Guideposts for the Spirit: Christmas Stories of Faith

by Julie K. Hogan (Editor)

Guideposts for the Christmas Stories of Faith marks the introduction of a new series of stories guarenteed to tug at the heartstrings. Inspiring and moving, Christmas Stories of Faith offers quotes and stories by well-known writers such as Pearl S. Buck, Norman Vincent Peale, Cecil B. DeMille, and Billy Graham, as well as by ordinary people who share events and memories of their own Christmases past.

Genres: Christmas

256 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2001

Reviews

[Kathryn]

This was like a Christmas version of the Chicken Soup for the Soul books. An it is actually an excellent read for the Christmas season as all the stories are very short - most are 3 - 4 pages long, so ideal for a busy time of year, because you can sit down for 5 minutes and read a story which you can then reflect on as you keep going with all the tasks that need to be done in time for Christmas!! 3.5 stars.

Some of the stories that I found most meaningful were:
“In Short Supply” - the story of a missionary and his family who received on Christmas Eve a barrel of goods that they had requested from a supporting church. That Christmas Eve they had a poor man staying with them who had been lost in a snowstorm - they didn’t want to open the barrel in front of him because there wouldn’t be anything extra in there - only the items they had requested were normally sent, however this time, there was something extra in the barrel…
“The Year We Had A Sensible Christmas” - about a family who decided not to do a lot of the Christmassy things because it was too much hard work and expense, but then also lost some of the Christmas spirit.
“The Christmas Concert” - about the benefits of slowing down and taking time to reflect on the real meaning of Christmas.
“At Christmas Town” - where a Scrooge-like reporter gets sent to cover a story over Christmas about a small town that becomes “Christmas Town” - where people embody the spirit of Christmas through truly loving and caring for each other.

[J Crossley]

This is a group of holiday stories by well-known writers. The stories are moving and show how you can help others.

[Monica Johnson]

I listened to this audiobook on Christmas Eve as I was finishing up some wrapping. It was sweet, comforting, and full of Christmas spirit.

[Betsy]

I really enjoyed these Christmas stories. Just right for the busy Christmas season, each one affirms the true meaning of Christmas and reminds us to slow down and enjoy each other. Several made me laugh, more made me cry. Nice for Advent.

[Sally]

These stories are the true spirit and meaning of Christmas. Of all the activities we've done this season this book is by far the most Christmasy thing I've done. Beautiful reminder of the true meaning of it all.

I gave it four stars for the few slower, mediocre stories sprinkled in there.