Product Description

Why do we have Christmas trees and what, if anything, do they have to do with the story of Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus? When did the tradition of sending Christmas cards begin? What was so special about oranges that they became the favoured treasure in a Christmas stocking? Why do we have stockings anyway? What is frankincense? The twelve days of Christmas? These are just some of the questions answered in succinct, informative entries in this engaging A - Z of Christmas and the meaning behind the traditions we love or hate. Each entry includes a dictionary definition, the origin of the word or phrase including its Latin roots, and sometimes a further relevant snippet of information such as a biblical reference or a general description. Then follows the entry, sometimes just a single paragraph, giving more detailed information in concise, accessible language. Christmas is so all-encompassing that everyone is caught up in it, believers and non-believers alike: here is a book which will remind those who have forgotten, or inform those who never knew, where it all came from.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #633819 in Books
• Published on: 2005-08-25
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 160 pages

About the Author
J. John is an international preacher, director of Christian charity the Philo Trust. He has recently raised his profile through the nation-wide 'Just 10' missions, is author of 26 books/booklets of which 1 million are in print in 13 languages.

Customer Reviews

Really insightful
This book was recommended to me by a friend who was reading A through to Z. in contrast i have just been dipping in and out of it, reading bits and pieces as and when i feel like it. Its a great book for doing that. so especially if you dont have time just to sit down and read a whole book, you can read one section for five minutes and put it down for however long and then read the next bit. Some of the stuff was completely new for me, like the real meanings behind the song '12 Days of Christmas). Great if your a Christian because it just emphasizes that even though Christmas has become so commercialised and materialistic, more than you would think is actually based on Christianity, even stuff you would never think of being linked to it. Its really interesting and i would thoroughly recommend it. =]