Hidden Christmas: The Surprising Truth Behind the Birth of Christ by Timothy J. Keller

Hidden Christmas: The Surprising Truth Behind the Birth of Christ Reviews

• 
  C.H. Cobb

  Two things impressed me most about this book: the warmth and engaging call of the gospel in every chapter, and Keller’s skillful way of handling complex theological topics with wonderful precision. Keller’s treatment of the favorite Christmas passages is complete with God’s sovereign grace, man’s corruption and sin, the need to respond in faith, the fact that faith is something only God gives, the Lordship that salvation demands, and on and on. I’ve never seen it put so humbly, so gently, so clearly, so accurately, so concisely. But the average reader won’t even know he’s reading a theological tour de force—it’s just the Christmas story, well told, suffused with the gospel. Keller writes like a modern-day C. S. Lewis, wrapping profound theology in the language of Everyman. There is no jargon in this book.
  
  Keller manages to get beyond the matters that divide in our current social scene and strikes right to the heart of our brokenness and sin. You can hand Hidden Christmas to the most radical leftist, or to a Constitutional conservative, and neither will be offended by anything but the presentation of the cross itself.
  
  I’ve read a few, not all, of Keller’s books. This is the best so far, which is saying a lot since the others have been so good. In Hidden Christmas the author takes the Christmas texts from Matthew and Luke and carefully unfolds their meanings. A Liberty and Westminster grad, I’ve been preaching and teaching since 1978, and in every chapter Keller is writing about things I’ve never noticed in these passages of Scripture, and they are powerful and profound!
  
  Hidden Christmas is the gospel presentation you’ve been waiting for. Get a copy, enjoy it yourself, and then pass it on to a loved one.
• 
  Gumble's Yard - Golden Reviewer

  An outstanding examination of the Christmas story as told in the gospels (drawing too on biblical carols, Simeon’s blessing and the opening of 1 John).
  
  A book perhaps ideally read at Advent - and one I therefore revisited during that season - but full of truth all year round.
  
  Its particular strength for the Christian is the author’s ability to present new perspectives and pose powerful challenges in passages which are familiar (perhaps overly familiar).
  
  Also I think a book which could be given to a non-Christian interested in exploring the truth behind the carols and nativity plays.
  
  Highly recommended.
• 
  Jonathan Brown

  Tim Keller, pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, has a powerful gift for writing clearly and intelligently about the gospel, in a way that reaches nonbelievers and shakes things up for believers. I've yet to come across a Keller book that isn't worth reading. And, though this one is short, it's far from an exception. This pint-size volume is the perfect meditation on the real meaning and importance on Christmas - a must-read during the Advent season, as we get ready for the big day.
  
  In the eight chapters of Hidden Christmas, Keller boils down decades of Christmas sermons into reflections on key passages from the Old and New Testaments that deal with Christmas themes. As prone as our culture oft is to conceive of Christmas as merely a nice, sentimental holiday, Keller unravels that: Christmas is subversive; Christmas is realistic; Christmas is honest; and, above all, Christmas is full of the life-disrupting grace of God.
  
  In the first chapter ("Light Has Dawned," rooted in Isaiah 9:2-7), Keller notes that Christmas implies that "the world is a dark place, and we will never find our way or see reality unless Jesus is our Light" (6). Christmas does not mean we can brighten the world if we merely come together. To the contrary, Christmas means that our human resources can never fix the world - but yet we have hope from outside the world. Jesus cannot merely be liked; he must be accepted or rejected. He "brings a new life to replace our spiritual deadness, ... he shows us the truth that heals our spiritual blindness, and ... he is the beauty that breaks our addictions to money, sex, and power" (15). His birth is a gift that makes us swallow our pride to receive him: "To accept the true Christmas gift, you have to admit you're a sinner. You need to be saved by grace" (17).
  
  In the second chapter ("The Mothers of Jesus," based on Matthew 1:1-17), Keller aims to elucidate the difference between good advice (what most religions offer) and good news (what Jesus is). Jesus doesn't simply tell us what to do; the good news is what he has done. Keller highlights the numerous Gentile women appearing in the Matthean genealogy: "The grace of God is so pervasive that even the begats of the Bible are dripping with God's mercy" (33). Matthew's genealogy, structured as six sets of seven generations, "makes Jesus the beginning of the seventh seven," the promised Jubilee rest, showing what Christ will bring (37-39).
  
  In the third chapter ("The Fathers of Jesus," based on Matthew 1:18-23), Keller meditates on the significance of the title 'Immanuel,' Jesus being God-become-human present with his people, as a way of inaugurating a deep and genuine relationship with us. Using Joseph as an example, Keller outlines the three kinds of courage requisite for believers: courage to take the world's disdain, courage to surrender our right to self-determination, and courage to admit we're sinners; and the only place to find that sort of courage is to look to Jesus himself.
  
  Later chapters are no less incisive. The fourth ("Where is the King?", based on Matthew 2:1-23) reflects on how Christ's kingdom threatens worldly powers like Herod, especially the 'little King Herod' in our own hearts that wants to be master of our own lives (68). The fifth chapter ("Mary's Faith," based on Luke 1:27-38) reflects on Mary's attitude toward Gabriel's announcement: she responds thoughtfully, gradually, in wonder, and in willing surrender. The sixth chapter ("The Shepherds' Faith," based on Luke 2:8-20) considers the need to hear well, make peace, fear not, and behold the gospel. The seventh ("A Sword in the Soul," based on Luke 2:33-35) reminds us that living out the message of Christmas will lead to conflict in a fallen world and requires the 'sword' of repentance within our own souls. The final chapter ("The Doctrine of Christmas," based on 1 John 1:1-4) returns to the message that Jesus himself is eternal life, so salvation can only be "by grace alone through faith in Christ alone" (131).
  
  The book, brief though it is, is full of well-spoken truth. Get it and read it during the Advent season; perhaps buy more copies to disseminate among your friends!
• 
  Oceana

  This was fantastic. The way Keller delivered this was simple and profound. I loved it!
• 
  Bill Pence

  Tim Keller states that the ideas expressed in this short book were forged not in writing but in preaching. Each chapter represents at least 10 or so meditations and sermons on each biblical text that he delivered in Christmas services across the decades.
  He tells us writes that Christmas is the only Christian holy day that is also a major secular holiday, resulting in two different celebrations, each observed by millions of people, which brings some discomfort on both sides. His fear is that the true roots of Christmas will become more and more hidden to most of the population. In this book he aims to make the truths of Christmas less hidden. He looks at some passages of the Bible that are popular because they are read each Christmas.
  In the first chapters of the book, looking at the Gospel of Matthew, we learn about the gifts God gave us at Christmas. In the following chapters, looking at the Gospel of Luke, we consider how we can welcome and receive those gifts.
  Through the Christmas story, Keller tells us about the Gospel. This is a book that I recommend you read and discuss with others, which I am doing with friends in a book club at work. Keller says many things about Christmas and the Gospel that I appreciated. A few of them are:
  • To accept the true Christmas gift, you have to admit you’re a sinner. You need to be saved by grace.
  • Christmas is not simply about a birth but about a coming.
  • Christmas shows us that Christianity is not good advice. It is good news.
  • Christmas means that God is working out his purposes. He will fulfill his promises.
  • Christmas tells us that despite appearances to the contrary, God is in control of history, and that someday he will put everything right.
  • Christmas means that for those that are believers in Christ, there is all the hope in the world.
  • The doctrine of Christmas, of the incarnation, is that Jesus was truly and fully God and truly and fully human.
  • No one is really neutral about whether Christmas is true. If the Son of God was really born in a manger, then we have lost the right to be in charge of our lives.
  • Christmas means that the King has come into the world. But the Bible tells us that Jesus comes as King twice, not once.
  • Christmas means that race, pedigree, wealth, and status do not ultimately matter.
  • Christmas means illumination and spiritual light from God; it means reconciliation and peace with God by grace; it means God taking on a human nature.
  • Christmas means the increase of peace, both with God and between people.
  • The manger at Christmas means that, if you live like Jesus, there won’t be room for you in a lot of inns.
  • Christmas means that salvation is by grace.
  • Christmas means you can have fellowship with God.
  • Christmas and the incarnation mean that God went to infinite lengths to make himself one whom we can know personally.
  • The incarnation, Christmas, means that God is not content to be a concept or just someone you know from a distance.
  • The joy that Christmas brings, the assurance of God’s love and care will always reinvigorate you no matter the circumstances of your life.
• 
  Tung

  I feel like adding a disclaimer that I am a huge Tim Keller fan. Two of my favorite Christian books ever were written by him (Prodigal God and Center Church). I am subscribed to his podcast. I think he is the most insightful and thoughtful preacher alive. In all of his speaking and writing, Keller does a tremendous job of tackling difficult questions; he invites skeptics to confront their arguments head-on; and he manages to bring new insights to even the most familiar Bible passages. In Hidden Christmas, Keller does all three of these things and manages to unpack the great truths of Christmas: how the gospel is the central truth of Christmas, the powerful meaning of the Incarnation, how Mary and the shepherds demonstrate faithful responses to the gospel, and so much more. I’ve been a believer for three decades and this book opened my eyes to new things. Another essential read from Tim Keller. Highly recommended.
• 
  Sharon Barrow Wilfong

  This was a nice advent devotional. Each chapter deals with a different historical person at the time of Jesus' birth. Provides insight into scripture in ways I hadn't looked at it before. And I must say I really appreciated all the scripture pertaining to the prophecy and birth of Christ. There are certain Christmas Advent devotionals I read in the past and, while nice scriptural meditations, I failed to see what they had to do with the Christmas season. I recommend this for anyone seeking a good devotional to prepare their hearts and minds for the season or anytime, really.
• 
  Ian

  I've observed Advent the last few years and will read a few books each time. This is the best book I've read on Christmas simply because it shares the Gospel in such a powerful way. Keller is a master theologian and has the great skill of being able to communicate Scripture in everyday terms.
  
  I thought I knew all there was to know about Advent, however, Keller manages to draw the reader into new perspectives and insights about the wonder and grace of Christmas. There are only 8 chapters but don't be fooled by the shortness of the book; there is much treasure to ponder upon which makes the reading slow and thoughtful in order to allow such insights to go deep in one's heart.
  
  Each chapter starts with a passage from one of the gospels, except for the last one which draws from 1 John 1. The first 4 chapters discuss the great things God gives us in Christmas and the second half Keller shares how we should respond and how to receive what God has given us. My favourite chapter was Chapter 5 which focuses on Mary's faith. She is a model of what "responsive Christian faith looks like." Keller compares Zechariah's doubts to that of Mary's: both are incredulous but Mary simply accepts what Gabriel has to say. Further, using Mary as the example Keller demonstrates how faith only comes from God revealing Himself to us. It was when Mary visited Elizabeth and the intervention of the Holy Spirit through Elizabeth's words confirming everything Gabriel said that Mary "knew" in her heart she carried the Messiah in her womb.
  
  Mary shows us how to live. "Mary surrendered her will to God." Becoming a Christian "means to take your hands off your life." Yes. Yes.
  
  I've read a few of Keller's books but I think this is my favourite due to its conciseness and depth of theological insight of the Gospel. Don't wait till Christmas to read this as its fruit is so plentiful and relevant it can be consumed at any time of the year.
  
  Very highly recommended.
  
• 
  Darla

  Outstanding! Wonderful insights pulled from Christmas stories to remind us of the truths that are the foundation for this special time of year. Would be worth rereading every year as Keller gives you so many nuggets to digest.
  
  It took me a few years to get around to rereading this, but I am reminded of the value of including this little volume into my advent preparations. In the Introduction, Timothy J. Keller summarizes the book in this way: "In this book I hope to make the truths of Christmas less hidden. We will look at some passages of the Bible that are famous because they are dusted off every Christmas, at the one moment of the year when our secular society and the Christian church are, to a degree, thinking about the same thing. In the first chapters of the book, looking at the gospel of Matthew, we will learn about the gits God gave us at Christmas. In the following chapters, focusing on the Gospel of Luke, we will consider how we can welcome and receive those gifts.
  My hope is that, when the reader is done, the true meaning of Christmas will not longer be hidden."
  He nailed it!
• 
  Joellen

  2nd read through and I loved it even more!!! I think this could be used for a dual purpose: something to read at Christmas to help celebrate The Reason :) and secondly, I think this so clearly and wonderfully explains The Gospel, it would be great for any new Christian or those contemplating Christianity and its implications for humanity to read!!
• 
  Stephen

  Excellent way to get some perspective away from all the "Xmas" madness.
  
  http://khad.com/post/196009755/xmas-a...
  
• 
  Nathan Farley

  I’ve been a disciple of Jesus for ten years. I’ve been attending worship gatherings for even longer — which means I feel both nostalgic and a little bit bored when I read the classic Christmas passages.
  
  This book helped me sit in awe and wonder at the Christmas story. It’s true! It’s really true. And the way Tim Keller takes these familiar passages, but forces you to slowly digest them is astounding.
  
  I nearly wept at his chapter on the genealogy of Jesus. I mean COME ON! Only a masterful writer could do such a thing.
• 
  Connor James

  4.5/5- I didn’t finish this book in time for Christmas, but the Gospel is all year long!!
• 
  Ana Paula Nunes

  Esse livro foi muito melhor do que eu já achava que seria. Keller nos conduz a conhecer mais da Palavra e adorar ao Senhor por enviar seu filho, k Natal. É também um livro evangelístico e de fácil leitura e entendimento para descrentes.
  Eu amei!
• 
  Laurel Hicks

  A wonderful preparation for the Christmas season.
• 
  Peti

  Počas sviatkov 2020 sme mali ešte o čosi väčšiu príležitosť uvedomiť si, o čom sú Vianoce skutočne, vo svojej najhlbšej podstate. Som vďačná, že som na túto knihu natrafila práve tento rok. Moju pozornosť sa mi aj vďaka nej podarilo upriamiť na podstatu. Aha, a ešte to, že myslela som si, že vianočný príbeh a súvislosti okolo neho poznám už celkom dobre. Dozvedela som sa však viacero objavných záležitostí. Odporúčam.👌🏻
• 
  Rachelle Cobb

  As always, Keller makes me think … this time, about Christmas, in new ways!
• 
  Daniela Ricean

  Highly recommend it!
• 
  Linz

  So so good!!!! I’ve never read any of Timothy Keller’s books but I’m a fan now. So many good insights!
• 
  David Zimmerman

  It is always enjoyable to read after someone who can put timeless truth into a contemporary context without damaging that truth in the process. Tim Keller succeeds in this short read time after time. He breathes fresh life into the Biblical account of the Birth of Jesus, not in the touchy-feely way so common in modern evangelicalism, but by magnifying great doctrines - the sovereignty of God, the incarnation, the Trinity, and more. With clarity and insight, Keller restores the AWE that belongs in Christmas.
  
  Expository preachers familiar with a Christ-centered approach to sermon preparation will relish the way Keller wraps each chapter around a fallen condition of humanity, zeroes in on one central idea of the text, and with precision connects them to the Gospel, stimulating the mind and touching the heart like a modern-day Spurgeon. His intent is impossible to miss; he is seeking the lost, while trying to ignite fresh passion in lukewarm Christians for the message and mission of Jesus Christ. This is writing (and preaching) that could ignite revival, if only we had more of it.
  
  I like reading Keller, but this volume exceeded all expectations. I cannot recommend it too highly. It is one of those of those rare gems that not only sharpens the mind with truth, but also compels the reader to bow his head in worship. Not once or twice, but over and over again.
• 
  sydney

  A reviewer on Amazon said this book was the Gospel wrapped in the story of Christmas, and I could not agree more.
  
  I have loved my recent reads of sweet Christmas romances but I wanted something to remind me about the truth of Christmas, and this was the most perfect timely read. It was convicting and encouraging. It’s short, but packed with theology written in a way that is easy to understand. Not a single page of this book was wasted. What I love about this book is that even though it’s technically a Christmas book, you could read it at any point because the birth of Jesus is evergreen. Understanding the circumstances of his birth is crucial to getting the full picture of the Gospel. I encourage you to pick this up in the coming year if you aren’t able to get to it before Christmas. New believers and old believers alike will be able to learn something from this book.
  
  This is the first book I’ve read by Timothy Keller but I’m excited to look at some of his other books in the future.
• 
  Mark Schleier

  Simply amazing. I'm a huge Tim Keller fan, and this book has completely transformed the Christmas season for me. I will read and re-read this for years to come.
  
  Book rating criteria; to help objectify my ratings.
  1. I would read again?
  Yes... I'm planning to read it again this season and every Christmas from here on. Such a beautiful book.
  
  2. I would recommend to others?
  Yes, anyone who celebrates Christmas should read this book. Anyone who wants to take their perspective of Jesus to the next level should read this.
  
  3. I am smarter, better or wiser as a result of this book?
  Yes.
  
  4. I was entertained while reading this/it kept my attention?
  Yes, very quick and delightful read.
  
  5. This book was just the right length?
  Yes.
• 
  Jordan Shirkman

  Based on my GoodReads history you can already imagine what I’ll say, so lest this space become a mere bathroom stall with graffiti reading “Pick up Keller for a good time...” I’ll leave this gem from the book, showing Keller’s ability to weave humor into his gospel meditations:
  
  Imagine opening a present on Christmas morning from a friend—and it’s a dieting book. Then you take off another ribbon and wrapper and you find it is another book from another friend, Overcoming Selfishness. If you say to them, “Thank you so much,” you are in a sense admitting, “For indeed I am fat and obnoxious.”
  
  Incarnation goodness, the model of Mary, and the reason why we need Christmas.
• 
  Glenn Crouch

  This is a marvellous, easy-to-read book that does emphasis well the Joy of the Incarnation. If you are wondering what Christmas is all about from a historical Christian viewpoint and whether it has value for the modern person, then this book is for you. It is also good for those of us who celebrate the birth of our Lord every year, as there are many aspects that we either forget, or just take for granted - and this book strong emphasis on Grace is welcomed, and renews the Joy and Peace of that birth so long ago.
  
  Highly recommended!
• 
  May

  I would give this a 4 1/2 if I could. It was an excellent and thoughtful take on the vital and miraculous incarnation. Reading this and hearing my pastor preach the advent/Christmas messages was super complementary. Keller does not disappoint in the usual readability of his writing, references to other literature, as well as having a relevant connection to our current culture.
• 
  Grace

  I read most of this book in one sitting. It's so simple, not flowery or hard to understand, but so profound at the same time. I'll probably return to it again in Christmases to come, since it isn't a huge time commitment, and I could probably read it every year for the rest of my life and still not totally grasp the truths Keller lays out.
• 
  Gareth Davies

  I wrote this in 2021: I first read this book 5 years ago when it helped me through a very difficult Christmas. Full of truth and grace and shows that the message of Christmas is more wonderful than we could ever imagine. Throughly recommended.
• 
  Sarah

  A compact book brimming with hope from solid biblical teaching. I truly enjoyed reading it this Advent, and will continue to read it in Advent seasons to come. Deep insights helped me learn more from the Christmas story and gave me much to apply in my spiritual walk. Highly recommended read.