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Christmas: A Gift for Every Heart: Finding Peace and Joy During the Holiday Season
Beloved pastor Dr. Charles Stanley takes us back to our truest and best reason for celebration—the birth of Christ. By revisiting the people and events of that first Christmas, Dr. Stanley reveals the unique lessons that long-ago starry night offers to each of us today. Such timeless truths as . . . Christmas is a gift to everyone on earth. That gift has different meaning to God—Christ’s birth was His perfect plan that unfolded in His perfect time. This message is followed by a celebration of who Jesus is—God came down, reigning King, suffering Servant, Savior of the world—and the lessons learned through His birth from the perspectives A Gift for Every Heart is a highly designed Christmas gift book with beautiful callouts, Dr. Stanley’s own personal thoughts and memories, Scripture, and four-color photography. This will be a treasured gift for Advent and Christmas that will be read again and again.
160 pages, Hardcover
First published September 29, 2015
22 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Charles F. Stanley
555 books684 followersDr. Charles F. Stanley is the senior pastor of First Baptist Church Atlanta, founder of In Touch Ministries, and a New York Times best-selling author who has written more than fifty books, and has sold more than nine million copies. He demonstrates a keen awareness of people's needs and provides Christ-centered, biblically-based principles for everyday life.
Charles Frazier Stanley was born September 25, 1932, in the small town of Dry Fork, Virginia. The only child of Charley and Rebecca Stanley, Charles came into the world during a time when the entire nation felt the grip of the Great Depression. To make matters worse, just nine months later, his father Charley died at the young age of 29.
However, Charles refused to let the Great Depression or the difficulties of his life define him. Instead, like his father and grandfather before him, he clung to God’s Word and took up the mantle to preach the gospel to whoever would listen.
Dr. Stanley’s motivation is best represented by the truth found in Acts 20:24, “Life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about God's mighty kindness and love.” This is because, as he says, “It is the Word of God and the work of God that changes people’s lives.”
Dr. Stanley’s teachings can be heard weekly at First Baptist Church Atlanta, daily on “In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley” radio and television broadcasts on more than 2,800 stations around the world, on the Internet at intouch.org, through the In Touch Messenger, and in the monthly, award-winning In Touch magazine.
Charles Frazier Stanley was born September 25, 1932, in the small town of Dry Fork, Virginia. The only child of Charley and Rebecca Stanley, Charles came into the world during a time when the entire nation felt the grip of the Great Depression. To make matters worse, just nine months later, his father Charley died at the young age of 29.
However, Charles refused to let the Great Depression or the difficulties of his life define him. Instead, like his father and grandfather before him, he clung to God’s Word and took up the mantle to preach the gospel to whoever would listen.
Dr. Stanley’s motivation is best represented by the truth found in Acts 20:24, “Life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about God's mighty kindness and love.” This is because, as he says, “It is the Word of God and the work of God that changes people’s lives.”
Dr. Stanley’s teachings can be heard weekly at First Baptist Church Atlanta, daily on “In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley” radio and television broadcasts on more than 2,800 stations around the world, on the Internet at intouch.org, through the In Touch Messenger, and in the monthly, award-winning In Touch magazine.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 17, 2024
A most beautiful Christmas book I have ever read. Not only are the photos gorgeous, the chapters are written with so much love and truth. Comforting words on ever page for anyone who feels sad, lonely, overwhelmed during the holidays.
December 3, 2023
2023 update - this is a great one to re-read every year. Such a great way to get into the Advent mindset!
This was a great book to start out the Advent season. Filled with beautiful illustrations, plenty of scripture references and Christmas carol song lyrics, this short book (took me under 2 hours to read it and I'm not a fast reader) really brought home the real meaning of Christmas. As I've had a really rough past 12 months - with a death in the family, the loss of a job and a cancer diagnosis - this was a great reminder of God's great plan and how He fulfilled so much in the coming of His Son. If you're having a tough time, or just caught up in the hustle and bustle and/or commercialism of the holiday, I'd definitely recommend this one to get you grounded for the holiday season. I believe I will re-read this one each year at the beginning of Advent in order to get my focus where it needs to be. Definitely recommend!
This was a great book to start out the Advent season. Filled with beautiful illustrations, plenty of scripture references and Christmas carol song lyrics, this short book (took me under 2 hours to read it and I'm not a fast reader) really brought home the real meaning of Christmas. As I've had a really rough past 12 months - with a death in the family, the loss of a job and a cancer diagnosis - this was a great reminder of God's great plan and how He fulfilled so much in the coming of His Son. If you're having a tough time, or just caught up in the hustle and bustle and/or commercialism of the holiday, I'd definitely recommend this one to get you grounded for the holiday season. I believe I will re-read this one each year at the beginning of Advent in order to get my focus where it needs to be. Definitely recommend!
