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Winter Fire: Christmas with G.K. Chesterton
It may be because I am silly, but I rather think that, relatively to the rest of the year, I enjoy Christmas more than I did when I was a child. My faith demands that such be the case. The more mature I become the more I need to embrace the joys of the incarnation. The more mature I become, the more I need to be but a child.
– G. K. Chesterton
Experience the warmth of Christmas through the winsome wit and wisdom of beloved writer G. K. Chesterton. This devotional—perfect for the Christmas season—includes selections of Chesterton’s writings, accompanied with commentary, Scripture readings, and reflections.
Be encouraged by Chesterton’s insight, charmed by the Victorian-inspired artwork, and delighted by the traditional English recipes. Make Chesterton’s poetry, short stories, and essays a part of your Christmas tradition!
A festive celebration of childlike wonder, the beautifully illustrated Winter Fire is a unique and meaningful gift.
– G. K. Chesterton
Experience the warmth of Christmas through the winsome wit and wisdom of beloved writer G. K. Chesterton. This devotional—perfect for the Christmas season—includes selections of Chesterton’s writings, accompanied with commentary, Scripture readings, and reflections.
Be encouraged by Chesterton’s insight, charmed by the Victorian-inspired artwork, and delighted by the traditional English recipes. Make Chesterton’s poetry, short stories, and essays a part of your Christmas tradition!
A festive celebration of childlike wonder, the beautifully illustrated Winter Fire is a unique and meaningful gift.
241 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
December 31, 2023
Christmas time with Chesterton! Can’t get much better than that. This is my favorite Advent/Christmas book to date. It includes 30 daily readings, essays and poems by Chesterton and classic Christmas games and recipes in the back. My wife and I throughly enjoyed it and the conversation that it fostered.
November 30, 2024
What a wonderful little book. This is now a part of my holiday traditions. It has helped me appreciate the true reason for this season all the more.
Merry Christmas to you all! Please buy and enjoy!
Merry Christmas to you all! Please buy and enjoy!
December 30, 2023
A friend gifted this book to us this advent season and it’s hard to even put into words how wonderful and transformative it was for my husband and I! It caused us to slow down, to cherish the wonder and beauty and magic of Christ + His world this Christmas, and really made us see advent and Christmas time in a different light. It changed the way we approached and celebrated this season and we started new to us traditions that were full of meaning and ones we’ll most likely do every Christmas ❤️ this book is such a precious gem!
December 25, 2023
Winter Fire is one of the rare books that would be better if a great deal of it were removed. I picked it up, expecting a collection of Chesterton's Christmas writings. And it is... but there's also a whole lot of Smith's commentary. For each of the 30 daily readings, there is a short quote from Chesterton and then a much longer discussion from Smith, which is not what I was looking for. The book also includes several of Chesterton's Christmas essays and his Christmas poems, which save the book. It is one I will add to my to-buy list, because it's easy to skip over the parts I'm not interested in. And it is a the sort of book that will look really lovely on your bookshelf.
November 7, 2023
Thank you Moody Publishers for a gifted copy of this lovely book. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
“This juxtaposition of ideas- of bitter cold and cloistered comfort- is one of the hallmarks of the Christmas season. Christmas, indeed, is a ‘winter fire.’”
Chesterton’s writing is at times dense and intellectual, but is filled with beautiful observations about the Christian life. The author of this devotional has crafted a wonderful introduction to Chesterton’s writings on Christmas through the years of his life. The book has a stunning cover and includes lovely Christmas illustrations throughout.
Winter Fire includes:
30 days of devotional readings
Poems
Essays
Short stories
Recipes
Games & Traditions
I really enjoyed this one! If you’re looking for a Christmas devotional to center your thoughts on the greatest gift, this could be the book for you.
“This juxtaposition of ideas- of bitter cold and cloistered comfort- is one of the hallmarks of the Christmas season. Christmas, indeed, is a ‘winter fire.’”
Chesterton’s writing is at times dense and intellectual, but is filled with beautiful observations about the Christian life. The author of this devotional has crafted a wonderful introduction to Chesterton’s writings on Christmas through the years of his life. The book has a stunning cover and includes lovely Christmas illustrations throughout.
