Christmas Uncut: What Really Happened and Why It Really Matters by Carl Laferton

  This is such an interesting and informative little book! It's especially aimed at unbelievers or those who may not know the details of the true Christmas story.  Each chapter focuses on a different person or group in the story and their role, such as the wise men or Mary.

At the beginning of each chapter, the author gives us an amusing scene from a children's nativity play.  The next section is called "What really happened" and features the actual Scripture in bold showing what really happened with some of his explanation mixed in.  He gives the Scripture references for each section next so you can read them for yourself in the Bible.  The last section is "Why it really matters" and he had very interesting thoughts about how this applies to us. The section on the wise men asked if these men were crazy or stupid to travel so far, bring gifts, and worship a baby, but he points out this isn't just any baby.  If Jesus is truly a Savior and King, then we need to decide whether to worship Him ourselves and what that really means. He also points to the cross and that this was Jesus' ultimate purpose in coming. The salvation message is included, along with resources for people who want to keep investigating and answers to some questions people may have.

This was a great, quick read!  Even though I'm very familiar with the true Christmas story, I still found things to take away from this book and make me think.  It was very amusing; I got a kick out of the little kids in their nativity play and the funny things they did. I liked the examples from history and his own life.  I think anyone would enjoy this book and it would make a great gift!

Thanks to Cross Focused Reviews for my free copy in exchange for an honest review.