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Rediscovering Christmas: Surprising Insights into the Story You Thought You Knew
A profound exploration of the Bible's Christmas story that delivers surprising insights to reawaken the ancient wonder of the holiday season.Christmas, of all seasons in the year, should be the time where true meaning can be found. However, by the end of December many attest to experiencing exhaustion rather than significance, stress rather than joy, and more consumer debt than spiritual abundance.Is this really what the Christmas story offers the world? Pastor AJ Sherrill does not think so. Rediscovering Christmas will help you discover there is more meaning and mystery to the Christmas story than we ever imagined.In this enlightening work, you will scriptural insights to reawaken deeper meaning for the Christmas seasonan exploration of different biblical characters that corresponds to Advent or Christmas, including Mary, Joseph, the non-existent inn keeper, Zechariah, John the Baptist, Gabriel, the shepherds, Magi, Herod, Caesar, Simeon, and Annaan evergreen story to which you will return annually to refresh your mind about the wonder of Christmas delightful perspectives to rekindle your heart as to how to receive God’s greatest gift as the day of Christ’s return approachesa window into the wider field of God’s love, empowering you to participate in the new creation story launched at Christmas and extending far beyond December 25 into the rest of the yearcreative line drawings that invite you to visually enter the narrative of each chapterRediscovering Christmas will reacquaint you with the story you thought you knew and encourage you to ponder the true meaning of the season.
224 pages, Hardcover
Published October 15, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
December 17, 2024
It was truly intriguing to learn things I thought I knew. It's fascinating and really makes you go "wow" and learn the things you thought you knew weren't completed true. The author has a fascinating way with words that truly kept me engaged. I loved everything about this and learned so much!
December 3, 2024
4.5/5 ⭐️s. Very much enjoyed reading this book. The author, an Anglican pastor, has an engaging writing style that brought the Christmas story to life for me. The reflections at the end of each chapter are fantastic as journal prompts. I also loved how the book is written in two sections: one that focuses on Advent (the days leading up to Christmas Day) and one that focuses on Christmastide (the twelve days between Christmas and the Epiphany).
My only criticism is that there are two short paragraphs that perhaps unintentionally seem to misrepresent the Catholic faith. Despite that, I would still recommend the book to those who want to make the most out of the Advent and Christmas seasons and learn more about the people we read about in the Bible.
My only criticism is that there are two short paragraphs that perhaps unintentionally seem to misrepresent the Catholic faith. Despite that, I would still recommend the book to those who want to make the most out of the Advent and Christmas seasons and learn more about the people we read about in the Bible.
November 28, 2025
I am rounding this up to 5 stars because, well... because it is Christmas. I absolutely love exploring the history and legends of Christmas and have spent hours both researching and writing on the topic. I also lived and worked at a university in Bethlehem for a summer because I love this topic so much. So any book like this is like... Christmas to me. I love it.
I especially love how he brought up many (but not all) of the same points I have consistently been making regarding our misconceptions about the Christmas story. For example, there is no inkeeper, and the fact that there was no room in the inn and she gave birth where she did (hint... not a barn) was actually an act of kindness and generosity on the part of the owners of the house.
The two small critiques I have are actually interrelated. On occasion, he takes either an interesting thought experiment (like Zecheriah was possibly a bitter old man who needed the time of silence to get his heart back on track) or a true idea (like the fact that Herod was actually good for the people of Israel in some ways, like rebuilding the Temple) and carries it way too far. In both cases, he is making a good point, but it is more a thought to chew on than a sermon or devotional to build off of (which is what he does).
That said, these are small critiques of an otherwise amazing, brilliant, and certainly God-honoring book. I would absolutely, strongly recommend you buy this book today (it is Black Friday, after all) and use it as it is intended, an Advent devotional that can help prepare your heart for our celebration of the coming of our Savior King.
I especially love how he brought up many (but not all) of the same points I have consistently been making regarding our misconceptions about the Christmas story. For example, there is no inkeeper, and the fact that there was no room in the inn and she gave birth where she did (hint... not a barn) was actually an act of kindness and generosity on the part of the owners of the house.