Winter Fire includes:
30 days of devotional readings
Poems
Essays
Short stories
Recipes
Games & Traditions
I really enjoyed this one! If you’re looking for a Christmas devotional to center your thoughts on the greatest gift, this could be the book for you.
February 25, 2024
As an Advent devotional, some of Chesterton's included entries were very insightful. As well, sometimes the daily questions and Scripture passages complemented one another nicely. Other times Chesterton's writings, even with Smith's explanations, were quite cryptic and abstract, seemingly untethered to anything tangible. Often times such excerpts from Chesterton, the included Scripture passage, and the reflection questions were not at all connected with each other thematically, giving a very disjointed and incoherent daily reading. But as far as Advent devotionals go, this work cannot be said to be cheesy and fluffy in its content. When Chesterton hits the mark, he really hits the mark.
September 14, 2024
What to Expect
A treasury and a devotional rolled into one, Winter Fire is a compendium of G.K. Chesterton’s thoughts on Christmas. The first portion of the book is a 30 day advent devotional. Devotionals consist of a generous excerpt from Chesterton’s writing, followed by a couple pages of commentary, and concluding with a reflection section, including Scripture and a few questions for consideration.
In addition to the devotion, the treasury also includes poetry, stories, essays, and even traditional English games and recipes.
Passages Engaged
Although I haven’t read a significant body of his work, I marvelled at Manalive during my freshman year of college (and went on to read The Napoleon of Notting Hill— I think– in the same college program). Winter Fire was a delightful introduction to a wider survey of Chesterton’s writing, with Whitaker Smith’s commentary unpacking some of the denser portions of the passages.
In his expositions of the texts, Whitaker Smith offers relevant contextualization: painting the scene of Chesterton’s lifetime, while also demonstrating how these timeless ideas translate into today’s world. Chesterton’s writing is, itself, a commentary, rendering Whitaker Smith’s work something of a “meta” contribution: commenting on a commentary. But, in doing so, the author also reflects Chesterton’s wit and whimsy, even when presenting original ideas that are not within the text, itself.
Themes Explored
While some Christmas devotionals focus on Christmas-themed Bible verses: both prophetic and in the second chapter of Luke, Winter Fire takes a different approach. Devotionals conclude, rather than open, with Scripture, and begin with an excerpt from the writing of G.K. Chesterton.
Chesterton’s writings explore an array of themes but, by and large, deal with the societal and reception and treatment of Christmas. Passages discuss the commercialization of the holiday (an issue even for the Victorian writer), the magic (that is, True Story) quality of Christmas, and the immense significance of the celebration.
Treasury
The latter portion of the book features Chesterton’s essays and poems, as well as cultural fare including traditional games and recipes.
Essays furnish further context for the passages quoted. They appear, if not in the entirety (I believe I spotted an ellipsis), at greater length.
Chesterton’s poetry, like his prose, is delightful— mingling humor with beauty and powerful insight.
As I’m neither a chef nor a meat eater, I don’t intend to try out the recipes. They do, however, bring a rich flavor and historicity to the work.
The games, likewise, offer the reader an immersive cultural experience—whether they are actually being played or not.
Favorites
I enjoy Chesterton’s interaction with the ideas of stories and of “enchantment,” an idea I cannot explain without delving into commentary, myself. Rather than doing so, I’ll summarize by saying that “enchantment” is not being used in the sense of magic spells, but in the sense of wonder and miracles. Tolkien and Lewis pick up this theme in their discussions of stories, and I know Chesterton was a major influence. I found these portions to be especially powerful.
Even though the devotional isn’t a linear trek through the biblical Christmas story, it is full of profound truths that have been long forgotten, if indeed ever known, within our culture.
Content Notes
By today’s standards, this is a very “clean” work. However, I do have a few content notes for if the book is being used as a family read-aloud experience.
Two elements of note in “The Shop of Ghosts:”
First, in shedding light on materialism, the narrator starts with a list of the many things that can be bought with a halfpenny. He acknowledges “another thing, which [he] is not allowed to mention in this paper,” that costs more than a halfpenny.
