It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas: Joys That Make the Season Special

by Andrew Wilson

Evangelistic book explaining why Jesus is the best thing about Christmas.What makes Christmas feel special for you? Fairy lights? Familiar Christmas movies? Seeing friends and family?

There’s so much to love about Christmas, but what if you’re missing out on the best thing of all?

In this engaging, thoughtful, and winsome book, Andrew Wilson takes us to the first Christmas to show that what can make our Christmases truly special is Jesus, the light of the world. Andrew Wilson explains how Jesus makes a difference to the darkness of this world—and how he can make a difference to our lives too.

This short and warmly-written book is perfect for giving away to family, friends, and neighbors, as well as giving away at Christmas services and Christmas outreach events.

64 pages, Paperback

Published October 21, 2024

About the author

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Reviews

[Josh Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some good perspective here on the Biblical Christmas narrative. I especially enjoyed the chapter in which the author does a bit of a deeper dive on how important Caesar Augustus was to the known world at the time...hailed as a "saviour" by the Romans. He then juxtaposes the real Saviour, Jesus Christ, right alongside him.

What a Saviour is Jesus Christ my Lord!

[Randy Rosso · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the way he connected elements of the Christmas season to the true meaning of Christmas, and gave such a compelling and simple gospel call.

[James Brixey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly outstanding

[Panda Incognito · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book connects common Christmas traditions to the spiritual realities that they represent. Things like putting up lights and spending time with family are an inherent part of the holiday for most people, to the point where it wouldn't feel like Christmas without them. Wilson reflects on how these experiences reflect different aspects of the Nativity story, and he makes a case for why Jesus is essential to Christmas and essential to our lives. Wilson also points out that even though many people dismiss Christianity because of its supernatural elements, everyone believes in things that are beyond observable nature, such as human rights. He doesn't focus on arguing for the historicity of the Christmas story, but he shows that it matters whether it's true or not, and points out that we all believe different things without hard proof.

This book is suitable for skeptics who are willing to read something short at a friend's behest or out of their own curiosity, and it will also encourage Christians who want to look at the Christmas story anew. My one reservation in recommending this is the author's odd choice to share a neighbor's anecdote about a time that "a man in a rugby shirt had gone to church with his family on Christmas Day covered in blood, because his girlfriend had just hit him over the head with a hammer." And that's it! There's no more context, and no effort to unpack this experience. Why mention domestic violence in an outreach book? This is a sensitive topic that is not a joke, whether the victim is female or male.

This is a short, simple book that covers important themes about Christmas and faith. It's highly readable, makes relatable parallels between cultural holiday traditions and the Christmas story, and shares a clear outreach message while also appealing to people who are already Christians. I appreciated this overall, but am disappointed that the author included a sudden, flippant reference to an instance of domestic violence. That was unnecessary and unhelpful, and it detracts from an otherwise great book.

I received a free copy from the publisher, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Ethan McCarter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book along with several others at my congregation. It's not a bad primer to give away to someone who is not a Christian or someone who is working through some basic issues pertaining to truth, Christmas, and basic Christian claims. First, there are some decent parts of the book. It's written in an accessible manner, I found myself laughing at several of his anecdotes and stories, and it makes for easy, quick reading. I agreed with the concepts presented in the book (granted, I am a believer already so I'm reading from that perspective) though there were a few issues I took that weren't pertaining to the main things given. There were certainly some negatives. First, I think he dropped the ball when it came to the ending. He really doesn't press what the reader needs to do in light of the truth presented; a good preacher knows the conclusion needs to hit hard at answering "so what?". Second, there were some cultural/multicultural phrases that I think could prove problematic primarily revolving around some "woke-ish" ideas (let the reader understand). Third, some of the way he phrased certain ideas were badly put and made for some fluffy theology. I would recommend it as a primer to Christianity, though there are certainly better ones that someone could use.

[Lauren DuPrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas compliments of The Good Book Company in exchange for my honest review.

This review contains affiliate links

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas is the latest title by pastor and author Andrew Wilson. This little booklet is great for helping those who aren't familiar with Jesus or Christianity understand why Jesus came. It's short and explains the gospel simply. Although I've been a Christ follower for some time, it helped me make some connections I hadn't previously made about the contexts of the birth of Christ.

There were even a few humorous parts in the book that I enjoyed. This is a helpful tool for Christians wanting to learn more about why Christmas is a special time of year or those who don't yet know Christ but are curious to learn about Him. This would be a great booklet for churches to give away to Christmas visitors or for Christians to have on hand to distribute.

[Adrianna | cozycraftyreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve always loved the Christmas season. The lights. The joy. The memories. But there’s so much more to it, and it’s always great to center my mind to the true meaning.

This book did exactly that. It helped put the Christmas season into perspective and help me focus on what matters most.

