A Christmas book review in March? What’s up with that? Well, for most Christmas books it would not work. However, A Happy Trails Christmas by Roy Rogers and Dale Evans is about the gospel even more than about December 25th, and that’s why it is a good read for Easter, too.
In A Happy Trails Christmas, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, two stars of the past, tell the good news of Jesus Christ, each in their own way.
Dale Evans talks about her family Christmas memories, about the Lord Jesus, and about the message of salvation. She talks about sin and that Jesus died for us. She tells how Christmas is not only about giving but also receiving—receiving Christ who saves us from our sins.
In real cowboy fashion, Roy goes through the Christmas story itself, adding his own personal background touches in a reverent but down to earth way. Just as there was no room in the inn for Mary and Joseph, so there is often no room in our hearts for the Lord Jesus. And that is something to think about as Easter approaches: Are our hearts too full of other things? Is there no room for Jesus?
I expected this book to be about showbiz. And it is, in some ways. There are a few photos and a few references to Dale’s and Roy’s careers. But it is so much more. It is the strong witness of people who love the Lord and want to tell others about him, not with deep arguments but with love and conviction.
This book could be a wonderful ministry tool. I’m not sure yet where my review copy will end up, but this I know: it certainly is far too valuable to sit on a shelf. It’s meant to be out and about, being read by people who admire Roy and Dale enough to listen to their message of God’s goodness in Christ.
Disclosure: This book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. and is available at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
This is yet another book in the in the 2013 52 Books in 52 Weeks Challenge, and is also linked to Saturday Reviews, Encourage One Another Wednesday, Works For Me Wednesday , and Wisdom Wednesdays.