The two small critiques I have are actually interrelated. On occasion, he takes either an interesting thought experiment (like Zecheriah was possibly a bitter old man who needed the time of silence to get his heart back on track) or a true idea (like the fact that Herod was actually good for the people of Israel in some ways, like rebuilding the Temple) and carries it way too far. In both cases, he is making a good point, but it is more a thought to chew on than a sermon or devotional to build off of (which is what he does).
That said, these are small critiques of an otherwise amazing, brilliant, and certainly God-honoring book. I would absolutely, strongly recommend you buy this book today (it is Black Friday, after all) and use it as it is intended, an Advent devotional that can help prepare your heart for our celebration of the coming of our Savior King.
December 31, 2025
My last book of 2025, and it was a good one. I hoped to finish this by Christmas, and that didn't happen... but it ended up being better that way! Written by an Anglican priest (how are they always so cool?), Rediscovering Christmas is a meditation on the characters surrounding the nativity story, with an emphasis on the Hebrew lens. He challenged me to hold a sacred view on both Advent and Christmas (especially resisting the urge to shift to the secular rhythm of packing up decorations and getting down to goal-setting on 12/26). I've become more interested in following the church calendar, and I think observing the significance of Advent, the sacredness of Christmas and the 12 days that follow will be a really beautiful start.
December 7, 2024
The book begs the question, “what is Christmas about?” “Over familiarity can cause a lack of curiosity.” “Amazon cart is full, but the heart is empty.”
“Ours is a secular age, the sacred is pushed to the periphery. To keep the sacred at the center of our lives, is a heroic act of defiance.”
This book will undoubtedly give you new insights into the Christmas story. For example, the author proves biblically that there was no innkeeper, the translation is homeowner. Also, the historical context of homes then, why farm animals were allowed in overnight. The shepherd weren’t the old men illustrated, but young, thieving, non-sabbath observing men. Why the Magi brought Myrrh. Crazy fun facts about Herod, and the lineal descent of Jacob & Esau…Jesus & Herod!
Also points out that Mary did not achieve anything, but received everything. And a thought provoking perspective that her virgin birth was God’s reversal of Eve, the new fulfillment of the Ark of the covenant (stone to flesh).
This is a short book, but if binge listening it can feel like a long sermon. Prob better to break it into shorter reading segments, as to not become distracted.
“Ours is a secular age, the sacred is pushed to the periphery. To keep the sacred at the center of our lives, is a heroic act of defiance.”
This book will undoubtedly give you new insights into the Christmas story. For example, the author proves biblically that there was no innkeeper, the translation is homeowner. Also, the historical context of homes then, why farm animals were allowed in overnight. The shepherd weren’t the old men illustrated, but young, thieving, non-sabbath observing men. Why the Magi brought Myrrh. Crazy fun facts about Herod, and the lineal descent of Jacob & Esau…Jesus & Herod!
Also points out that Mary did not achieve anything, but received everything. And a thought provoking perspective that her virgin birth was God’s reversal of Eve, the new fulfillment of the Ark of the covenant (stone to flesh).
This is a short book, but if binge listening it can feel like a long sermon. Prob better to break it into shorter reading segments, as to not become distracted.
Read
December 14, 2024This book was excellent to get some more context on what was going on in the time of Jesus’ birth. There was a lot more than I realized, and while it was good to get more head knowledge, the author emphasizes the need to meditate and slow down to focus on the message of the season.
December 23, 2025
This book really helped me dig deeper into the biblical meaning of Christmas. It affirmed that God’s biblical story is so deeply providential and greater than we can imagine. It was such a good way to slow down and delve deeper.
December 20, 2024
LOVED this slow down, deep dive into details of the advent story often overlooked!! Cultural insights and fact checks (Did you know Scripture doesn't say there were only 3 wise men, but only that the wise men carried with them 3 gifts?!) I keep ordering more copies to gift to friends and family. Cannot recommend it enough!
December 27, 2024
A perfect book to read while you are in the advent season. Reading a chapter each day and reflecting on it has certainly been a much needed thing for me and my time with God. This has been the first Christmas that I have focused much more intentionally on the birth of Jesus and this book has helped me make it so. I would recommend reading this book annually 🥰
April 17, 2025
Honestly kinda generic book on Jesus as the reason for the season. I felt personally like a 3 but it accomplished what it set out to be I believe, so 4!
