow the Star , T. D. Jakes illuminates the meaning of the holiday through family stories about finding the Christmas spirit during the worst times of poverty and hardship—and of the need during the best of times to slow down and appreciate fellowship, love, and God. With warmth and wisdom, Bishop Jakes makes Christmas past and present come alive—and leads us to embrace fully the magnificent miracle of the birth of Christ.

Genres: Christmas, Christian

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Bishop T.D. Jakes is the author of the bestsellers God's Leading Lady; The Lady, Her Lover and Her Lord; Maximize the Moment; The Great Investment; His Lady; Woman, Thou art Loosed (the film of which won the Best Film Award at the Santa Barbara Film Festival) and He-Motions. His daily morning show The Potter's Touch and weekly broadcast The Potter's House air on Trinity Broadcasting Network and Black Entertainment Television, as well as in Europe and South America. Bishop Jakes is the founder and pastor of The Potter's House, one of the fastest-growing churches in the nation, where he leads an interracial congregation of more than 28,000 members. He lives in Dallas with his wife and five children.

Reviews

[Tara Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed my life. It was just one of those books that insprire and uplift.

I was in an airport on a business trip and randomly picked this up. Read it from cover to cover on the flight. Re-read on the way back home with a highlighter and took notes.

I have bought this book numerous times and given as Christmas gifts.

This was before the Oprah AHA moments but definitely was my "oh yeah, DUH" moments.

[Kai Hunter · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a case of what I expected is not what I got. I was looking forward to a book of Christmas stories that shared traditions and the special things that make the holiday. This book is not focused on holiday traditions, but on the importance of keeping Jesus as the focus of your life all through the year and how Christmas is a focal point for that and for getting ready for a Christ centered new year. I enjoyed the book even though it was not what I expected.

[Nancy Brady · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nice enough read for the Christmas season and beyond, but a bit too fundamentalist for me. The best story is the last one about living naturally, spiritually without apparent thinking about it. (It actually took me over two years to get through this one.)

[A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful little book about the real meaning of Christmas. I don't know what's going on with me but I am ready for Christmas even though typically I'm turned off by the materialistic season. This little book brought me back to the full meaning of it. I'm ready for Christmas! :)

[Jolee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Moments of "aaaahhhhhh.....Z", moments of "blah."

[Ashley Flow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this with my precious grandma whom had cancer,Christmas of 2011. This was a great way to spend time together. RIP Grandma

[Jennie Louwes · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book wasn't as powerful or as in depth as I would have liked. Each chapter tells a story, provides a thought, a stepping stone you might be able to implement in your own life; but, the material is far from original even when T.D. Jakes is giving us snippets from his own life.

My favorite chapter, and one I'll most likely reread, was Chapter 16: "Let It Go". I also have 10 pages/passages bookmarked to reference and go back to from other areas within this book.

All-in-all, a good read. Straightforward, honest, and filled with stories that will provide you with a deep seated peace.

To get as much as you can from this book's messages, it's best read in the lead up towards Christmas Day and the New Year.

Cheers!

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, this is a good book. T.D. Jakes says that Jesus is the star that should be the focal point of our lives. He wants us to move away from commercial culture, slow down and have a joyful time with family and friends during the Christmas season. We should carry a spirit of gratitude from Thanksgiving into Christmas and throughout the year. Praising God through pain is priority for T.D. Jakes. "I will never leave you nor forsake you." Joshua 1:5 He believes that nothing is impossible with God. I think T.D. can be a little rigid but has a good heart. T.D. talks about letting go of baggage and negativity from the past as well. "Be anxious for nothing" Phillipians 4:6

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be a great book to read in preparation for Christmas. It takes events in the author's life and uses them as a stepping off points for spiritual lessons. I am from a different branch of Christianity from the author but I found his lessons to be non-denominational in the best way.

[Cece Harbor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bishop has this incredible way of saying what needs to be said ...when it needs to be said. If you want a quick read for the holidays with a lot of inspiration, pick this up.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

There weren't many stories or what I would consider stories in this book. I can think of two but that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy the book. Think of them as short sermons.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wonderful feel good stories.

[Elizabeth Haegelin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adding this to one of my top books, just loved it

[Katy Lovejoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I challenge you to find anyone who doesn't love Christmas stories

[Katrin V · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very accessible daily devotional for Christmas season. Real anecdotes in humorous chatty style that make the message very palatable. I'd have enjoyed them more if I had read them more slowly and discussed.