As this was a letter to his children, it’s nothing “special” in that it’s basically just a summary of the New Testament gospels. For a new believer, however, it would be a great intro. Still, it’s sweet he wrote this for his children and should be cherished for that.

This book is simply a letter of a father's belief written to his children! Favorite part
"That there might be some good men to go about with Him, teaching people, Jesus Christ chose twelve poor men to be His companions. These twelve are called Apostles or Disciples, and He chose them from among poor men, in order that the poor might know--always after that, in all years to come--that Heaven was made for them as well as for the rich, and the God makes no difference between those who wear good clothes and those who go barefoot and in rags. The most miserable, the most ugly, deformed, wretched creatures that live, will be bright Angels in Heaven if they are good here on earth. Never forget this, when you are grown up. Never be proud or unkind, my dears, to any poor man, woman, or child. If they are bad, think that they would have been better if they had had kind friends, and good homes, and had been better taught. So, always try to make them better by kind persuading words, and always try to teach them and relieve them if you can. And when people speak ill of the poor and miserable, think how Jesus Christ went among them, and taught them, and thought them worthy of His care. And always pity them yourselves, and think as well of them as you can."
-pg.34

A lovely book putting the four Gospels (and a little bit of Acts) into story format for children, while still retaining scriptural language. I've been wanting to read this book for a long time, but this was the first time we've read it. (So far!)

I wanted to read this before adding it to a library (and to figure out where to put it). It definitely contains a few errors (doesn't agree with Scriptures) and some questionable theology, so I wouldn't recommend you actually read it to children. (Dickens wrote this for his children and never intended it to be published. It was never edited, so he deserves a little grace, in my opinion.) It is valuable as a resource on Dickens himself though, as it reveals his own thoughts and beliefs about Jesus Christ and what he sees as the most important things to pass on to his children.

The Life of Our Lord by Charles Dickens is his retelling of the story of Jesus Christ, gleaned from the Gospels. It was written exclusively for his children.

According to the introduction in my version, Dickens forbade publication of the text and begged his sister-in-law to make sure the family “would never even hand the manuscript, or a copy of it, to anyone to take out of the house.”

The family continued to read it every Christmas and delayed publication until the last of Dickens’ children had passed away.

If he didn’t want it published, I presume he wouldn’t want it reviewed. Out of respect for his wishes, then, I offer no commentary.

This is just a check-mark. I read it.

“Remember!—It is Christianity to do good, always—even to those who do evil to us. It is Christianity to love our neighbors as ourself, and to do to all men as we would have them do to us. It is Christianity to be gentle, merciful, and forgiving, and to keep those qualities quiet in our own hearts, and never make a boast of them, or of our prayers or of our love of God, but always to show that we love Him by humbly trying to do right in everything. If we do this, and remember the life and lessons of Our Lord Jesus Christ, and try to act up to them, we may confidently hope that God will forgive us our sins and mistakes, and enable us to live and die in peace.”

The Life of Our Lord by Charles Dickens is a fascinating read. Written for his own children and never intended for publication, it remained unpublished until 1934, after the death of his last surviving son. In this retelling of Christ’s life, Dickens follows the broad outline of the Gospels but presents a version shaped by his moral vision.

Unsurprisingly, given his other writings, Dickens emphasizes compassion for the poor. However, he also places a heavy focus on good works as the means of being made right with God.
He suggests at times that because of Jesus’ good works, God would love Him as His own Son.
Even the virgin birth is omitted.
There is little mention of human sin, apart from Judas’ betrayal, and no discussion of redemption.

My edition included a foreword and appendix by James Kennedy, who generously, graciously and clearly addresses the book’s theological errors. His insights provide correction and clarification and are a great addition to the book.

Beautiful retelling of the life of Christ. Just beautiful. This will be a yearly-- maybe even monthly read for me.

I have always wanted to read this, my favorite author impressed me again. I was touched by his desire to share his testimony with his family. Such a beautiful testimony of Christ.

A condensed retelling of the New Testament in simplified language penned by Dickens between the years 1846-1849 for the purpose of educating his children. He is reputed to have read the work aloud to his progeny every year on Christmas morning. His wish that the manuscript was not to be made available for public circulation was finally broken by his descendants in 1934, sixty-four years after his death. For Dickens completists only.

A good, easy to read, timeline of our Saviors life. Not word for word from the Bible but the stories are made simple and easy for small children to understand.

This is a beautifully written story of Jesus for children. Charles Dickens was not perfect, nor am I, no one is except Jesus. This story is to set our children on a path to do the very best they can, to live and grow in a way that is pleasing to God. Also, it is to help them learn to rely on God in times of trouble and confusion. We all need direction, compassion, and a loving friend when we are crushed by circumstances.