Christmas Books

Bishop Robert F. Morneau

Daily Reflections for Advent and Christmas 2009-2010 

Bishop Robert Morneau, author of last year's Waiting in Joyful Hope, once again helps us pause and prepare spiritually for the coming of Christ. During the especially busy Advent and Christmas seasons, this little treasure offers down-to-earth and yet deeply meaningful reflections that bring prayer and Scripture into everyday life in a thought-provoking and lasting way. Through Morneau’s insightful reflections on Scripture readings from the daily Mass, readers will grow in their understanding of the Word of God. Small enough to fit in a pocket or purse, this book is perfect for busy people who wish to enrich their personal prayer life during the seasons of Advent and Christmas.

Pub. Date: July 2009

Robert V Dodd

Advent, A Calendar of Devotions is a booklet of daily devotions for the season of Advent (the four weeks before Christmas) that helps you step back from bustle and stress of the season and prepare your heart and mind to rejoice in God's loving gift, Jesus Christ.

Each daily devotion includes a recommended Scripture reading, a Bible verse, an inspiring message, and an uplifting prayer.

Advent, A Calendar of Devotions is ideal for churches to purchase in large quantities to distribute to every adult member of the congregation and those beyond the congregation that need a message of hope, comfort., and joy. The booklet fits easily into a #10 envelope for mailing.

When ordering for your congregation, remember to secure copies for nursing homes residents, prisons, and other groups with whom you are in ministry.

Also available in Large Print (14-point type) for those with sight impairments.

Other resources for your family:
Lighting the candles in an Advent wreath at the family meal or other prayer time each Sunday and on Christmas day is a meaningful way to add to your preparation during this holy season. A variety of family Advent wreaths are available from Cokesbury.

Pub. Date:  August 2009

HarperCollins Publishers

A Classic Christmas is an illustrated gift book that celebrates the spirit of the Christmas season with selected literature and verse. With spiritual reflections from great Christian thinkers such as Frederick Buechner, C.S. Lewis, and Pope John Paul II as well as contributions in literature and verse from Laura Ingalls Wilder, Charles Dickens, Hans Christian Andersen, and Mark Twain, A Classic Christmas is sure to inspire for many years to come.

Pub. Date: October 2009

Max Lucado, Charles R. Swindoll, Anne Graham Lotz, Henry Blackaby and Richard Blackaby

Collector's Edition

Bestselling Christmas classic now a Collector’s Edition with updated design and new authors!

Max Lucado, Charles Swindoll, Anne Graham Lotz, and Henry & Richard Blackaby have combined their own touch of inspiration with the true Spirit of Christmas—the birth of Jesus Christ—and created this classic collection of stories and excerpts to be treasured for years to come.

Pub. Date: October 2009
View more by Max Lucado, Charles Swindoll, Anne Graham Lotz, Henry Blackaby, Richard Blackaby

Hank Hanegraaff

A Devotional for the Season

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 acronym C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S (Christ, History, Resurrection, Incarnation, Santa Claus, Traditions, Miracles, Advent, Salvation) is used to focus on who Christ is and why He came.

Pub. Date: October 2009
View more by Hank Hanegraaff

Rick McKinley, Chris Seay, Greg Holder

Can Christmas Still Change the World?

Each year Americans spend billions of dollars on material items at Christmas. That is a pretty weird way to celebrate the birth of Jesus, who gave up all of his riches to save the world. Christmas for Christians can be a time, however that is not a contradiction. It can be a time of worship, meaning and giving that is prophetic, powerful and transformative. In celebrating Christmas in the way of the story Christ followers are taught how to worship fully, spend less, give more and love all this Christmas and every Christmas.

Pub. Date: October 2009

Beth A. Richardson

Making Room for God During Advent and Christmas

God is waiting for you to remember.

Advent is a time to prepare our lives — hearts, minds and spirits — for the coming of the Christ child. We sweep out the corners of our hearts, cleaning up the clutter, to make space for God's hope, peace, joy, love and presence.

Great plan, poor execution.

"Advent is often the busiest time of the year," writes Richardson. "And yet, we are called to make time and space to prepare our lives for the coming of the Christ child. What a challenge. …No matter how busy we may become, God is waiting to break through our endless tasks and distractions to remind us that we are not alone."

The Uncluttered Heart offers four weeks of guided reflection through the weeks of Advent on through Epiphany. Each day provides a

    quotation
    scripture passage
    reflection
    prayer

Stop and connect with God this Christmas. Remember God as much as you can. Even unplanned pauses such as watching a child laugh at Santa's post in the mall remind you of God's presence and help you maintain a true center in this holy time. This practice is a skill developed over time and learned over a lifetime. And the gifts are bountiful.

This book includes a study guide for groups.
 
Pub. Date: August 2009

Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller and Barbara Cameron

December in Lancaster County

December in Paradise.  A time of hope, redemption, and new life.

A Choice To Forgive by Beth Wiseman.
After Daniel disappeared that long-ago Christmas Eve, Lydia built a life with his brother. But now she's a widow and Daniel has reappeared, asking for forgiveness. But can she go back to her normal life with her long-lost love as her neighbor?