September 17, 2024
3.5 stars
This was an interesting and informative book, written in a conversational and enlightening manner, with glimmers of mild humor.
Written in two parts (Advent: The Gift of Waiting and Christmas: The Gift of Receiving), the author focuses on different biblical persons (Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, the Magi, and Herod, to name a few) and gives practical insights (as the title suggests) into the story of Christmas. Especially in the second part of the book, he shares historical and cultural background, which was interesting and informative. Others may find this depth of information fascinating, but it became slightly tedious to me, thus my 3.5 star rating instead of 4.0.
My favorite quotes:
"The primary task of a Christian in Advent is growing one's capacity to perceive the story by slowing down long enough to receive it."
"Advent is an invitation to slow, to still, and to seek solitude to hear God's whisper over you."
This was an interesting and informative book, written in a conversational and enlightening manner, with glimmers of mild humor.
Written in two parts (Advent: The Gift of Waiting and Christmas: The Gift of Receiving), the author focuses on different biblical persons (Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, the Magi, and Herod, to name a few) and gives practical insights (as the title suggests) into the story of Christmas. Especially in the second part of the book, he shares historical and cultural background, which was interesting and informative. Others may find this depth of information fascinating, but it became slightly tedious to me, thus my 3.5 star rating instead of 4.0.
My favorite quotes:
"The primary task of a Christian in Advent is growing one's capacity to perceive the story by slowing down long enough to receive it."
"Advent is an invitation to slow, to still, and to seek solitude to hear God's whisper over you."
December 25, 2024
After being a Christian for many years, it’s nice now and then to attempt to slow down and take a look at a well-known, often-heard or portrayed account from the Bible in a new light. That’s what this book promises to do. And indeed, are were several different deep dives into historical context and translation in this book that give insight to aspects of the “Christmas story” that most people may never have heard before. Much of it I have, however, from various sources, including my own recently retired pastor, in his attempts to not preach the same sermons every year at Christmas time. This is not a fault of the book or author, of course, it only means the book is probably better for someone who is newer to Christianity or has simply only viewed the surface of the events surrounding the birth of Christ.
The author makes some assertions about the intentions of biblical writers (Luke in particular) that I have never heard before; he may have taken some liberties and made some assumptions, but he often states some of these things as fact. I couldn’t help but question some things as I read (which of course we’re supposed to do as Christians). As an example, this quote from chapter 1: “Jesus is brought into being by the creative breath of God’s Spirit.” It seems to imply that Jesus did not exist before Mary conceived, but of course that isn’t true. He was/is God and has existed for eternity. Giving the author the benefit of the doubt, perhaps he only meant to say that Jesus was brought into “earthly existence” by the creative breath of God’s Spirit, and I was nitpicking without intending to. Whatever the case, between this and my notes in the previous paragraph, this book did not quite resonate with me like it was intended to. Because of some of the uncertainties I had about some of what I read, I don’t know that I could, in good conscience, recommend this book to anyone, but I will say that if you do read it, be sure to go to the Scriptures to verify anything you’re not certain of (which, again, you should do with anything that a fallible human professes about God or the Bible).
Thank you to Netgalley and WaterBrook & Multnomah for providing me a copy of this book to review.
The author makes some assertions about the intentions of biblical writers (Luke in particular) that I have never heard before; he may have taken some liberties and made some assumptions, but he often states some of these things as fact. I couldn’t help but question some things as I read (which of course we’re supposed to do as Christians). As an example, this quote from chapter 1: “Jesus is brought into being by the creative breath of God’s Spirit.” It seems to imply that Jesus did not exist before Mary conceived, but of course that isn’t true. He was/is God and has existed for eternity. Giving the author the benefit of the doubt, perhaps he only meant to say that Jesus was brought into “earthly existence” by the creative breath of God’s Spirit, and I was nitpicking without intending to. Whatever the case, between this and my notes in the previous paragraph, this book did not quite resonate with me like it was intended to. Because of some of the uncertainties I had about some of what I read, I don’t know that I could, in good conscience, recommend this book to anyone, but I will say that if you do read it, be sure to go to the Scriptures to verify anything you’re not certain of (which, again, you should do with anything that a fallible human professes about God or the Bible).