Second, as the title implies, the story includes “ghosts.” These are not described in a spooky way, but are real historical figures come back to life and congregated in the shop.
For tee-totalers and vegetarians (both of which describe me), some content to note:
Chesterton has a clear fondness for his ales and beverages, which comes through in multiple passages. As for meat, in addition to recipes, there’s also a short essay, “A Turkey Reverie” (1906), which is a direct response to those who oppose eating turkey. Something I did not know before reading is that the nut meats of today were already around, during Chesterton’s time.
And, while I don’t think there’s much concern of readers trying this, we learn about a game called “Snapdragon,” where players try to pluck raisins from a flaming bowl.
Recommendation Status
Charming fare for avid Chesterton readers (and new readers, too!), Winter Fire is a timeless Christmas collection grounded in the true meaning– and power– of Christmas. Recommended as a family devotion, especially for families with older children, due to the density of the text. Poetry and games may be enjoyed by younger aged readers, although I am NOT recommending “Snapdragon!”
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. Opinions expressed are my own.
A treasury and a devotional rolled into one, Winter Fire is a compendium of G.K. Chesterton’s thoughts on Christmas. The first portion of the book is a 30 day advent devotional. Devotionals consist of a generous excerpt from Chesterton’s writing, followed by a couple pages of commentary, and concluding with a reflection section, including Scripture and a few questions for consideration.
In addition to the devotion, the treasury also includes poetry, stories, essays, and even traditional English games and recipes.
Passages Engaged
Although I haven’t read a significant body of his work, I marvelled at Manalive during my freshman year of college (and went on to read The Napoleon of Notting Hill— I think– in the same college program). Winter Fire was a delightful introduction to a wider survey of Chesterton’s writing, with Whitaker Smith’s commentary unpacking some of the denser portions of the passages.
In his expositions of the texts, Whitaker Smith offers relevant contextualization: painting the scene of Chesterton’s lifetime, while also demonstrating how these timeless ideas translate into today’s world. Chesterton’s writing is, itself, a commentary, rendering Whitaker Smith’s work something of a “meta” contribution: commenting on a commentary. But, in doing so, the author also reflects Chesterton’s wit and whimsy, even when presenting original ideas that are not within the text, itself.
Themes Explored
While some Christmas devotionals focus on Christmas-themed Bible verses: both prophetic and in the second chapter of Luke, Winter Fire takes a different approach. Devotionals conclude, rather than open, with Scripture, and begin with an excerpt from the writing of G.K. Chesterton.
Chesterton’s writings explore an array of themes but, by and large, deal with the societal and reception and treatment of Christmas. Passages discuss the commercialization of the holiday (an issue even for the Victorian writer), the magic (that is, True Story) quality of Christmas, and the immense significance of the celebration.
Treasury
The latter portion of the book features Chesterton’s essays and poems, as well as cultural fare including traditional games and recipes.
Essays furnish further context for the passages quoted. They appear, if not in the entirety (I believe I spotted an ellipsis), at greater length.
Chesterton’s poetry, like his prose, is delightful— mingling humor with beauty and powerful insight.
As I’m neither a chef nor a meat eater, I don’t intend to try out the recipes. They do, however, bring a rich flavor and historicity to the work.
The games, likewise, offer the reader an immersive cultural experience—whether they are actually being played or not.
Favorites
I enjoy Chesterton’s interaction with the ideas of stories and of “enchantment,” an idea I cannot explain without delving into commentary, myself. Rather than doing so, I’ll summarize by saying that “enchantment” is not being used in the sense of magic spells, but in the sense of wonder and miracles. Tolkien and Lewis pick up this theme in their discussions of stories, and I know Chesterton was a major influence. I found these portions to be especially powerful.
Even though the devotional isn’t a linear trek through the biblical Christmas story, it is full of profound truths that have been long forgotten, if indeed ever known, within our culture.
Content Notes
By today’s standards, this is a very “clean” work. However, I do have a few content notes for if the book is being used as a family read-aloud experience.
Two elements of note in “The Shop of Ghosts:”
First, in shedding light on materialism, the narrator starts with a list of the many things that can be bought with a halfpenny. He acknowledges “another thing, which [he] is not allowed to mention in this paper,” that costs more than a halfpenny.
