Scott Hahn's Joyful Gift to Us This Christmas

As I prepared to pen my thoughts on Scott Hahn's new book Joy to the World: How Christ's Coming Changed Everything (and Still Does) I shook my head at some personal irony. There I was, readying myself to share about a book that has everything to do with helping us to capture the true meaning of the Christmas season. And at the same time, my head was "buzzing" from the "Christmas season"...

...the decorations to be laid out...

...the party to be planned...

...the gifts to be purchase...

So much to do. So little time to "beat the clock" before December 25th!

As a lifelong Catholic, I know and love the roots of our annual celebration of the Nativity. But even with a well-observed Advent, I'm prone to falling into the frenzy of the "holiday season". We festoon our tree with an angel and lay out the creche, but sadly often neglect to truly pause and ponder the amazing truth of what we commemorate.

With Joy to the World, noted author Dr. Scott Hahn invites us to move beyond a cursory "Christmas card" consideration of the birth of our Savior. This is a book that dwells upon deeper scriptural themes of the Nativity. But perhaps even more importantly, it invites us to personally connect our own story to that of the Christ Child. And in a final and beautiful feast, Dr. Hahn encourages us to see that the "joy" we experience in our annual commemoration of the Christmas miracle should ultimately become our call to and passion for becoming active members of the New Evangelization.

Dr. Scott Hahn

"We evangelize when we enjoy our Catholic faith--when we enjoy celebrating the feasts--when we have ourselves a merry little Christmas, and invite others to share it. That's the best way to evangelize friends, family, coworkers, and everybody else. Why? Because the world offers countless pleasures, but no lasting joys. What Jesus Christ gives is joy, even in the midst of hardship and sorrow--even amid persecution, flight and exile."

This year, as we anticipate Christmas, we're invited to linger in the gospel. As Pope Francis wrote in The Joy of the Gospel, "The Joy of the Gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus." With this book, Dr. Hahn presents a story we've known most of our lives, and compels us to examine it anew with fresh eyes and heart full of joy. In doing so and experiencing the truth of the Nativity from a new perspective, we become all the more emboldened to share this amazing gift--the best Christmas present ever--with everyone we meet!

http://youtu.be/asqOMrh57Es

I encourage you during these busy weeks to explore Joy to the World for yourself. I believe this early Christmas present you unwrap now during Advent will leave you celebrating the truth of Christmas all year long!