Thank you to Netgalley and WaterBrook & Multnomah for providing me a copy of this book to review.
December 29, 2024
Through a series of reflections featuring 13 different people of the Advent and Christmas, Sherill opens our eyes to some of the lost wonder of these two seasons. Written across 13 chapters, one chapter per individual, Sherill plumbs the depth of the OT prophecies, the NT happenings and the significance of both to our lives today.
I particularly enjoyed the 7 Advent chapters while a couple of the Christmas ones didn't grab me. In saying that, the last 2 featuring the minor individuals, Simeon and Anna who meet Jesus when Mary and Joseph visit the temple, were excellent. Here are two individuals, who lived comparatively insignificant lives, but for a moment with the child Saviour, and provide powerful demonstrations of how to live lives of trust and obedience over seeking 'greatness'.
This is a book that can be easily returned to each year as its lessons and reflections will be useful especially amongst the rush and busyness of modern life.
I received an early ebook copy of the book from Waterbrook via Net Galley. This has had no bearing on my review. One of the elements of the book is each chapter ends with a reflection on a relevant bible passage while reflecting on a sketch. I found the sketches in this early PDF-style version childlike and unimpressive and didn't add to my reflections. I'm presuming this was due to a poor replication for the PDF version and hope the published one provides a better impression.
I particularly enjoyed the 7 Advent chapters while a couple of the Christmas ones didn't grab me. In saying that, the last 2 featuring the minor individuals, Simeon and Anna who meet Jesus when Mary and Joseph visit the temple, were excellent. Here are two individuals, who lived comparatively insignificant lives, but for a moment with the child Saviour, and provide powerful demonstrations of how to live lives of trust and obedience over seeking 'greatness'.
This is a book that can be easily returned to each year as its lessons and reflections will be useful especially amongst the rush and busyness of modern life.
I received an early ebook copy of the book from Waterbrook via Net Galley. This has had no bearing on my review. One of the elements of the book is each chapter ends with a reflection on a relevant bible passage while reflecting on a sketch. I found the sketches in this early PDF-style version childlike and unimpressive and didn't add to my reflections. I'm presuming this was due to a poor replication for the PDF version and hope the published one provides a better impression.
April 8, 2025
Rediscovering Christmas is composed of primarily Biblically solid chapters interspersed with a few "fluffier" chapters, but "fluffier" chapters that still have some slight substance (think: principally good). Sherrill helped bring the concept of Christmas to a more down to Earth level, which in turn raised it up to its proper heavenly level. The "Who" behind Christmas - GOD - was clearly presented. I look forward to rereading this come Christmas-time, although I recommend this book be read at any time of the year. God and His glory is relevant regardless of the day or season.
Sherrill prompts us to cast aside the sentimental explanations, consumer goods and hurried pace that define the Christmas season, and replace them with waiting, worship, and wonder.
"Ours is a secular age. The sacred is pushed to the periphery. To keep the sacred at the center of our lives is a heroic act of defiance." - Brian Zahnd, author and pastor
Sherrill prompts us to cast aside the sentimental explanations, consumer goods and hurried pace that define the Christmas season, and replace them with waiting, worship, and wonder.
January 2, 2025
AJ Sherrill’s Rediscovering Christmas invites readers to delve deeper into the mystery of Christ through 13 reflective vignettes. Each chapter spotlights a character—some familiar, others unexpected—from the Christmas story, offering fresh perspectives on the Nativity and its profound significance. Seven meditations guide readers through Advent, preparing hearts for the arrival of Christ, while the remaining six provide meaningful reflections for the often-overlooked season between Christmas and Epiphany. Sherrill’s thoughtful prose and spiritual insights encourage contemplation, making this book a perfect companion for slowing down and rediscovering the beauty and wonder of the Christmas story in a new light.
August 11, 2024
I loved this fresh and different study of Advent. Pastor AJ Sherrill reminds of the true meaning of season of Christmas and Advent. The busyness and overload of Christmas consumerism is removed. This book is designed reawaken and renew.
Rediscovering Christmas is divided into two sections: Advent, the time of waiting, and Christmas, the time/joy of receiving. In this book Pastor AJ walks us through the waiting and the joy by examining this story through different characters and the roles they played. Herold, the Angel of Gabriel, and Elizabeth are just of the few characters examined. We see the story on a larger scale, not just the single night of Christ's birth.
