Whether through a hymn, Handel’s Messiah, or the lectionary reading, the book of Isaiah provides a familiar voice for congregations during the season of Advent. So how do we create faithful, Christian interpretations of Isaiah for today while respecting the interpretations of our Jewish neighbors? Integrating biblical scholarship with pastora… Read more…
In Isaiah 9:6, a divine utterance is given to us using four royal titles--Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Names for the Messiah ponders each title and how the people understood it then, how Jesus did or did not fulfill the title, and how Christians interpret Jesus as representative of that title.Christians have claim… Read more…
Weems's lyrical poetry is a reminder of the importance of true discipleship. She challenges Christians to look past the ongoing distractions of the "busy work" of church meetings and socials, new programs and technology, and inevitable conflict, while reminding readers in her singularly expressive voice that the "institution" of the church is, at heart, … Read more…
Despite the presence of many beautiful Advent songs in many of our hymnals, most of us would prefer to skip right to singing our favorite Christmas carols. But in our rush to get to the joy of Christmas, we forget what Advent is all about--watching and waiting for the coming of a promised king.It is not about shopping, partying, gift wrapping, and vacationin… Read more…
The world is slowly emerging from the worst global emergency in a century, and the myriad struggles of the contemporary moment—division, isolation, illness, and uncertainty—make living our faith a challenge. For Christians, a number of questions have gained new urgency: Where do we find hope when it seems in such short supply? Where are the signs of God&… Read more…
How do we learn life lessons from a grumpy penny-pincher so unpleasant that dogs run from him on sight? Does Scripture suggest we all have a touch of Scrooge in us? Can we all benefit from reexamining who we've become in our own life stories? Bestselling author Bob Welch invites us to discover these questions and more in 52 Little Lessons from A Chr… Read more…
For some, Christmas is a time of excitement, celebration, and quality time with loved ones. For others, it's full of loneliness, grief, and loss. Join New York Times bestselling author Max Lucado as he unwraps the enduring promises of Christmas and discovers a lifetime of hope, all because of one baby born in Bethlehem.It's easy to lose sight of the … Read more…
Throughout the centuries, so many traditions have woven themselves into the celebration of Christmas that it's difficult to understand just what the season of Christ's birth is all about. Now beloved writer Warren W. Wiersbe and his son, fellow pastor David W. Wiersbe give adults their very own A to Z Christmas primer, cutting through the wrapping pa… Read more…
Who was in the manger that first Christmas morning? And how can we know for sure? In The Case for Christmas, award-winning legal journalist Lee Strobel tells us that somewhere beyond the traditions of the holiday lies the truth.Some say that newborn baby would become a great moral leader. Others, a social critic. Still others view Jesus as a profound philoso… Read more…
Who was in the manger that first Christmas morning? And how can we know for sure? In The Case for Christmas, award-winning legal journalist Lee Strobel tells us that somewhere beyond the traditions of the holiday lies the truth.Some say that newborn baby would become a great moral leader. Others, a social critic. Still others view Jesus as a profound ph… Read more…
The world changed forever one Bethlehem night. Best-selling author Charles R. Swindoll invites us to sit back and enjoy his personal and engaging retelling of the first Christmas story. Combining both regal mystery and humble human experience, the book focuses on the story of Gabriel, leading up to the birth of Christ. Celebrate Jesus provides biblical insig… Read more…
In our consumer culture, it can be difficult to help our kids understand the true meaning of the Christmas season. In Celebrating Advent, author Ann Hibbard has created a way for parents to set aside a daily time during Advent to talk with their kids about the spiritual meaning the season holds. She shares practical steps that you can take to make Christmas … Read more…
The Christmas Story is the story of Jesus' birth and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies can be used at Christmas and as a Bible study to use during Advent. Using traditional wording from Matthew and Luke's Gospels, and beautifully illustrated, this resource starts with the angelic announcement of John the Baptist's birth and the angel Ga… Read more…
Beloved pastor Dr. Charles Stanley takes us back to our truest and best reason for celebration—the birth of Christ. By revisiting the people and events of that first Christmas, Dr. Stanley reveals the unique lessons that long-ago starry night offers to each of us today. Such timeless truths as . . .true peace and joy are found only in Christ, not in th… Read more…
Rob Morgan's unmistakable talent for storytelling continues as he reacquaints people with the Christmas hymns that are so true to the tradition of Christmas. In Come Let Us Adore Him, Rob shares his historical findings about these great hymns, their writers and composers, and other nuggets that engage readers more deeply in the beloved music of the Chris… Read more…
Take a break from the busy holiday season to relax and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. Inside you’ll find beautiful four-color interiors featuring seasonal Scripture, prayers, and 31 hope-inspired devotions. Devotions for Christmas:Is the perfect gift for a hostess, Advent, stocking stuffer, gift exchange, or a self-purchase for men and women… Read more…
“We live between two mighty events…” Advent is as much about looking back as it is looking ahead—back to Christ’s incarnation, ahead to His return. From Heaven combines A. W. Tozer’s best reflections on these two themes to help us better appreciate the season of Advent. Each daily reading is paired with Scripture for m… Read more…
Have Yourself a Historical and Inspirational Christmas! Let the Christ of Christmas prepare your heart for the celebration of His birth through a devotional journey beginning December 1st and climaxing Christmas day. Each of the twenty-five devotions includes a Scripture reading, carol, and questions for meditation and discussion. The acrony… Read more…
Ann Spangler believes it’s possible to transform the crazy, wonderful, stressful season we call Christmas into one of greater peace and deeper joy by recovering the gift of Advent.For hundreds of years, Christians have prepared for Christmas by carefully observing the four-week season leading up to it. What’s more, when Christmas did arrive, they celebra… Read more…
In Preparing for Jesus, best-selling author and master storyteller Walter Wangerin Jr. recreates verbal images of the events surrounding the Advent of Christ, offering a devotional journey into the heart of the Christmas season. Through rich detail and vivid images, these moving meditations make Christ's birth both intimate and immediate, allowing us to … Read more…