December 31, 2019
This audiobook is excellent! The narrator speaks very clearly with good voice inflection. The author, Dr. Charles Stanley, writes of Christmas and how various aspects, even those we might not typically think of, are gifts to us. How many gifts do we eagerly unwrap and get excited about, yet neglect the most important gift of all, Jesus? I am guilty! But without Jesus, there would be no Christmas, no Easter, no hope.
Hear the gifts that Jesus brought us, what is ours for the taking, if we are willing to receive this precious babe in Bethlehem who went to the cross to suffer and die to bring us forgiveness and eternal life if we are willing to receive it. Don't leave your gift unwrapped. See what Jesus brings us today!
Hear the gifts that Jesus brought us, what is ours for the taking, if we are willing to receive this precious babe in Bethlehem who went to the cross to suffer and die to bring us forgiveness and eternal life if we are willing to receive it. Don't leave your gift unwrapped. See what Jesus brings us today!
December 2, 2020
A short audio book ( approx 90 mins.) about getting the best from Christmas and dialing down the stress. I liked how he grabbed your attention at the beginning with a personal story about Christmas as a child when times were lean after the death of his father.
From there, he touched on many of the things that cause us to be so stressed out at the holiday. The answers using the appropriate poems, song lyrics and chosen scripture verses were artfully done in a very nice balance. The narrator had a wonderful voice. I always cringe at these short audios as either the author reads it or a lower tier voice does the reading.
From there, he touched on many of the things that cause us to be so stressed out at the holiday. The answers using the appropriate poems, song lyrics and chosen scripture verses were artfully done in a very nice balance. The narrator had a wonderful voice. I always cringe at these short audios as either the author reads it or a lower tier voice does the reading.
December 14, 2025
Charles Stanley is the best. This little book is packed with insight that will bring meaning to the Christmas season. We might know what Christmas is all about, yet we often lose our focus due to the hustle and bustle that comes in December. And we all face many challenges, which steals our peace. This book helps us to focus on Jesus and all that He means to us. Although this book is short, it is packed with powerful truth. And it is also a beautiful book with tons of Christmas pictures throughout.
December 12, 2024
A book to read every Christmas
I held on to every word written in this treasure of a book. Every word is important.Added to this book are the beautiful color pictures with Scripture included. I plan to purchase my own copy of this book now that I have finished so I can enjoy it again every Christmas.
I held on to every word written in this treasure of a book. Every word is important.Added to this book are the beautiful color pictures with Scripture included. I plan to purchase my own copy of this book now that I have finished so I can enjoy it again every Christmas.
December 5, 2017
I'll be honest in that I did not finish it. It got too preachy. I was hoping for a book that focused more on Christ and Christmas, not a missionary pamphlet.
November 3, 2018
All about Christ and ways he can help us through the challenges of the Christmas season (perfectionism, chaos, waiting, defeat, misunderstandings, and gratitude).
May 6, 2024
Can't say there was anything in here that hit me. I did love the photographs.
December 13, 2025
Very beautiful book to read during the Christmas season. I enjoyed the photos and artwork as much as the devotional text.
December 22, 2019
A new favourite. Uplifting and encouraging. Would love to read this every Christmas.
October 20, 2015
I didn't listen to the audiobook, but I read the book. I couldn't find where to put my review other than here. :)
First thing I have to mention about this book is, how BEAUTIFUL the photography is. I could just stare at each of the pictures every day. Also it would be great to set out as decor every Christmas season. You never know, you may have that one friend visiting that sees it and thinks to themselves, "I just might read this." It might be something they were needing to read all along.
Stanley talks about how his Christmases were when he was growing up. It made me remember mine. I do believe some of my favorite parts of Christmas were the wrapping paper, decorations, the family get together's, and of course the toys. My one favorite thing to do was to play in the Christmas tree with my dolls and certain Christmas ornaments. The tree is one of my favorite decorations around the Christmas season. I just love the beautiful twinkling lights.
The author also gets into how this season can be so hectic, and with all the worry about what to get your parents or what to get your siblings. It can be a stressful time of year. But sadly we are missing the true reason for the celebration of Christmas, which is Christ himself. He talks about Mary's birth to Jesus and he reminds us of the main gift we should celebrate. Jesus and his sacrifice to save us. I enjoyed reading this book and i'm going to find a place to set it out from now on for Christmas's to come. Also to remind myself to read it every Christmas, so that I do not get so tied up into the stresses of the presents and gifts. What I found as an extra bonus in this book is, at the end of every chapter he has a few scriptures and even a Christmas song that you can read. (or sing in your head like I did, because it is hard to read a song without singing it) This book is very easy to read and would also be a great Christmas gift to give this year.