Second, as the title implies, the story includes “ghosts.” These are not described in a spooky way, but are real historical figures come back to life and congregated in the shop.
For tee-totalers and vegetarians (both of which describe me), some content to note:
Chesterton has a clear fondness for his ales and beverages, which comes through in multiple passages. As for meat, in addition to recipes, there’s also a short essay, “A Turkey Reverie” (1906), which is a direct response to those who oppose eating turkey. Something I did not know before reading is that the nut meats of today were already around, during Chesterton’s time.
And, while I don’t think there’s much concern of readers trying this, we learn about a game called “Snapdragon,” where players try to pluck raisins from a flaming bowl.
Recommendation Status
Charming fare for avid Chesterton readers (and new readers, too!), Winter Fire is a timeless Christmas collection grounded in the true meaning– and power– of Christmas. Recommended as a family devotion, especially for families with older children, due to the density of the text. Poetry and games may be enjoyed by younger aged readers, although I am NOT recommending “Snapdragon!”
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. Opinions expressed are my own.
November 17, 2023
Where can you find spiritual warmth this holiday season? In Winter Fire, Ryan Whitaker Smith shares a Christmas with G. K. Chesterton.
This book is a collection of short entries to introduce you to the person and writings of Chesterton. Whitaker chimes in with his own commentary, and the result is a refreshing read for the Christmas season.
Warmth and Wonder
The book is composed of 30 daily readings, 11 poems, 5 essays, 2 short stories, 11 recipes, and 8 games/traditions. It shows Chesterton’s breadth, and Whitaker helps you appreciate his depth.
It is a joy to be warmed by a brilliant writer with a seasoned guide at your side. You will experience the wonder of Christmas like a child - and appreciate it as an adult with a heart of humility and gratitude.
I received a media copy of Winter Fire and this is my honest review.
This book is a collection of short entries to introduce you to the person and writings of Chesterton. Whitaker chimes in with his own commentary, and the result is a refreshing read for the Christmas season.
Warmth and Wonder
The book is composed of 30 daily readings, 11 poems, 5 essays, 2 short stories, 11 recipes, and 8 games/traditions. It shows Chesterton’s breadth, and Whitaker helps you appreciate his depth.
It is a joy to be warmed by a brilliant writer with a seasoned guide at your side. You will experience the wonder of Christmas like a child - and appreciate it as an adult with a heart of humility and gratitude.
I received a media copy of Winter Fire and this is my honest review.
December 30, 2023
I bought this as a book to read for Advent. It has writings from G. K. Chesterton, an author with a style and humor I like). The beginning of the book has Advent readings written by Ryan Whitaker Smith reflecting on words by Chesterton. The other half of the book contains poems, stories, and essays by Chesterton. I really loved this book. The combination of Smith's writings with Chesterton's gave me plenty to ponder and enjoy. I also love the physical book. It is a lovely edition that makes a nice gift book.
December 18, 2024
Absolutely love this book, not just for Advent, but any time of year. Each chapter begins with a quote about Christmas by Chesterton. The author then expounds on that quote, sometime explaining a bit more of what Chesterton meant. The book was written in the early 1900s and I needed some explanation. At the end of each chapter, he asks questions for a time of reflection by the reader on what was said.
The end of the book offers old fashioned pictures, recipes, games, and other items. Delightful.
The end of the book offers old fashioned pictures, recipes, games, and other items. Delightful.
January 2, 2024
Incredible collection of daily readings inspired by GK Chesterton’s work. I had no idea he’d written so much on Christmas specifically. As always, his work is full of wit and wisdom, and timeless reminders that there is nothing new under the sun. Included are also additional essays, recipes, traditions, and more, which make this the perfect Advent read for the month of December. Looking forward to taking my time reading through this again next Christmas.
February 28, 2024
A collection of Chesterton excerpts about Christmas, along with devotional thoughts based thereon by the author. 5 stars for Chesterton, 2.5 for the rest—it came across as distilled and regurgitated Chesterton; I think I found 6 quotations in one paragraph once. With respect to the author, just plain Chesterton would have been stronger.
