The Heart of Christmas

Max Lucado (born January 11, 1955) is a best-selling Christian author, and Minister. He was educated at Abilene Christian University. Lucado has been pastor of the Oak Hills Church of Christ in San Antonio, Texas, since 1988. He also hosts UpWords, a fifteen minute radio show that can be heard in thirty states. Lucado has authored almost 100 show more books, three of which were listed as top ten books on the Christian Booksellers Association list. His book, When God Whispers Your Name, was the number one hardcover book for eight months. His book You'll Get Through This: Hope and Help for Your Turbulent Times made the New York Times bestseller list in September 2013. He made this bestseller list again in 2015 with his title Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe and again with Glory Days: Living Your Promised Land Life Now. His latest book is Because of Bethlehem Christmas Coloring Book: Love is born. Hope is here. Anxious for Nothing, and Unshakeable Hope.. (Bowker Author Biography) show less

Bill Hybels was born in 1951 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He received hs BA degree in Biblical Studies from Trinity International University near Chicago. He also has an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Bill Hybels is the senior pastor at Willow Creek Community Church in the Chicago suburb of South Barrington, show more Ill. Hybels founded the church after surveying the community and designing Sunday morning services for non-believers, with services for believers held on another day. He is the creator of the Global Leadership Summit. His book, Rediscovering Church: The Story and Vision of Willow Creek, written with his wife Lynne, outlines the successful formula he used. His other books include Honest to God: Becoming an Authentic Christian; The God You're Looking For; Too Busy Not to Pray: Slowing Down to be With God; Making Life Work and Power of a Whisper. (Bowker Author Biography) show less

Evangelical pastor Richard Duane "Rick" Warren was born in San Jose, California on January 28, 1954. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from California Baptist University, a Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary. He worked at the Texas Ranch for show more Christ before founding the megachurch Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California in 1980. He has written or co-written several books including The Purpose Driven Church, The Purpose Driven Life, and The Daniel Plan Cookbook: Healthy Eating for Life. He has lectured as a theologian at many universities and seminaries and was chosen in 2008 by President-elect Obama to give the invocation at his inauguration ceremony. (Bowker Author Biography) show less