First thing I have to mention about this book is, how BEAUTIFUL the photography is. I could just stare at each of the pictures every day. Also it would be great to set out as decor every Christmas season. You never know, you may have that one friend visiting that sees it and thinks to themselves, "I just might read this." It might be something they were needing to read all along.
Stanley talks about how his Christmases were when he was growing up. It made me remember mine. I do believe some of my favorite parts of Christmas were the wrapping paper, decorations, the family get together's, and of course the toys. My one favorite thing to do was to play in the Christmas tree with my dolls and certain Christmas ornaments. The tree is one of my favorite decorations around the Christmas season. I just love the beautiful twinkling lights.
The author also gets into how this season can be so hectic, and with all the worry about what to get your parents or what to get your siblings. It can be a stressful time of year. But sadly we are missing the true reason for the celebration of Christmas, which is Christ himself. He talks about Mary's birth to Jesus and he reminds us of the main gift we should celebrate. Jesus and his sacrifice to save us. I enjoyed reading this book and i'm going to find a place to set it out from now on for Christmas's to come. Also to remind myself to read it every Christmas, so that I do not get so tied up into the stresses of the presents and gifts. What I found as an extra bonus in this book is, at the end of every chapter he has a few scriptures and even a Christmas song that you can read. (or sing in your head like I did, because it is hard to read a song without singing it) This book is very easy to read and would also be a great Christmas gift to give this year.
November 7, 2015
It's hard to believe that Christmas: A Gift for Every Heart is Dr. Stanley's first Christmas book. He's such a talented and prolific author that I would have thought that he would have penned something on the subject sooner. But let me just say that this book was worth the wait.
Dr. Stanley not only talks about the true meaning of the Christmas season where the Christ child is born, but he also explores the complexities of the season to us. While many celebrate the holidays with joy and anticipation, others look to the holidays with sadness and disappointment. Whatever category you find yourself in this book will speak to you.
Each of the eight chapters build upon the others. It begins with Dr. Stanley talking about how God is with you no matter where you find yourself. He then goes on to explain that God is your redeemer and the One who brings peace to the chaos of your life. When you find yourself in impossible situations God is the one that is the Savior. He alone is Sovereign over all. Then he wraps up the book with ways that you can not only express your gratitude to your Savior but also share that love with others.
As to the look of this book . . . it is stunning. It is much smaller than a coffee table book but that is the essence of the photography in it. I would love to put some of the photos on my walls. Of course I couldn't stand to cut it apart so I'll be satisfied with it on display on my coffee table.
If you are like me and love to give books as gifts this would be a perfect one this Christmas season. Whether you have a friend or family member that is hurting or rejoicing this Christmas you can't go wrong with giving them this beautiful and touching book.
I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.
Dr. Stanley not only talks about the true meaning of the Christmas season where the Christ child is born, but he also explores the complexities of the season to us. While many celebrate the holidays with joy and anticipation, others look to the holidays with sadness and disappointment. Whatever category you find yourself in this book will speak to you.
Each of the eight chapters build upon the others. It begins with Dr. Stanley talking about how God is with you no matter where you find yourself. He then goes on to explain that God is your redeemer and the One who brings peace to the chaos of your life. When you find yourself in impossible situations God is the one that is the Savior. He alone is Sovereign over all. Then he wraps up the book with ways that you can not only express your gratitude to your Savior but also share that love with others.
As to the look of this book . . . it is stunning. It is much smaller than a coffee table book but that is the essence of the photography in it. I would love to put some of the photos on my walls. Of course I couldn't stand to cut it apart so I'll be satisfied with it on display on my coffee table.
If you are like me and love to give books as gifts this would be a perfect one this Christmas season. Whether you have a friend or family member that is hurting or rejoicing this Christmas you can't go wrong with giving them this beautiful and touching book.
I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.
December 16, 2018
I am going through a difficult time in my life physically and although I know He is with me through this whole ordeal, this book encouraged me to keep moving forward. This was beautifully written and would make a great gift for those who are facing life's trials.
January 3, 2016
This was a fantastic book beautifully written and very nice graphics. All of Dr. Stanley's books are so informative as this one was. He is a great man of God and teacher. I highly recommend it.
December 29, 2021
A very easy read but such a powerful message. Charles Stanley is a wonderful writer.
October 22, 2025
A beautifully formatted book, perfect for gift-giving and for refocusing your heart and mind during the Christmas season.
November 3, 2015
This was a good book. As a reminder :)
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews