Kategoria BISAC: Religion >> Holidays - Christmas & Advent

Christmas is a special time of year. Families gather for fancy feasts and presents are exchanged. But the true meaning of the holiday does not come wrapped in brightly colored paper and bows. The real gift of Christmas is the birth of Jesus; the celebration is honoring this miracle with those whom we love.
In Follow the Star, Bishop T. D. Jakes shares the Christmas stories that touched his heart and shaped his life. He colorfully recounts childhood memories and deeply personal experiences that illuminate the significance of the season: family stories about the worst of times, when...

"Celebrating Christmas" contains history, customs, commentaries, opening words, responsive readings, poetry, prayers, meditations, readings, various service elements, special services, family and fun items, and a dozen woodcuts suitable for worship service covers. In addition there are...

In these refreshingly unconventional meditations, scientist John Polkinghorne connects the perspectives of science and religion in honest and thoughtful reflections for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany. Giving new meaning to the penitence of Advent and the hope of the Christian faith, he considers God's ultimate purposes along with scientific knowledge of the fate of the universe. Complete with Scriptural references and prayers, Living With Hope encourages Christians to think about the beginning and end of the world and to come to discover what it means to truly affirm God's purpose...

In this book, James G. Kirk provides meditations to help Christians celebrate Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany. After a synopsis of the recommended Bible passage, there is a reflection, written in understandable language with real-life examples, which provide insight and direction for making the day more meaningful. A closing prayer follows. Based on Scripture readings from the lectionary, these meditations can be read by individuals or used with a group.

Advent and Christmas with the Saints offers spiritual sustenance from those holy men and women whom we honor because of their close spiritual relationship with God. Readers walk day-by-day with the saints, recalling the Scriptures they read, meditating on the thoughts they had, praying as they might have prayed, and talking openly with God. Christians looking for a way to re-spiritualize their Christmas practices, prayer groups, small-faith communities, Bible study classes, teachers, clergy, and religious will cherish this guide to refocusing on the "reason for the season," the...

Saint Pio of Pietrelcina--probably best known as Padre Pio--knew with complete certainty that at all times his place was beside Jesus, whether it be Jesus the suffering servant or Jesus the innocent babe. Providing some pre-Advent counsel, he wrote, " O]ne thing only is necessary, to be close to Jesus...." This was his lifelong quest, and his premier advice to all of his spiritual children.

"Be close to Jesus." It is good counsel for all of us as we experience another Advent. Perhaps in God's presence we are shy and reticent, or nervous and talkative, or fearful and belligerent, or...