Synopses & Reviews
What are the stories and origins behind Christmas traditions such as the colors of red and green, the Christmas tree, caroling, nativity scenes, the Yule log, gift-giving, stockings, advent wreaths, mistletoe, and holly? Much like Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas, this captivating book, Stories Behind the Great Traditions of Christmas, tells the real inspiration behind the special symbols and acts that have come to mean so much at Christmas. The stories behind these different traditions not only fascinate the reader, but bring new understanding and meaning to each aspect of holiday celebrations. Written in a devotional style, weaving faith with history, Stories Behind the Great Traditions of Christmas is an entertaining and meaningful addition to the library of anyone who loves Christmas. A wonderful gift, this book also makes a wonderful companion to Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas.
Synopsis
The fascinating stories and origins behind Christmas traditions such as the colors of red and green, the Christmas tree, caroling, nativity scenes, the Yule log, gift-giving, stockings, advent wreaths, mistletoe, and holly.
Synopsis
Enjoy these true, fascinating stories of the joy, heartache, trials, and faith that inspired our favorite songs, hymns, and traditions.
Synopsis
The cheer of a crackling hearth fire. Colorful cards from friends and loved ones. An evergreen tree festooned with ornaments.The golden traditions of Christmas---gifts, wreaths, stockings, carols, mistletoe, and more---infuse our celebration of the season with meaning and glowing memories. And, in ways you may not realize, they point us to the birth of Christ.Stories Behind the Great Traditions of Christmas reveals the people, places, and events that shaped the best-loved customs of this merriest of holidays. Here are spiritual insights, true-life tales, and captivating legends to intrigue you and your family and bring new luster and depth to your celebration of Jesus' birth. Discover how* after eighteen centuries of all but ignoring the event, churches began to open the door for believers to commemorate Jesus' incarnation.* the evergreen tree, once a central theme in the worship practices of pagan cultures, came to represent the everlasting love of God.* the magi's three gifts---gold, frankincense, and myrrh---are filled with spiritual symbolism.The traditions of Christmas lend beauty, awe, and hope to the holiday, causing people all over the world to anticipate it with joy. The stories in this book will warm your heart as you rediscover the true and eternal significance of Christmas.
Table of Contents
Advent -- Angels -- Birthday cake for Jesus -- Boxing day -- Candy canes -- Carols and caroling -- Christmas cards -- Christmas seals -- Christmas trees -- The colors of Christmas -- Decorations and ornaments -- Epiphany -- Gifts -- Handel's Messiah -- Holly -- Lights -- Mistletoe -- Movies of Christmas -- Nativity scenes and Christmas pageants -- The nutcracker ballet -- Poinsettias -- Santa Claus -- Stockings -- The twelve days of Christmas -- Xmas -- Yule logs.