For the past decade or so, I have been working on a book in my scant spare time. It was a book that examined the story of the birth of Jesus as told in the Gospel of Luke and struggled with a number of historical puzzles that arise from it.

I have now finished this book and published it under the title, “Caesar’s Census, God’s Jubilee” and I want to take this opportunity to recommend it to you. It may give you some wonderful new perspectives on the Christmas story as you look forward to preaching on it and reflecting on it this year.

This is not a conservative book – not in its theology nor in its approach to the Bible – and I realize that some may not agree with some of what I say because of that, but it is a book that goes out of its way to try and respect the original message of the author of the Gospel of Luke and to take seriously the historical situation that Luke describes at the time of the birth of Christ. I think you will enjoy reading it.

It also includes many passages that may help you to reimagine the story in a different light based on the historical setting.

The book is available only as an ebook but you can find it at most online retailers. Here are a few links:

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/359285(This is the publisher and will offer you the book in multiple formats for reading on multiple devices)

Amazon Kindle: http://www.amazon.ca/Caesars-Census-Gods-Jubilee-ebook/dp/B00FFEXI00/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1381850928&sr=8-1&keywords=caesar%27s+census

Apple iBooks (Search for the title within the app)

I would especially like to ask for your help spreading word about this book. Would you consider

·         Telling others about this book: Text, tweet, email, post on facebook, talk to people about it, include a notice in a bulletin or newsletter. Anything you can do to let people know I would greatly appreciate.

·         Even more important, go on Amazon, Kobo or wherever you have or are willing to make an account and rate and reviewthe book. I only ask for honest reviews, of course! A review or two makes a big difference when people are considering buying a book. In fact, if anyone is willing to promise me that they will write a review, let me know and I will send you a coupon code to obtain the book for free from the publisher. I’m that sure that you’ll like it.

Thanks for your support

Scott