December 4, 2023
This book is full of beauty, the words, illustrations (think vintage Christmas prints/cards), recipes, games, essays. This is one book worth having, especially in hard copy. I want more books like this! I will be reading this throughout the month of December.
December 29, 2023
I've read many advent devotionals over the years, and this is by far my favorite. In fact, it's unlike any of the others I've read, in a refreshing and witty way. Both Chesterton and Smith were very good to read. Highly recommend!
December 30, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. It was very different than many Advent devotionals I have read in the past, which is why I enjoyed it so much. Chesterton always challenges me to see life from a different point of view and it’s refreshing. I plan to read this one again!
January 1, 2024
A wonderful resource for our Advent devotional this year. Each day included a passage from Chesterton, a commentary, a Scripture reading, and reflection questions. We’ll be revisiting it as a family in years to come!
December 25, 2023
Very enjoyable
December 26, 2023
The perfect book to reflect and slow down for the Advent and Christmas season!
December 28, 2023
Fantastic! Loved it.
December 30, 2023
Will be read during Advent every year from now on.
January 2, 2024
G K Chesterton never gets old or tiring.
January 5, 2024
I LOVED this advent book!! Whitakers commentary alongside the Chesterton excerpts were lovely and such wonderful reminders for the advent season. Definitely will read this again next year!
November 17, 2024
Maybe Chesterton isn't for me....I wanted to enjoy it alot more than I did.
December 15, 2024
Content is great. Honesty I just don’t connect with Chesterton
December 16, 2024
Interesting advent readings and other stories about Christmas by G.K. Chesterton.
March 22, 2024
This Is one of the most beautiful books I’ve ever come across. It is beautiful in a tactile way-the feel of the cover and the richness of the pages. It is visually beautiful, especially the nostalgic pictures of Christmas scenes from the past. The content is beautiful, joyful, peaceful, inspiring, uplifting. It is a warm book that engenders warm-heartedness. Each of the sections is a gift. This book is a treasure all around.
For anyone who appreciates Chesterton, there is good food for thought and much to enjoy here. For anyone who loves Christmas, this book expresses some of that glow in the heart. We need more books like this one.
For anyone who appreciates Chesterton, there is good food for thought and much to enjoy here. For anyone who loves Christmas, this book expresses some of that glow in the heart. We need more books like this one.
November 26, 2024
I have not read enough Chesterton to even write a knowlegdable review but I will make a stab at it anyway. I think one would have to read several of his works in order to acquire an understanding and fuller appreciation for his brilliance. I am not there yet. Because Chesterton is recognized as one of the most prolific writers of the twentieth century, I want to read more. Also influencing my desire to read Chesterton is the fact that C.S. Lewis credits Chesterton's work, especially his book, The Everlasting Man, as having had great influence on Lewis's conversion to Christianity.
When I read about this collection of Chesterton's Christmas writings, I was expecting Chesterton's works. While each of the thirty daily readings, begins with a brief quote from Chesterton, what follows is a much longer commentary from Ryan Whitaker Smith. Granted, Chesterton's brilliance and complex writing style requires concentration and deep thought, most 21st century readers, myself sadly included, are not good at either. Smith is a Chesterton scholar, and most of us are not. But, I do believe leaving off so much commentary and just giving us a chance would have been even more enjoyable.
Also included in the book is a collection of Chesterton's Christmas essays, short stories and poems.These are wonderful! The book cover and interior design are beautiful as are the illustrations and artwork throughout. I will enjoy this lovely book for many Christmases to come!
When I read about this collection of Chesterton's Christmas writings, I was expecting Chesterton's works. While each of the thirty daily readings, begins with a brief quote from Chesterton, what follows is a much longer commentary from Ryan Whitaker Smith. Granted, Chesterton's brilliance and complex writing style requires concentration and deep thought, most 21st century readers, myself sadly included, are not good at either. Smith is a Chesterton scholar, and most of us are not. But, I do believe leaving off so much commentary and just giving us a chance would have been even more enjoyable.
Also included in the book is a collection of Chesterton's Christmas essays, short stories and poems.These are wonderful! The book cover and interior design are beautiful as are the illustrations and artwork throughout. I will enjoy this lovely book for many Christmases to come!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews