Most of the Christmas books I read are light and fluffy like a delicious sugar cookie. And if that is all you want in your holiday reading, then The Unannounced Christmas Visitor is not the book for you. But if you are looking for something more serious, something more focused on the true reason for Christmas, then you will want to pick up this book.
Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free audiobook was provided for an honest review.
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| September 2021; For His Glory Production Co. audio (9h 42m), ebook, print; Christain fiction |
Lydia and John are struggling this Christmas season. John just can't seem to find meaning in anything. He's gone from a highly productive employee to one that is inches away from losing his job. His marriage isn't in much better shape. Lydia, disheartened, seeks comfort in her church but the many hypocrisies present weigh heavily on her spirit. They are brought into sharp focus when she sees a homeless man sitting on the back row. (He tried to sit closer to the front, but the ushers/leadership worried what the television audience would think if the camera panned over him).
Lydia is drawn to this man - she has glimpsed something genuine in his worship, something she desires. She learns his name is Enoch and he resided in the city park with a group of other homeless men and women. There he shares the Good News with whoever will hear and many of those living in the park have given their lives to Christ.
If you are thinking Enoch sounds familiar, you are probably thinking of the prophet who never died. He walked so closely with God that one day he just walked into the heavenly presence of the Father. And you wouldn't be wrong that this Enoch is the same person.
A few weeks ago, I reviewed another more serious Christmas book. But unlike with that book, I didn't feel that I had to question Patrick Higgins's theology. It is solid and I feel confident in recommending it to seekers and new Christians. Even mature Christians will feel challenged by Enoch's words to live a life more closely aligned with God.
My only problem with this book is that it is a little on the preachy side. There is very little action - a few meals at the park, some Christmas family traditions, and a few interactions at church. Otherwise, it is dialogue. And at times Enoch's dialogue becomes a monologue that feels like a sermon. It's good stuff that he is saying, but I could only listen to the audiobook in short bursts of about an hour at a time. It's like when you are at a conference and there are frequent breaks between speakers so that you can digest what was said.
A. J. Macoy does a great job as the narrator. The voice he gives Enoch perfectly matches the description of the man. The main cast is small, but even the characters that only have brief appearances have their own voice and it is easy to distinguish between characters.
If you want something that will challenge you to live a deeper faith this Christmas, then you should get this book.
Buy The Unannounced Christmas Visitor at Amazon
Donna Huber is an avid reader and natural encourager. She is the founder of Girl Who Reads and the author of how-to marketing book Secrets to a Successful Blog Tour.
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