Being a genuine Kringel, I believe my endorsement carries some weight on Christmas. As a pastor, I am always looking for new ways to present fresh looks at key holiday moments. 40 Days of Christmas presents one day after another of life-giving thoughts and takeaways. Pastors will want this book as a resource for messages but also for personal reflection.- Kevin Kringel, lead pastor, Life Church, Roscoe, Illinois and author of Relevant Acts40 Days of Christmas is outstanding! I look forward to rereading it with my family during the Christmas season. Both meaningful and inspiring, this book truly captures the essence of what Christmas is all about. The eye-opening message will challenge you, and the daily prayers will encourage and strengthen your faith. This devotional will take you deeper in your personal relationship with Christ as you discover the true spirit of Christmas.- Billy Welch, lead pastor, North Pole Assembly of God, North Pole, Alaska
40 Days of Christmas is a real gem! As a one-day celebration, Christmas seems to pass all too quickly. We rarely take the time to adequately reflect on its meaning. Castleberry’s book uses the forty days of Christmas to offer us a powerful alternative. Start each of these forty days reading a biblical text followed by a Christmas devotion and a prayer. Every devotion will open your heart and enlighten your mind. So many interesting insights to ponder. Believe me, you’ll treasure this book and want to share it with others!- Frank D. Macchia, D. Theol., D.D., theologian, Vanguard University of Southern California and Bangor University, Wales (UK)40 Days of Christmas makes the familiar story of Christmas come alive for its readers. It is filled with fresh insights, new perspectives, profound theology, and helpful observations. I’ve preached about Christmas for twenty years, and I learned something new on almost every page that deepened my love for and understanding of Christmas. Staying close to the text, Castleberry offers helpful observations on everything from Christmas trees, Christmas music, Santa Claus, and the liturgical calendar, and uses it all to add depth, meaning, and a heartfelt connection to the Christmas story. 40 Days of Christmas offers reflections that are new, interesting, and right. This will change how you go through the Christmas season.- Scott Dudley, senior pastor, Bellevue Presbyterian Church, Bellevue, Washington
This devotional takes the reader through Scripture, adding stories and thoughts that point the way to Jesus Christ. The tone of the devotional is so inviting. It’s as if you are having a conversation over a cup of coffee about the things that matter to God. Well written for the forty days of Advent, this devotional will be picked up each season of every year.- Shirley V. Hoogstra, president, Council for Christian Colleges & Universities Rarely can you read something in two minutes that changes the way you see something you have been familiar with your entire life. If you give two minutes of your time for the next forty days to read this book, you will see Christmas in a different way—from the tree that is in your living room to the sentiment that is in your heart. Dr. Castleberry is a genius, and he translates his intelligence in such a way that people like me can get it. It is fun to read something that makes you a better person. Merry Christmas and happy new life!- Dean Curry, pastor, Life Center, Tacoma, Washington
40 Days of Christmas is a wonderfully accessible and transforming journey through the Christmas season, an edifying and inspiring blend of theological depth coupled with the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. A wonderful gift for friends, family, and especially those who may have lost sight of the real meaning of Christmas.- Grant Goodeve, actor, singer, songwriter The pages of 40 Days of Christmas are filled with profound insights! Reading these reflections is sure to help you approach the celebration of Christ’s birth with fresh joy and faith-filled anticipation.- John Lindell, lead pastor, James River Church, Ozark, Missouri
Dr. Joseph Castleberry has unlocked the spirit of Christmas with this timely new book. For those seeking to reflect on the true meaning of the Advent season, this book is for you.- A. J. Rice, CEO of Publius PR, Washington, DC40 Days of Christmas provides a refreshing and inspirational look at Christmas. After reading it, I’m motivated more than ever to live the spirit of Christmas throughout the entire year.- Chaplain (Colonel) Scott McChrystal, US Army (retired