I recommend this book to relearn and reveal the complete story of Advent and Christmas. Use this book for a meaningful reflection throughout the Advent and Christmas and see the first Christmas in a new light.
Rediscovering Christmas is divided into two sections: Advent, the time of waiting, and Christmas, the time/joy of receiving. In this book Pastor AJ walks us through the waiting and the joy by examining this story through different characters and the roles they played. Herold, the Angel of Gabriel, and Elizabeth are just of the few characters examined. We see the story on a larger scale, not just the single night of Christ's birth.
I recommend this book to relearn and reveal the complete story of Advent and Christmas. Use this book for a meaningful reflection throughout the Advent and Christmas and see the first Christmas in a new light.
October 16, 2024
Rediscovering Christmas by A. J. Sherrill is an in-depth look at the Christmas story. It provides a biblical account and insights into what is perhaps one of the most beloved and well-known stories of Christianity. The book is divided into two sections. The first deals with advent, the second Christmas and includes an in-depth look at each of the characters who had a role in the story of the birth our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Each chapter ends with a reflection including scripture references and questions to help readers to delve deeper. I especially enjoyed reading this book and now have a deeper understanding of Christmas, its characters and symbolism.
December 27, 2024
I read a chapter a day since receiving the book and finished today, two days after Christmas.
Each chapter revealed new aspects of this beautiful story.
The chapter on Simeon and active waiting spoke deeply to where I am on the journey right now. I spent much time in that chapter journaling thoughts.
As AJ writes in the epilogue, “But to truly know the story as God hopes is to humbly allow the story to find it’s way inside the deepest recesses of our hearts and “prepare him room” to explore our lives. “
The relationship deepened between us as I read this book and He revealed His love and awe and wonder to my heart.
Each chapter revealed new aspects of this beautiful story.
The chapter on Simeon and active waiting spoke deeply to where I am on the journey right now. I spent much time in that chapter journaling thoughts.
As AJ writes in the epilogue, “But to truly know the story as God hopes is to humbly allow the story to find it’s way inside the deepest recesses of our hearts and “prepare him room” to explore our lives. “
The relationship deepened between us as I read this book and He revealed His love and awe and wonder to my heart.
January 2, 2025
This is a brilliant little book, and delivers on the promise in its title.
I listened on audio book, and found I was re-enchanted with Christmas as Sherrill unpacked a ton of historical context around the Christmas story, drew out biblical themes and artfully brought the two together to challenge the reader in real and meaningful ways.
This is the best kind of theology! And helped a lot as our preaching team examined the different characters in the Christmas story during the lead up to Christmas. This book is for anyone who wants to take a deeper theological examination of the Christmas story.
I listened on audio book, and found I was re-enchanted with Christmas as Sherrill unpacked a ton of historical context around the Christmas story, drew out biblical themes and artfully brought the two together to challenge the reader in real and meaningful ways.
This is the best kind of theology! And helped a lot as our preaching team examined the different characters in the Christmas story during the lead up to Christmas. This book is for anyone who wants to take a deeper theological examination of the Christmas story.
January 13, 2025
4.5/5
I throughly enjoyed this book. I myself am not from the Anglican tradition, nor grew up actively practicing advent. However, this year I thought it fit to begin in my own home. This book was truly the perfect introduction for me. While the subject is on the Christmas story, it takes us on a journey through each of the men and women that play an integral role in it. I loved A.J.’s stories and illustration. His use of historical insight and background was really wonderful. I do feel that my awe and wonder of the Christmas story has been reinvigorated. I look forward to returning to this book during the next Christmas season.
I throughly enjoyed this book. I myself am not from the Anglican tradition, nor grew up actively practicing advent. However, this year I thought it fit to begin in my own home. This book was truly the perfect introduction for me. While the subject is on the Christmas story, it takes us on a journey through each of the men and women that play an integral role in it. I loved A.J.’s stories and illustration. His use of historical insight and background was really wonderful. I do feel that my awe and wonder of the Christmas story has been reinvigorated. I look forward to returning to this book during the next Christmas season.
