Father Peter Bertolero first wrote last year
to tell me of his book GreenTree. I think many visitors who find
themselves browsing my Christmas pages may well be seeking the kind of
observational information Dr. Bertolero writes about in his book
GreenTree. GreenTree captures the essence of many Christmas traditions and
celebrations.
He wrote 'Should you be interested in more information on Christmas
traditions, and if there is any chance that Jesus was born on December 25th,
for instance, or if the use of Christmas greenery such as holly, and
evergreen trees is ok ....interesting stuff like this, not argued for
over the past 50 to 100 years, is in the book. It is very empowering for
those families who want to deepen their Advent and Christmas observations,
and helps them celebrate the birth of Christ more festively. You can read
about the book on our web page
http://www.fcgcchurch.com/ '
So, yes I was interested in Dr. Peter Bertolero's thoughts and
observations and here below with Peter's permission, is a copy of his
article describing his GreenTree book.
Have you ever wondered if Christmas trees have
any place in the celebration of Christ’s birth? Is there
evidence to prove that Jesus was actually born on December 25th
or did the early church really borrow that date from a pagan
celebration, as many believe? How can we avoid the materialistic
influence of our world during the Advent season and yet still
enter fully and joyously into the celebration of Christmas?
The
answers and truths presented in GreenTree might surprise you. It
gives the reader a deeper understanding of the traditions and
symbols of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany,
as well as a 'how to'
manual for those desiring to observe the Christmas holidays more
meaningfully.
GreenTree is a rich and practical resource that will bring
lasting meaning to the observance and celebration of Christmas. The glossary alone is a wealth of information, citing the
history behind many beloved Christmas carols, decorations, and
holiday traditions. GreenTree welcomes you to a world of
Christmas hospitality and joyous truths, helping you keep the
light of Christ burning more brightly in your home this Advent
season, and for generations to come.
Dr. Pete Bertolero is both a theologian and Pastor of 25 years
of a dynamic and growing church, the Fresno Christian Growth
Center, in Fresno, CA. His three doctorates include theology,
philosophy and Christian leadership. His GreenTree writing style
is enjoyable yet unique as is also evident in the family
devotionals and valuable pastoral resources he has created.
Pastor Pete's Advent, Christmas and Epiphany sermons have
sparked a renewal in many families toward making their 'Christmassing'
more Christ-centred, Biblical, and fun.
Dr. Bertolero and his wife, SueJae, live in Fresno and are the
proud parents of three teenagers.
How to make Advent and Christmas Celebrations more meaningful,
festive and Christ centred.
An easy to follow format for weekly devotions to
deepen a family's understanding of Christmas
The real meaning of Christmas traditions, decorations and the
ancient OT metaphor for curse - breaking and restoration - the
Evergreen tree!
Valuable glossary and resources for parents, pastors, and Bible
study leaders.
Countess Maria Hubert von Staufer - world historian on
Christmas and author of Christmas Archives International has recently
reviewed Pastor Pete's book - GreenTree. There is virtually no other more
respected or knowledgeable authority on International Christmas Traditions
than the Countess. If you don't have a copy yet, and you would like to know
what the countess is raving about, pick up a copy from the
FGC site or use
the address details below.
The comments below on GreenTree are by Countess Maria Hubert
von Staufer a world authority on Christmas...
'I rarely review Christmas books by other authors. I
suppose, having studied the Festive Season in all its facets for some thirty
years or more, I have become a little particular in my choices! Call
it inverted snobbery if you will! Many books are re-writes of information
which has been previously published, just taken from the previous generation
of books, and without any new or original research to verify the old facts.
Our Victorian fathers were great historians and innovators. Many
wished to get down the facts of Christmas (and other festivals of course)
before they died out. The Reformation and the later Civil War in the
16th-17th centuries meant that many of our customs
were banned as ‘pagan’. Sacramentals, that is, church ceremonies which
became customs, were forgotten for several generations, their religious
significance lost and only the bones of a tradition left which no-one knew
the reason behind. This then was the noble desire of the late 18th
and early 19th century gentlemen, many of them clerics.
They wrote books on customs, music, costume, dances, everything imaginable
to prevent so much of our colourful history and custom being lost forever.
However, in several instances, facts were erroneous, taken from a scanty
reference, and with no means available to them to cross-reference, these
facts stood for all time as true. I have spent half a lifetime
catching up on all the cross-referencing! And even then it is
impossible to get all the facts right!
So this is why I am sceptical about recommending books. But so many
have asked me to do so that I have begun to look for suitable titles to
recommend.
So, here is the first of my recommendations: GREENTREE - A book about
Christmas for those who desire to celebrate the Christmas season in a
deeper, more meaningful and festive way by Dr Pete Bertolero.'
End of Countess Maria's GreenTree book review.
The Countess also has an
amazing website on Christmas, full of her comprehensive research on
Christmas traditions around the world.
My thanks to Father
Bertolero for his help in introducing you to the Christmas book GreenTree.
To buy the book read the information in this box directly below.
We DO NOT sell this book from this website. You
can obtain it from details shown below.
ORDER THE BOOK GREENTREE FROM:-
Fresno Christian Growth Center
Christian Growth Resources
3385 East Shields Ave.
Fresno, CA. 93726
PLEASE NOTE:- This is a review page of the
worthwhile book GreenTree and you must contact the telephone
numbers or website links in this box to obtain the book which is
priced at $19.95.
We DO NOT sell this book from this website.
You can obtain it from the details shown above
Page added 10 December 2006. Ref P619
See Topics Below for More Ideas onChristmas Traditions, Customs, and Recipes
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