Approaching Christmas

Henri J. M. Nouwen is one of the most beloved and well-read spiritual authors of our time. His works are popular among Christians of all denominations. This book of Advent and Christmas Wisdom will both challenge you and warm your heart during your annual preparation for the Lord's coming. Through the quotes, Nouwen share with the reader his own journey of waiting while seeking the Lord. Advent is that period of great anticipatory joy to prepare for the celebration of Christ's arrival in Bethlehem as a helpless infant. The date commemorating his birth begins the Christmas cycle of the liturgical year, a cycle that runs through the Sunday after the feast of the Epiphany. This book is designed to be used during the entire period from the First Sunday of Advent to the end of the Christmas season. Reflections for each day in this book begin with the words of Henri Nouwen taken from various sources of his writings. Following that quotation is an excerpt from Scripture related to the quote. Next is a small prayer based on the quote and the Scripture passage. Finally, an activity is suggested for applying the messages to one's daily life. All devotees of Nouwen will appreciate the applications made of his words of wisdom for daily living. Any Christian who is serious about his or her search for the Lord will cherish this book and want to use it from year to year.

Someone to Believe In is an original Advent course based on the classic Christmas movie Miracle on 34th Street. Through discussion of some of the themes and characters of this perennially popular film, the course helps us to think more deeply during the Advent season about the coming of Jesus, and what the Christmas story can teach us about our faith today. The course comprises four weekly group sessions which explore the following themes: – Beginning our walk of faith – Responding to challenges in our faith – What does faith mean when common sense tells us not to believe? – Understanding the gift of miracles Each session includes watching scenes from the 1947 Academy Award-winning Miracle on 34th Street (there are timing references for the DVD) and alternative options to watch scenes from the 1994 version. Each session also includes questions and reflections for group discussion, activities and suggested closing prayers. NB: DVD not included!