PUBLISHER DESCRIPTION
Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol is second only to the nativity story itself when it comes to public consciousness. Just as Jesus Christ changed the world on the night of his birth, so Ebenezer Scrooge changes during a single night of supernatural visitations.In Keeping Christmas, novelist and Dickens enthusiast Allison Pittman offers 25 readings for advent, seamlessly bringing together the Word of God and the words of A Christmas Carol. This contemplative, entertaining read is the perfect companion for those dark winter nights as we eagerly anticipate the coming celebration of Christmas when, like Scrooge, we are given the gift of reflection, repentance, and life anew.Beautifully packaged and highly designed throughout, Keeping Christmas is sure to become a treasured family tradition–much like the reading or viewing of A Christmas Carol.
My Review:
There’s so much more to “A Christmas Carol” than the movies we love to watch each Christmas season.
If you are a devoted reader of this classic book, you’ll enjoy reading these thoughts on the book by Allison Pittman. Although this book is marketed as a “devotional book”, these are not the usual “inspirational” type of devotions you read in a Christmas devotional book. This is a more detailed look at Charles Dickens’ classic story, and how elements of that book relate to Christ and the gospel. As I was reading it, I felt as if I were seated in Mrs. Pittman’s literature class hearing her discuss this book with her students. Her writing style has humor in it, and I wish that I could attend one of her classes in person. If she teaches like she writes, her students are blessed in be in her class.
Please note this: I would suggest having an unabridged copy of “A Christmas Carol” to read along with this book. There were thoughts that she had about one passage in the book and it helped me to reread that chapter.
These are not devotions that you’ll quickly read and then go on your way. Mrs. Pittman points out that even though there’s no indication that Charles Dickens had the intention of sharing the Gospel throughout his story, there are elements that reflect Christ’s character, forgiveness, love, and the hope we have in Him. This is a well-written, thoughtful book that gives us not only a few scholarly views of Dickens’ book, but a clear view of how Christ can transform a life.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Click here to purchase a copy:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087RTLRYQ/ref=nodl_?_bbid=16606106&tag=individualbookpagesite-20
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Allison Pittman is a former English teacher in Texas. In 2005, she was awarded the Harvard Prize Book in recognition of her teaching excellence. She also serves as the leader for her church’s Theater Arts Group, writing and directing worship drama. Whenever possible, Allison enjoys going on dates with her husband of seventeen years, Mike, or just hanging out with their three sons–which usually means spending a lot of time at soccer fields and baseball diamonds. From the Trade Paperback edition.