Joy to the World

Dr. Scott Hahn is well known as both a leading Catholic speaker and writer and a Biblical scholar. In many of his works he applies keen scriptural exegesis and demonstrates how this is compatible with Catholic teaching and “Joy to the World” is no exception. In this work he examines the Christmas story form the point of view of the accounts of St. Matthew and St. Luke and devotes a chapter to each of the major aspects of the story: the genealogies, Mary, Joseph, Bethlehem, shepherds, Magi, the Presentation on the Temple and flight into Egypt (both are part of the Infancy narratives). The two final chapters are more theological, focusing on why we need a savior and looking at the historical reasons we celebrate Christmas. Warning here: if you think the only reason why Christmas is celebrated is to rid the world of pagan holidays as is often the common thought—you’ll be disappointed, but you’ll leave with a greater appreciation for this liturgical season. He also cleverly compares some of the major Church heresies with the Grinch who tries to steal Christmas (I’m sure he’s referring to the classic cartoon version and not the Jim Carey version) and Scrooge who tries to downplay its importance. This book is an enjoyable read, but it’s probably best not to read it in one sitting. My choice was to read a chapter a day as seeds for reflection. It would be great for a Bible study group or book club. For catechists and homilists, it may become an indispensable resource.

Scott Hahn is a convert to Catholicism and has written several books and spoken to large audiences.He makes the reader pay attention to the greatest single event in history.And he backs it up with reason and bible verse.I'm not a big reader, but this has grabbed me.And it's a book that you can lend out because the story never gets old.You definitely want ot get the hard cover!Bill

Scott Hahn’s Joy to the World is a surprisingly subtle book on a subject you would think we all know everything about, Christmas. Hahn takes us through all the elements of Christmas: the Christ child, Mary and the Annunciation, St. Joseph, King Herod, angels, shepherds, Bethlahem, the Magi, and so on. But in almost every chapter there is some enlightening new information or perspective that I never knew or never thought about. The book is truly rich.But Hahn always emphasizes the most salient fact of Christmas. Christ’s birth is monumental. It is the incarnational entrance of God into world, the one and only time in human history. And with Christ’s entrance, the world is renewed. The fall from Eden will be reversed. That is the reason for our joy, which is reflected in the book’s title. That is why we celebrate Christmas.All the chapters lead to Hahn’s central theological question. Why did God enter the world and enter it as a babe, no less? God became man to (1) to save us as part of mankind, therefore redeeming mankind, because it was mankind that lost salvation, (2) to show us that God is love, (3) to reveal that God is a family of persons bound in love of which we are supposed to emulate, (4) to draw us close to Him since He took on physical presence, and (5) to show us that God can humble Himself to come as a babe that requires love and care.And finally concludes with a return to his central thesis of joy as what makes Christmas is so very special to us and to the world. So we should spread this joy, despite the commercialism twist that Christmas has taken the last hundred years. Hahn is not afraid of the commercialism. In its own way, it’s “an acknowledgment of Christmas joy. It’s the market’s awkward attempt to join the party and capitalize on joy” (p. 166). And why is Christmas joy so important?<blockquote>Because the world offers countless pleasures, but no lasting joys. What Jesus Christ gives is joy, even in the midst of hardship and sorrow—even amid persecution, flight, and exile. (p. 165)</blockquote>It is amazing how people can be secular all year long but celebrate Christmas. In Christmas those people come the closest to tangibly experiencing Christian jubilance, but it still falls short of full mystical joy. This is our calling as Christians, to bring people to this joy.

Excellent work by Dr. Hahn.My only issue is that he never addressed the issue of Hell. Yes, the reason for the season is Jesus but what's the reason for Jesus?To save us from the fires of Hell. That's it. Christmas is about Hell and saving us from them. Christmas is about joy and family but the MAIN REASON IS A SAVIOR.Merry Christmas!!

The author said in an interview that this book began as a scholarly work but quickly turned much more personal. It contains wonderful meditations on the whole Christmas story. No element is unaddressed: Mary, Joseph, the Holy Family, the angels, the shepherds, the Magi, and more. Throughout, Hahn, in this beautifully written book, skillfully weaves together scripture (Old and New Testaments) history, scholarship, meditations, and personal stories & reflections, seamlessly. Particularly relevant for Advent or the Christmas season, it certainly can be read with profit anytime.

Scott Hahn did it again, he explains and breaks down theological, historical and biblical explanations in a very easy way. I wish I'd have a Scott Hahn commentary to every book in the Bible. I have such a better understanding now of the Nativity, of why the Gospel writers focus on what they focus, and at the same time, and of the linkage between the Old Testament and the Nativity. He writes in such a way it is a book easy to read, but at the same time you learn so much, and the best thing of all is it made me realize that Chris'ts coming is indeed one of the most joyous events for us Catholics and Christians.

'Joy to the World' by Scott Hahn is a very interesting and enjoyable book to read on the beautiful arrangements of people, places & prophecies in the unfolding of the Christmas Story and much else besides. He sees the hero of the story as not just Jesus but theHoly Family - which makes me think of Murillo's beautiful painting in the National Gallery, London, 'The Two Trinities'.Scott Hahn has a wonderful writing style interweaving personal experience with much thought about the puzzling areas of the Christmas narrative and offers interesting and surprising solutions to some of the puzzles. It is essential reading about Christmas.

I bought this book which was recommended by the scripture scholar as an orthodox Catholic theological account of the Christmas story, unrtavelled by Scott Hahn, a formidable writer, who takes us on another journey right to the stable door with Christ.... its great too if you are giving a homily or a talk in your parish or at an event - it brings a different perscpective!!! which makes people think!!!!

An excellent read that explains the basis for Christian joy, a joy that is eternal. Scott Hahn writes in an engaging way.

Inspiration

great book