As we enter the holiday season, I especially appreciated setting my focus. It’s so easy to be swept away with the holiday movies, lights, family, and all of the other little things that make it shine. Though all of those parts are amazing, this book helps you dig further into Christmas.

It’s a pretty short book, and an easy read. But, it packed a lot into it, and gave me a lot to think about. There are many memorable passages that really touched me.

This is a book I hope to read through every year about this time.

Disclaimer: There was a DV reference that I thought was mentioned a bit suddenly and quickly without warning

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, received from The Good Book Company. However, all thoughts and views reflected are strictly my own opinions.

[Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

"If you are tempted to dismiss the Christymas story for being fanciful, it is worth remembering how many extraordinary things you believe already."

This quotation on Page 11 of It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas: Joys That Make the Season Special, sets the stage for Andrew Wilson's short (64 pages) seasonal book highlighting what makes Christmas feel like Christmas ... for you!

Four succinct chapters starting with a different Christmas 'tradition', such as putting up the Christmas lights, spending time with family, enjoying Christmas television and making memories, allow the author to develop these themes to introduce the message of the first Christmas ... the birth of Jesus Christ, and to explore some of the related themes found in the Gospels about this momentuous event in history!

Another seasonally themed book published by thegoodbook Company, and an excellent primer on the true meaning of Christmas, according to the Bible! As one reviewer has said, 'A gem of a book. If you want to know some festive joy, read this!' I wholeheartedly concur! Merry Christmas!

[Emily Waits (emilylovesreading_) · Rating 4 out of 5]

{Thank you to the Good Book Company for my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.}

“This is the great declaration of Christmas. That there is a King: a King who reigns over this world, over this universe, over all that is unseen, for ever. There is a King who offers to save you from sin and death, so that you can enjoy peace under his perfect rule, forever.”

This short 64-page book is the perfect overview of what Christmas is really about and what makes it truly and eternally special. The author shares personal stories and wit as well as biblical truth about the true meaning of Christmas.

This booklet is a great read to remind yourself what Christmas is about and focus your heart on what matters going into the holiday season. I would also highly recommend this book as a gift to friends and neighbors who may or may not know what Christmas is really about.

Highly recommend!

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas by Andrew Wilson is a short yet powerful book that serves as a perfect introduction to the Savior for seekers. In a persuasive and inviting way, Wilson connects the joys of Christmas to Jesus.


Warmth and Wonder

What I loved most about it was Wilson’s thoughtful acknowledgment of how Christmas makes us feel warmth and wonder. Read and share this book with others as an invitation to see what the Christmas season is all about.


I received a media copy of It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas and this is my honest review.

[Elizabeth Mayberry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not really sure what this book is supposed to be. It is very small and appears to be written to non-Christians. I assume it would be something mega churches would hand out at Christmas Eve services to help reach non-believers. There is nothing wrong with this per-say, and the book was well written/ the gospel presented truthfully and accurately, but it wasn't what I was expecting or wanting in a Christmas read. It was much smaller than I expected and I finished it in one sitting - skimming bits here and there. It is a good book, I am just not the intended audience!

[Aja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although not the intended audience I found this to be a delightful Christmas read that was introspective, at times humorous, and evoked those warm and fuzzy Christmas feelings we all love. Clearly this book was written from an evangelistic angle, and I think it accomplished it’s goal quite well. I would say this book would be best for someone who is experiencing their first Christmas as a Christian, or a non-believer who’s open to hearing the true story about the reason for Christmas.

[Susy C. *MotherLambReads* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little book that gets to the real meaning of Christmas’s. Would be a great stocking stuffer or hostess gift!

💬*𝙈𝙮 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙤𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠.*⁣
💬𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘵:𝘩𝘵𝘵𝘱𝘴://𝘸𝘸𝘸.𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘮.𝘤𝘰𝘮/𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘴/

[Ruben Van Der Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful short book about the true meaning of Christmas. I love Andrew’s humorous anecdotes which brilliantly explain the biblical truth he’s communicating.
Since we’re heading toward the Christmas season, this is a great read.

[Mike Wardrop · Rating 5 out of 5]

A terrific, easily accessible and readable little book that u packs the meaning of Christmas succinctly and lets the story come to its rightful conclusion: Jesus as King over the world, and the opportunity to receive him as King of our lives.

[Austin Gannett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, Christmas fun!

[Joshua Reitano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid little evangelistic book by London pastor and historian, Andrew Wilson. Could be good to gift to a friend.

[Laura McCarter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good thoughts, it’s a long Christmas themed evangelistic tract. Some woke vibes and the Gospel presentation was not full enough, especially in conclusion.

[Bethan Edge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet, some good reflections to have read the days before Christmas ⭐️

[Jeremy Feghali · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short book about the true/historic meaning behind the Christmas holiday. It's written towards those who aren't Christians, but I found it to be an encouraging read. Buy 10 and give them away!

[Joshua Biggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful meditation on Christmas.

[KatieK · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant little booklet to give out at Christmas.