Rediscover Christmas Through 12 Classic Tales
Our Editors
2 min read ⭑
As the holiday season draws near, many of us find ourselves swept up in a flurry of activities — decorating homes, shopping for gifts and attending festive gatherings. Amid this hustle, it’s easy to lose sight of the deeper meanings that make Christmas truly special. The deepest meaning, of course, is the birth of Jesus Christ — a profound celebration of his arrival on Earth and what his presence means for humanity. But Christmas is also very much about how we humans reflect Jesus to one another. “Twelve Classic Christmas Stories,” a newly released anthology edited by Timothy Larsen, is an invitation to pause and consider a dozen such reflections.
Timothy Larsen, a distinguished scholar and professor of Christian thought at Wheaton College, has brought together a rich set of narratives that delve into the themes of generosity, compassion, redemption and faith — the transformative power of love, the importance of selflessness and the hope that this season embodies. But they also explore the essence of Christmas from various perspectives, featuring works by renowned authors such as Charles Dickens, Louisa May Alcott, O. Henry and Fyodor Dostoevsky, so that readers of all ages and preferences can find something that touches their hearts.
Larsen explains his approach: “I have tried to create a Christmas variety pack so that there is something here for everyone. There is a ghost story (two, if you count the goblins!); there is a romance (two again actually, but only one is a romantic comedy — maybe even three, in fact, if you are broad-minded enough to believe that a romance can be a story about a husband and wife); there is a detective story; there are stories about children and their hopes and annoyances and schemes; there are stories with surprising plot twists.”
These narratives serve as modern-day parables, offering insights into how the way of Jesus can manifest in everyday life, allowing readers to reflect on their own faith journeys. For instance, O. Henry’s “The Gift of the Magi” poignantly illustrates sacrificial love and generosity, mirroring the self-giving nature of Christ’s birth. Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol” explores themes of redemption and personal transformation, reminding us of each individual’s potential for change and renewal.
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Every story included in “Twelve Classic Christmas Stories” has left a lasting impression on literature and culture. Larsen notes: “These Christmas stories are true classics that one can revisit with delight again and again.” By bringing these seminal pieces together, the anthology preserves crucial literary heritage and allows contemporary readers to experience these stories anew.
Harriet Beecher Stowe’s “Christmas; or, the Good Fairy” provides historical insight into early American celebrations of the holiday, while Henry Van Dyke’s “The Other Wise Man” presents a moving narrative about seeking and finding Christ in unexpected ways. Fyodor Dostoevsky’s “The Heavenly Christmas Tree” offers a poignant exploration of hope and compassion amidst hardship.
In an age where the true meaning of Christmas is often overshadowed by commercialism and societal pressures, this collection encourages readers to pause, reflect and reconnect with the beliefs and actions that make the season meaningful. For families, reading these stories together can open up discussions about faith, ethics and how these timeless lessons apply to our lives today.
Timothy Larsen writes, “I have been quietly laboring on this project for a long time now — during the spring, summer, autumn and winter. It is a labor of love. It is my Christmas gift for you and your family and friends.”