Putting God Back in the Holidays: Celebrate Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, Birthdays, and 12 Other Special Occasions with Purpose - Softcover

Thrasher, Bill; Thrasher, Penny

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0802486746 ISBN 13: 9780802486745

Publisher: Moody Publishers, 2010

Synopsis

Instead of the joy-filled celebrations that we build up in our minds, the holidays (pick one, any one) can often become stress-filled, money-draining, joy-less days of the year that we just "want to get through." And it is by our own volition that we have refused too many times to allow our holiday celebrations to be the spiritual experience they are meant to be.

This book has been conceived and designed over 30 years as Dr. Bill Thrasher has spoken to thousands of people, helping them realize the spiritual battle that surrounds their celebration of the holidays. Littered with practical thoughts, ideas, experiences, and stories, Putting God Back in the Holidays will help you and your family celebrate holidays and birthdays with biblical truth in mind.

About this title

About the Author:

WILLIAM D. THRASHER (B.S., Auburn University; Th.M., Th.D., Dallas Theological Seminary) has served on the faculty of Moody Theological Seminary since 1980 and on the graduate school faculty since 1990, where he oversees the Master's Program in Spiritual Formation and Discipleship. He is a frequent speaker in churches and retreats across the county. He has written numerous articles on a variety of subjects related to Christian living. His books include, Living the Life God has Planned, A Journey to Victorious Praying, Believing God for His Best, and Putting God Back into the Holidays published by Moody Publishers and he has also written How to be a Soul Physician, The Attributes of God in Pauline Theology, and Principles of Christian Living from Romans 5-8. He has written ¿Jonah¿ in the Moody Bible Commentary and has authored two online courses: Biblical Spiritual Formation and Biblical Spiritual Formation Lab 1. He is married to Penny and they have three sons- Will, Michael, and David.

PENNY THRASHER- Penny Thrasher was raised in a home given to hospitality and feels privileged to carry on that tradition, especially in hosting large holiday celebrations. She contributed to her husband's book, Believing God for His Best -- How to Marry Contentment and Singleness. Penny is in her 17th year of home schooling and enjoys serving in their church, being part of a prayer group which supports missionaries, and mentoring younger women. Bill and Penny have three sons, Will, Michael, and David.

Review:

FOR THE BACK OF THE BOOK ONLY:
This is a book that is long overdue, and I am grateful for the time and energy that Bill and his wife Penny have put into its preparation. It is my prayer that this book will help many Christians do what they sincerely desire to do: take every opportunity to receive and reflect the love of Christ to family and friends.

From the Foreword by New York Times #1 Bestselling author: Gary Chapman, Ph.D.

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This book will draw you closer to Christ and to each other and help you celebrate milestones in meaningful ways. I highly recommend it.

Chris Fabry
Author and radio host

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It’s one thing to keep your kids focused on God during Christmas and Easter, but quite another to help them see the spiritual significance of Valentine’s Day or Arbor Day.  Bill and Penny Thrasher’s book will help families think biblically about holidays throughout the calendar year.

Jim Daly
President, Focus on the Family

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FOR THE INSIDES:

It’s one thing to keep your kids focused on God during Christmas and Easter, but quite another to help them see the spiritual significance of Valentine’s Day or Arbor Day.  Bill and Penny Thrasher’s book will help families think biblically about holidays throughout the calendar year.

Jim Daly
President, Focus on the Family

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"I love holidays! They are filled with family, fun and an opportunity to step away from my “day job” for a change of pace. Yet sometimes our anticipation of the holiday outweighs the actual experience. For some, holidays are full of haunting memories of the past. So how do we make the best of holiday celebrations? Bill Thrasher has some helpful ideas that will take your holidays to the next level."

Joseph M. Stowell
President, Cornerstone University

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“We often give but a passing nod toward traditional holidays without realizing that they were intended originally to be ‘holy days.’ This book will help put devotion on the agenda for our regular rhythms of life throughout the year, a sorely needed issue for many of us.”

Josh Moody
Senior Pastor
College Church, Wheaton, Illinois

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“If you are concerned that the Christian holidays are becoming muted in the midst of the growing welter of state and national holidays—do not despair. Bill and Penny Thrasher’s Putting God Back in the Holidays shows how you can better exalt Christ through the great days of the church calendar and, likewise, infuse the secular holidays with an elevating, life-giving spirit. What a positive read this is! And, because I know the Thrasher family, I can say that they live it out. Read this book and be encouraged and enriched.”

R. Kent Hughes
Senior Pastor Emeritus
College Church, Wheaton, Illinois

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“The Thrashers have written a very valuable book to help with holiday advice and direction. An important and timely read.”

Pat Williams
Senior Vice President
Orlando Magic

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“One of the most practical books ever on relationships and celebrating God’s love through the holidays all year round. This book will draw you closer to Christ and to each other and help you celebrate milestones in meaningful ways. I highly recommend it.”

Chris Fabry
Author and radio host

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 “Holidays are often endured, not enjoyed. While anticipated, the net outcome for families today is usually fatigue and frustration. Having navigated, often unsuccessfully, my family through the maze of holidays, I rejoice in this important work by Bill and Penny Thrasher. Any parents who wishes to transform their holiday experience needs to ponder their words carefully. They speak as practitioners, not theorists. They offer encouragement, not judgment. May you find refreshment in this book!”

Paul Nyquist
President
Moody Bible Institute 

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“Holidays are some of the busiest times of the year. It is so easy to get caught up in the details of preparing for the events surrounding the holiday. Bill and Penny show how each holiday can have spiritual significance for the body of Christ as well as each of us individually. Then they give us practical ways we can glorify God through the holidays and be conforming ourselves to the image of His dear Son.”

Mike Smith
President
Home School Legal Defense Association

 

About this edition

• Publisher: Moody Publishers
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 0802486746
• ISBN 13: 9780802486745
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 256