Christmas Eve Celebration

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.In this updated translation, we see Schleiermacher's relational sensibility in vivid color, the characters breathing with joy and life as they each contribute to what amounts to a discourse on Christian love. Tice's expertise as a translator makes the reading smooth and accessible, and his introduction and critical notes provide helpful references and commentary for readers looking for further depth. This edition is surely to become the standard, placing us in debt to Tice once again.--Thomas E. Reynolds Emmanuel College, University of TorontoSchleiermacher's Christmas Eve is perhaps the best text to use in introducing the great theologian's thought to students at every level. In it, most of the major themes distinctive to him are presented in an accessible and engaging way. Terrence Tice's able translation is quite readable, the introduction and notes extremely helpful. To have this gem in print and readably available is itself a cause for celebration.--Ted VialIliff School of TheologySchleiermacher's Christmas Eve Celebration is a lovely contribution to the literature of Christmas and of Christian joy. Terrence N. Tice's modern rendering of the text makes it available again to contemporary readers, with excellent critical commentary and an insightful introduction that sets the work in the context of Schleiermacher's life and thought. Tice's wonderful addition to Schleiermacher's works in English promises to capture a wide readership for this theologically rich and deeply moving Christmas meditation.--Christine HelmerNorthwestern UniversityFriedrich Schleiermacher (1768-1834) is widely reputed to be the father of modern theology. This means that the results of his intensive historical-critical examinations of Christian Scripture and tradition either have positively influenced or have had to be contended with by a very wide range of thinkersSchleiermacher served as a pastor during his entire adult life. He was cofounder of the University of Berlin, established its famous theology department, and taught both theology and philosophy there.Terrence N. Tice, the translator, is a world-renowned interpreter of Schleiermacher's life and works. He is Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at the University of Michigan and now teaches at Iliff School of Theology in Denver, Colorado. He has already translated numerous works by Schleiermacher. His newly revised editions of several other major works by Schleiermacher are to appear shortly, including a first-time presentation of all three editions (1799, 1806, 1921) of On Religion (Cascade Books).