December 13, 2025
A. J. Sherrill is a refreshing voice among many excellent modern spiritual formation writers. His advent text, Rediscovering Christmas, is the single best devotional on the birth of Jesus that I have read. It blends scholarly reflection with insightful application to our present lives. It draws out the key personalities of the story and how their journeys intersect with our own.
As I went through the book it had a calming effect on me, slowing me down to ponder the wonders of the one event 2,000 years ago that changed all events. In our frenetic world, I deeply value books that can exert this kind of influence on my reflection. I will certainly revisit this book moving forward.
As I went through the book it had a calming effect on me, slowing me down to ponder the wonders of the one event 2,000 years ago that changed all events. In our frenetic world, I deeply value books that can exert this kind of influence on my reflection. I will certainly revisit this book moving forward.
January 11, 2025
Absolutely loved this Advent/Christmas read. The author offers a 2 part book (not a daily devo) that allows you to really sit in the Advent season but also appropriately savor and enjoy the Christmas season. So often we get to December 25th weary and exhausted - entirely done with “Christmas” even though it’s just begun. The chapters and new little insights to the Christmas story that Sherrill provided were really meaningful and he also encourages the reader to meditate and practice more reflective spiritual disciplines throughout the book. 10/10.
December 15, 2025
I loved this book (obviously, I gave it 5 stars!). The author is an excellent writer, but what I truly loved was that this book is biblically based. It gives new insights and makes you think about the Christmas story in a new way through people that you know, but using a different lens to see them through.
The book is in two parts: Part 1: Advent:The Gift of Waiting and Part 2: Christmas: The Gift of Receiving. I will return to this book every Advent to refresh my spirit as I prepare for Christmas.
The book is in two parts: Part 1: Advent:The Gift of Waiting and Part 2: Christmas: The Gift of Receiving. I will return to this book every Advent to refresh my spirit as I prepare for Christmas.
December 23, 2024
Really good. This book provided great insight to a story that honestly I feel like gets glossed over in a few verses. We can recite the Christmas story over and over, but I think we often forget/neglect the significance of even the seemingly smallest details, and this book provided great context and insight.
“Christmas is the good news that amid the battles waged that burrow all the way to the center of the human heart, there is one who still brings peace where there is none.”
“Christmas is the good news that amid the battles waged that burrow all the way to the center of the human heart, there is one who still brings peace where there is none.”
December 9, 2025
It was going well until I reached the endorsement of 'prophet' Kris Vallaton. Like cold water in the face. I found it an ironic addition after just finishing the chapter on how Herod used religion to gain power and wealth. HIS experience with guy does not negate that his 'prophet' regularly preaches inclusion theology. But, Sherrill will sell books to his followers if that was the objective......
December 23, 2025
“He was born to die”. This book, a gift last year, saved for Advent turned my focus to Jesus more than anything has ever been able to do. Covering the prominent figures pre birth and post birth, how their lives were impacted and suggestions of how mine can/should be. Everyone should read it. Slowly, one chapter at a time. Intentionally, reflecting on the authors prompts. Need more of these books on my shelf.
December 29, 2025
If I hadn't already written our sermon series for 2025, I would have scrapped it all to preach this! Some of this I already knew from other books, from my own Middle East experience, and from 50+ years of Christmas sermons, BUT, AJ Sherrill has such a beautiful way of expressing it so fully and profoundly. It was impactful from beginning to end. Mark it for your December 2026, because you won't be disappointed.
May 27, 2024
This is a well delivered view on the Story of Christmas. I love the slow down approach and the tiny details that we often overlook when reflecting on the season of Christmas.- great reminder that one day is not enough time to reflect on the reason for celebrating. This book challenges one to step back and consider what is truly important this time of year.
May 27, 2024
This is a well delivered view on the Story of Christmas. I love the slow down approach and the tiny details that we often overlook when reflecting on the season of Christmas.- great reminder that one day is not enough time to reflect on the reason for celebrating. This book challenges one to step back and consider what is truly important this time of year
December 14, 2024
4.5. I really enjoyed this book! The first half, Advent, focuses on characters whose stories anticipate the arrival of the Messiah. The second half, Christmas, examines the lives of people in Luke's gospel who react, either positively or negatively, to Jesus's birth. This is a terrific book for those that wish to take a fresh look at the story of the incarnation. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews