The Spirit of Christmas

"The Spirit of Christmas" by Henry Van Dyke is a collection of writings that include a dream story, essays, sermons, and prayers centered around the themes of Christmas and the underlying spirit of giving and love. Written in the early 20th century, the book reflects the optimistic and moralistic tones of that time, encouraging readers to ponder the significance of Christmas and its values of compassion, kindness, and community. The likely topic of the book is the exploration of Christmas ideals and how they can be lived out in daily life. The central narrative, "The Christmas Angel," presents a dialogue among angels reflecting on human suffering and the reasons for it. They discuss themes of power, knowledge, and ultimately love, arriving at the conclusion that love is the key to alleviating human misery. The child-angel introduces the idea that the Son of God will become man, bringing a message of hope and salvation. Additionally, the book contains essays that emphasize the importance of true Christmas giving—focusing not on material gifts, but on the thought and love behind them. The final sections include prayers that enhance the book's message, seeking blessings for both families and those who are lonely during the holiday season, inviting readers to embody the spirit of Christmas in their actions and relationships throughout the year. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Henry Jackson van Dyke Jr. was an American author, educator, diplomat, and Presbyterian clergyman.