A Miracle for Miriam by Kathleen Fuller.
Seth is no longer the arrogant young man who shattered Miriam's confidence and broke her heart. But can he convince "plain" Miriam that she is truly beautiful to him?

One Child by Barbara Cameron.
The birth of one child forever changed the world two thousand years ago. On a snowy Christmas night in Lancaster County, another child changes the world for two very different couples.

Pub. date: September 2009
View more by Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller,

Lori Copeland

Christmas trees, twinkling lights, skating in the park, and holiday displays are the hallmark elements for celebrating Jesus’ birth for the sentimental residents of Nativity, Missouri. Will fiscal responsibility replace Christmas their traditions when times are tough?
 
Though their priorities and methods clash, Roni Elliot and Jake Brisco want the same thing—the town to prosper. As the two get to know each other better, each begins to gain a new perspective on what the real wealth of Nativity—and the season—might be.

Pub. Date: October 2009
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Ace Collins

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas. Finding the perfect gift. Maxing out the credit cards—again. Endless baking. Surely there is more to Christmas than this.
 
Bestselling author Ace Collins wants to help you make this Christmas your best holiday ever! As he blends fascinating stories from history and spiritual truths about the holiday season, he gently guides you toward a new way of thinking about Christmas.
 
As you explore Collins’ twenty-six easy ways to revolutionize your Christmas expectations, you’ll feel yourself relax. You’ll begin to recapture the joy and magic of the season and to remember the reason we celebrate. Step by step, you’ll make small changes in your attitude toward Christmas that will yield big results.
 
Each upbeat chapter contains easy to apply ideas, from making the most of long lines and traffic jams, to discovering the deeper meaning behind common Christmas symbols. Simple tasks like mailing Christmas cards or holiday shopping that once seemed like dreaded chores will become easier and worthwhile. Collins adeptly shows how to navigate the stressors that threaten to derail the joy of the season. You’ll rediscover Christmas as it was meant to be.
 
Holiday happiness is attainable with this timely and wise book. Reading this partly devotional, partly practical, and always thoughtful book, you are only twenty-five days and twenty-six ways away from your best Christmas ever!

Pub. Date: October 2009
View more by: Ace Collins

Cindy Woodsmall

Beth Hertzler works alongside her beloved Aunt Lizzy in their dry goods store, and serving as contact of sorts between Amish craftsmen and Englischers who want to sell the Plain people’s wares. But remorse and loneliness still echo in her heart everyday as she still wears the dark garb, indicating mourning of her fiancé. When she discovers a large, intricately carved scene of Amish children playing in the snow, something deep inside Beth’s soul responds and she wants to help the unknown artist find homes for his work–including Lizzy’s dry goods store. But she doesn’t know if her bishop will approve of the gorgeous carving or deem it idolatry.

Lizzy sees the changes in her niece when Beth shows her the woodworking, and after Lizzy hunts down Jonah, the artist, she is all the more determined that Beth meets this man with the hands that create healing art. But it’s not that simple–will Lizzy’s elaborate plan to reintroduce her niece to love work? Will Jonah be able to offer Beth the sleigh ride she’s always dreamed of and a second chance at real love–or just more heartbreak?

Pub. Date: October 2009
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Myra Johnson

Graphic designer Natalie Pearce faces the most difficult Christmas of her life. For almost a year, her mother has lain in a nursing home, the victim of a massive stroke, and Natalie blames herself for not being there when it happened. Worse, she’s allowed the monstrous load of guilt to drive a wedge between her and everyone she loves—most of all her husband Daniel. Her marriage is on the verge of dissolving, her prayer life is suffering, and she’s one Christmas away from hitting rock bottom.

Junior-high basketball coach Daniel Pearce is at his wit’s end. Nothing he’s done has been able to break through the wall Natalie has erected between them. And their daughter Lissa’s adolescent rebellion isn’t helping matters. As Daniel’s hope reaches its lowest ebb, he wonders if this Christmas will spell the end of his marriage and the loss of everything he holds dear.

Pub. Date: September 2009

Melody Carlson

A well-hidden secret has haunted Colleen for twenty years. Her husband made her promise she would never speak of it again, but now he's gone and life seems so out of control. Will her fragile relationship with her adult son Jamie survive the truth she's hidden for so long?

Jamie has a few secrets of his own--like his desire to pursue his music. But as with many things in his life, it isn't going very well. Why doesn't he seem to fit in anywhere?

When Jamie announces his plans to join the military, Colleen decides it's time for the two of them to take a trip together--to Ireland. But will this trip cost her the very relationship she's trying to save? The truth they discover could change their lives in a way neither ever thought possible. This will be a Christmas they will never forget.

Melody Carlson

Christmas miracles can come from unlikely sources.

Betty Kowalski isn't looking forward to the holidays. She just can't seem to find Christmas in her heart. Maybe it's because her husband is gone. Maybe it's because she's missing her children. Or maybe it has something to do with her obnoxious new neighbor, who seems to be tearing his house apart and rearranging it on the lawn.

But when a mangy dog appears at her doorstep, the stage is set for Betty to learn what Christmas is really all about.

Pub. Date: September 2009
View more by Melody Carlson