Christmas Joy provides stories, wisdom and experiences about finding one's soul in the midst of holiday busyness. The baby and small child serve as guide to the soul and help the adult to enter into the full presence of Christmas Spirit. Christmas Joy celebrates the worth-ship of the Christ Child as the heavenly icon of divinity touching earthly reality. Heaven and nature sing together in response.
Grow closer to the Lord this Advent and Christmas as you lift up your voice in song using this unique and inspiring devotional. From timeless hymns and classics to carols you remember from childhood, Let Heaven and Nature Sing will inspire you to embrace the spirit of the season as you await and prepare for the coming of our Lord and Savior. In just a few minutes each day, immerse yourself in prayer and reflection, guided by the lyrics and music of such seasonal hymns as “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” “Ave Maria,” “La Guadalupana,” “O Come, Divine Messiah,” “Dona nobis pacem,” “Silent Night,” “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” “What Child Is This?,” and “Go Tell It on the Mountain.” With eighteen different songs and various renditions of each, there is something for everyone in this distinctive new devotional that will have you meeting Christ in words, in silence, and in songs—both familiar and new to you. An audio recording of each hymn is easily accessed via a QR code at the end of each devotion, and the complete lyrics of each song are printed in the back of the book for easy reference. Rooted in the spirituality and traditions of the Congregation of Holy Cross, the founding community of the University of Notre Dame and Ave Maria Press, this book is affordably priced for individual and bulk purchases by Catholic parishes, schools, and other institutions.
This devotional takes a different approach than most in that each day's devotional is inspired by a different popular Christmas carol. Some relate to the meaning of the song while others turn the song into a daily life regimen that you may relate with. Still other day's will focus on history, scripture or events which every Christian should take to heart. Yet each devotional hopes to touch you in a way that each time you hear the carol you will be reminded of the true meaning of Christmas: the birth of Christ Jesus.
Christmas. More visitors and unchurched people walk through the door of a church during the holiday season than at any other time of the year. Finally, a resource for church leaders to extend the love and meaning of the Christmas season to these visitors.
Many Christians believe that they have to understand everything about their faith for that faith to be genuine. This isn't true. There are many things we don't understand about God, His Word, and His works. And this is actually one of the greatest things about the Christian faith: that there are areas of mystery that lie beyond the keenest scholarship or even the most profound spiritual exercises. Sadly, for many people these problems raise so many questions and uncertainties that faith itself becomes a struggle. But questions, and even doubts, are part of faith. Chris Wright encourages us to face the limitations of our understanding and to acknowledge the pain and grief they can often cause. In The God I Don't Understand, he focuses on four of the most mysterious subjects in the Bible and reflects upon why it's important to ask questions without having to provide the answer: The problem of evil and suffering. The genocide of the Canaanites. The cross and the crucifixion. The end of the world. "However strongly we believe in divine revelation, we must acknowledge both that God has not revealed everything and that much of what he has revealed is not plain. It is because Dr. Wright confronts biblical problems with a combination of honesty and humility that I warmly commend this book." —John Stott
Are you struggling to fully understand the true meaning of Christmas? Do you find yourself overwhelmed by the commercialism and busyness of the season? Christmas Joy: Embracing the True Spirit of the Season is here to help you rediscover the profound joy and spiritual significance of Christmas. This book will guide you through the historical and biblical foundations of Christmas, emphasizing the themes of joy, hope, love, and generosity. By reading this book and applying its concepts, you will: Reconnect with the true spirit of Christmas and experience a deeper sense of joy and peace. Strengthen your faith by understanding the biblical story of Jesus’ birth and its relevance today. Create meaningful family traditions that reflect Christian values and bring your loved ones closer together. Overcome the commercialism of the season and focus on what truly matters. Engage in community service and spread the love of Christ to those around you. Bullet Points Discover the true meaning of Christmas Strengthen your faith and family bonds Overcome the commercialism of the season Engage in meaningful community service Experience joy and peace year-round This book is an essential guide for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Christmas and live out its true spirit year-round. With practical tips, reflection questions, and inspiring stories, Christmas Joy offers a comprehensive approach to celebrating Christmas in a way that honors God and enriches your faith. Why is this book a good answer for those who need to learn more about Christmas? It provides a thorough exploration of the origins and significance of Christmas. It offers practical advice on how to celebrate Christmas in a spiritually meaningful way. It encourages readers to incorporate the values of Christmas into their daily lives, fostering a year-round spirit of joy and generosity. Call to Action: Don’t let another Christmas pass by without fully embracing its true meaning. Get your copy of Christmas Joy: Embracing the True Spirit of the Season today and start experiencing the profound joy and spiritual fulfillment that comes from celebrating Christmas as it was meant to be. Become a happier, more fulfilled Christian by applying the knowledge and insights from this book.
"For more than two decades, Wendell Berry has spent his Sonday mornings in a kind of walking meditation, observing the world and writing poems."--Jacket. This volume gathers all of these poems written to date.
How do you cope with death and loss during the holidays? What do you do when you are feeling sad, stressed, empty and lonely during Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years’ Day, Mother’s and Father’s Day? Healing during the Holidays is an essential book for everyone who is grieving the death of a loved one. It is a grief self-help guide that comforts the broken hearted and heals the wounded spirit. If you are experiencing the holiday blues, this book is for you. Healing During the Holidays shows you how to: • grieve and still enjoy the holidays. • develop an attitude of gratitude during Thanksgiving. • experience the Christmas gifts of peace, hope, joy, faith and love. • participate in a Healing Advent service that honors the deceased and our Lord. • experience God as a Mother for the Motherless and God as a Father for the Fatherless. • experience New Year’s Day by grieving the past and planning for the future • cope with special days: birthdays, Wedding anniversaries, Valentine’s day, Memorial Day. • comfort the bereaved during the holidays and beyond.