Published in 1911, this slim book is built around a single, explosive Christmas sermon. We follow Reverend John Ward as he prepares to address his comfortable, well-dressed congregation on Christmas morning. They expect the usual comforting messages about peace and goodwill.

The Story

Reverend Ward throws out the script. He tells his flock to forget about buying gifts for each other for a moment. Instead, he asks what they plan to give to Jesus Christ on His birthday. The suggestion hangs in the air, making everyone uneasy. He then proposes his answer: the only gift that matters is the complete surrender of one's own life and will to Christian service. The sermon is a direct challenge to the era's growing materialism and social complacency. The rest of the story shows the fallout. We see the shocked reactions in the pews and then zoom in on one family, the Emersons, as they go home. Their quiet Christmas dinner turns into a deep conversation about what this commitment would actually look like in their daily lives, sparking a personal transformation that begins right there at the table.

Why You Should Read It

What grabbed me was how fresh this old message feels. Gravengaard, through his preacher character, cuts straight to the heart of a modern dilemma: how do we find real meaning in a season that's often packed with stress and stuff? The book isn't preachy in a dry way; it's urgent and personal. You can feel the tension in the room. It’s a character study in conviction and the ripple effects of a challenging idea. Reading it feels like listening in on a private, life-changing family meeting. It’s a potent reminder that the most radical Christmas gifts don’t come in boxes.

Final Verdict

This is a perfect read for a quiet December evening. It’s for anyone interested in the history of American Christian thought, or for readers who enjoy character-driven stories about faith and conviction. If you like classic authors like Lloyd C. Douglas or Grace Livingston Hill, you’ll appreciate the tone. It’s also surprisingly relevant for modern seekers feeling holiday burnout, offering a stark, short alternative to the seasonal noise. Just be ready—it might make you look at your own Christmas traditions a little differently.