Christmas Study

DID YOU KNOW? The Bible was not originally divided into numbered chapters and verses. This was man-made and done for convenience of looking up and referencing passages of Scripture. Paul's letters were so passionately and beautifully written as he shared Jesus Christ with everyone who might lend an ear. Over two thousand years later and his words still ring in the truth of God. The Bible is meant to be read in its complete context so nothing is missed or mistaken. Paul's books are cohesive letters, and once you experience reading each as an actual letter without the distraction of random ...

Even people who are not professing Christians think they are familiar with the story of the Nativity. Every Christmas, displays of Jesus resting in a manger populate lawns and churchyards, and songs about shepherds and angels fill the air. Yet despite the abundance of these Christian references in popular culture, how many of us have examined the hard edges of this biblical story? Timothy Keller takes listeners on an illuminating journey into the surprising background of the Nativity.

"The History of Christmas" by Howard West, a captivating exploration that unravels the enchanting tapestry of Christmas, from its mysterious origins to the vibrant celebrations that resonate across the globe. Delve into the pages of this compelling book and embark on a journey through time to discover the fascinating evolution of this beloved holiday. Ever found yourself pondering the inception of Christmas and the profound reasons behind its widespread celebration? Howard West invites you to a comprehensive exploration that addresses these very questions and more. Within the pages of "The ...

This enchanting Christmas story by beloved author and preacher Barbara Brown Taylor follows the three wise men on their world-changing journey to Bethlehem. In this beautiful retelling of their adventure, Taylor captures the power of one very special star and gives listeners a new perspective on the three wise men and their encounters with King Herod, Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus.

The Carols of Christmas is a heart-warming devotional inspired by some of the most beloved Christmas carols of all time. Inside, you’ll enjoy a fresh glimpse of some of the same joyful and nostalgic melodies you sing every year now set to personal reflections in this 28-day devotional journey.

The folklore roots of Christmas under its many other guises (Yule, the Winter Solstice, Saturnalia) is examined in a different, darker light. The Winter Solstice is a time to be afraid. It’s the shortest day of the year, the longest night. In some parts of the world, the sun doesn’t rise at all. It’s dark, and we have to wonder if the sun will ever come back at all. Christmas has always been creepy and with The Fright Before Christmas, you'll see that side. This is a book for everyone who loves a little darkness around the holidays.

Join Strobel as he invites you to push past the distractions of the holiday season and come into the presence of the baby who was born to change your life and rewrite your eternal destination: the greatest gift of all.

He sees you when you’re sleeping, he knows when you’re awake. He knows if you’ve been bad or good, so be good for goodness’ sake. This lighthearted song is a bit more ominous in the context of other Christmas traditions. From beasts that threaten to cook children into stew to sinister crones who snatch little ones from their beds, you won’t find any dancing sugar plums here. Outside of the heartwarming Christmas tales we all know and love, there are an abundance of frightening stories to chill all who hear them to the bone.

Towards the end of every year, we get in the mood for Christmas. And every 25th December, we celebrate the birth of Jesus. We eat and drink and gift ourselves. But is this what Christmas is about? H.K. Holland found himself reflecting on these questions and the result was the birth of this book. He took all the verses in the Bible that talk about the birth of Jesus, studied and examined them, to find out the true meaning of incarnation. It is only when we reflect and meditate that we can be able to understand what an event is all about. At the end of reading this book, you will have a ...

Grow close to the Lord this Advent season with 25 insightful and meaningful devotions from The Christmas Code by best-selling author O. S. Hawkins. Trace the birth of Jesus from its roots in the Old Testament to the ultimate gift of God: salvation. With a short devotion each day leading up to Christmas, this booklet will be the perfect way to keep daily focus on the true meaning of Christmas. Each day includes a passage of Scripture, a devotional thought, a Code Word, and a prayer of reflection.

