Christmas Eve Celebration: A Dialogue in Bloomington, MN

This book is about the meanings of Christmas. It makes for a fine Christmas present—written in popular, poetic style—and is a literary classic. This little dialogue shared by women, men and children on Christmas Eve is the jewel in the crown of Schleiermacher's theological writings. It features celebrations among close friends in a traditionally decorated home—stories told by four women, doctrinal interpretations offered by four men. All these events are shared in dialogue, accompanied by singing, activities, and expressions of two young children, and exchange of homemade gifts. Beautifully written and full of evocative images, it is in effect a drama, lending itself to being read aloud. For the first time the two original German editions (1806 and 1826) can be handily compared, though without interrupting smooth reading of the final edition from start to finish. It will serve as a brief piece for reflection by students from high school through graduate school.