25 Reviews of Christmas: "The Christmas Sweater" by Glenn Beck! (repost)

Have you ever longed for something you just knew you deserved, needed, and had to have--only to be devastatingly disappointed? That's how Eddie felt that pivotal Christmas.

His cherished memories of his father and the family bakery--robbed by cancer. His family home and financial security--stolen by his mother's four jobs to keep food on the table.

Christmas is coming, again--and this time Eddie not only knows what he wants, he knows what he deserves. After all of his years of suffering and struggling to make the best of the worst situation, his sacrifices have earned him his one wish...

...a Huffy bike with a black banana seat. That one thing will bring a little bit of normal back into his life. Question is, does Eddie really know what he needs, or is he too focused on what he wants?

With the wit of Garrison Keiller and the insight and heart of Richard Paul Evans, Glenn Beck has created a heartwarming story that puts the concept of Christmas back into its proper perspective.

We live in a world of financial hardship and crisis. We've raised a generation deserving of iPods and cell phones and Xbox 360's--or so it seems. But we need, as a nation, and especially as Christians, to get back to the heart of what Christmas and family are truly all about.

This fictional story is based on true life events in Mr. Beck's life, but is so well crafted it is easy to forget this happened to a real person with real tragedy in his life. We are surrounded by the walking wounded, seeking a way back from the brink of disaster...

...and we who believe in the reason for this season hold the path to the way home. Will we stop dreaming of the glitz and glamour for the gift that is made with hands of love, or will we miss it until it is too late?

Eddie has a choice to make; we all have the same choice. This Christmas novel is so timely in its message. I'm so grateful to Mr. Beck for having the courage to share it with the world.

I can only hope its message rings out loud and clear to those who have ears to hear and eyes to see. I'm giving "The Christmas Sweater" five out of five bookmarks, with a set of knitting needles as a charm. This is one I plan on reading every Christmas season...

...to get my focus back on Whom it needs to be and to never lose heart, no matter how many gifts under the tree nor what the government pundits have to say. The joy of the Lord, not Washington, is MY strength. How about you?

Happy Reading!