Not so very long ago, Yuletide was as much a chilling season of ghosts and witches as it was a festival of goodwill. In The Old Magic of Christmas, you'll rub elbows with veiled spirits, learn the true perils of elves, and discover a bestiary of enchanted creatures. Rife with the more frightful characters from folklore and the season's most petulant ghosts, this book takes you on a spooky sleigh ride from the silvered firs of a winter forest to the mirrored halls of the Snow Queen.

In Light of the World: A Beginner's Guide to Advent, author, professor, and biblical scholar Amy-Jill Levine explores the biblical texts surrounding the story of the birth of Jesus.

A child was born two thousand years ago in a little village called Bethlehem. His birth fulfilled over 300 Old Testament scripture verses prophesying this event. Hundreds of people, royal ambassadors, kings, angels, shepherd priests, and countless others were in attendance to herald this event. Over the decades, the details have become obscured. What we celebrate in our churches at Christmas is not close to the actual details that took place. My favorite example is the innkeeper role in the annual play. What was his name? It doesn't matter; he did not exist. He is just a made up character.

Finally, all twelve months of the Women's Daily Devotional are together in one volume! Being a woman of God is a calling, and now more than ever, our quiet time with God is a necessity we cannot neglect. The Women's Daily Devotional series explores a new fruit of the spirit every month and provides Bible verses, personal stories from the author, reflection, questions, and prayer suggestions for every single day of the year. In this anthology, you'll spend about ten minutes each day checking in with the Lord and strengthening your relationship with Him. Titles include: January is Faith ...

For more than fifty years, Madeleine L'Engle has delighted and inspired readers/listeners with her warm, eloquent prose and inspirational poetry. She continues this tradition with Miracle on 10th Street, a collection of poignant writings and reflections that give listeners a glimpse of how the wonder of Christmas resonates in her personal life, which deeply involves her family and faith: "I think back to that Christmas when my husband and I did not know whether our little girl would live to grow up," she writes.

BIBLICAL ANSWERS and GUIDANCE for NEW CHRISTIANS opens up with a Heartwarming Story of Restoration. Find Answers to many Frequently Asked Questions about the Bible and the Christian Walk. ◆Explore 9 Exciting Practical and Easy-to-Understand Next Steps with Guidance for New Believers. ◆ Find a Compilation of Bible Quotations with Promises to Encourage and Uplift You in this Season. ♥ FREE BIBLE READING PLANS WITH SPECIAL BONUS GIFTS FOR YOU Finally, an Encouraging Word that YOU ARE A MASTERPIECE. Foundations are crucial for any edifice. After ministering and counseling for many years, ...

Preparing for Christmas: A Family Advent Devotional for Hope and Reflection invites families to journey together through the Christmas season with purpose, faith, and connection. This beautifully crafted devotional offers daily reflections, prayers, and meaningful discussions designed to draw families closer to each other and to the heart of Christ. Perfect for creating cherished memories, each day's devotion centers on themes like hope, joy, love, and faith, building anticipation for the celebration of Jesus' birth. Gather as a family around the table, by the Christmas tree, or during ...

Prepare Your Heart for the True Meaning of Christmas"Advent is not just about looking back but also looking forward, embracing the hope, peace, joy, and love Jesus brings." Embark on a sacred journey through the season of Advent with **"Advent With Jesus: A Bible Study Devotional"** by J.R. Heimbigner. This beautifully crafted devotional invites you to reflect deeply on the Advent season, its significance, and its transformative impact on your life. What You'll Discover Inside: A Weekly Focus on Advent Themes: Dive into reflections on Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love with dedicated devotions for ...

52 Little Lessons from It's a Wonderful Life will change the way you think about this holiday staple, from the lightheartedness of George and Mary's floor-parting dance to the poignancy of a community that rallies to save a desperate man, Bob Welch's 52 Little Lessons from It's a Wonderful Life will inspire you to live for the things that matter most.

Just as Jane Christmas decides to enter a convent in mid-life to find out whether she is “nun material”, her long-term partner Colin, suddenly springs a marriage proposal on her. Determined not to let her monastic dreams be sidelined, Christmas puts her engagement on hold and embarks on an extraordinary year-long adventure to four convents - one in Canada and three in the UK.