The glory of Christmas comes to life in this inspiring musical by Lloyd Larson. Through a blend of familiar carols and original songs, choirs and congregations alike will experience the beauty of the incarnation story as if theyre experiencing it for the first time. This versatile work may be presented in multiple segments over the Sundays of Advent or as a single presentation, and will be equally effective with piano accompaniment or the full orchestra option (live instruments or accompaniment track). The script for two narrators is scripturally based and seamlessly weaves in and out of the music to provide an inspiring worship experience. Opportunities for the congregation to sing familiar carols as well as the availability of both SATB and SAB editions ensure that this resource is suitable for choirs large or small.

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.

When was Christmas first celebrated? How did December 25 become the date for the feast? How did the Bible’s “magi from the East” become three kings named Melchior, Caspar, and Balthasar who rode camels from three different continents to worship the newborn Christ? How did the Feast of the Nativity generate an entire liturgical season from Advent to Candlemas? Why did medieval and Renaissance artists portray Joseph as an old man? When did the first Christmas music appear? And who was the real Saint Nicholas? These and many other questions are answered in this revised and expanded edition of The Origins of Christmas. The story of the origins of Christmas is not well known, but it is a fascinating tale. It begins when the first Christians had little interest in Christ’s Nativity, and it finishes when Christmas had become an integral part of Christian life and Western culture. The Origins of Christmas covers a variety of topics in a concise and accessible style, and is suitable for group discussions.

Christmas is a Supernatural Invitation to Divine Encounter! More than gifts and celebrations, even beyond Bethlehem, the shepherds, and wise men, Christmas is about the glory of Heaven coming to Earth in the person of Jesus! This unique Advent devotional pulls back the veil on the wonder of the incarnation! Featuring contributions from bestselling authors and Spirit-empowered teachers, each of these 25 daily Advent devotionals leading up to Christmas is a unique revelation of the glory that was released by Jesus' birth! You will: Experience a fresh visitation of God's Presence through secrets hidden in the birth of Jesus. Birth the purposes of Heaven on Earth by saying a "Yes" to God's supernatural call--just like Mary did. Have a front-row seat on the move of God by tracing the prophetic and revelatory patterns hidden in the Christmas story. Encounter Jesus in powerful new ways and experience the fullness of the glory that Christmas made possible! Also featuring new devotionals from: Kevin Zadai, Ana Werner, Patricia King, Daniel Kolenda, Katherine Ruonala, Robert Henderson, Joshua Mills, Norman Benz, Kyle Winkler, Tim Sheets, Brian Simmons, and Pat Schatzline.

What does the Bible really say about the birth of Jesus? How did the celebration of Christmas become associated with things like Santa Claus and decorated trees? In The True Meaning of Christmas: The Birth of Jesus and the Origins of the Season, biblical scholar Michael Patrick Barber offers an inspiring look at the Bible's accounts of Jesus' birth and the development of the Christmas season. Along the way, he answers numerous questions, including: How is the Christmas story related to ancient Jewish expectations?Why is Jesus said to be laid in a "manger"?Who are the Magi?What is the mysterious Christmas star?How did December 25th become the date of Christmas?How did Saint Nicholas become "Santa Claus"? As Dr. Barber will show, to find our way "home" at Christmas, we need to first return to Christmas's home in the story of the Bible. Only by carefully reflecting on the stories of Jesus' birth can we hope to celebrate Christmas in the way it is meant to be celebrated and discover the real joy it promises!

Theophanies, or manifestations of God, occur throughout the Old Testament. In this in-depth look at God's self-manifestations, Niehaus reveals their unity and how they relate to and differ from ancient Near Eastern myths and legends. *Lightning Print On Demand Title

Who is Jesus Christ? You've never met him in person, and you don't know anyone who has. But there is a way to know who he is. How? Jesus Christ-the divine Person revealed in the Bible-has a unique excellence and a spiritual beauty that speaks directly to our souls and says, "Yes, this is truth." It's like seeing the sun and knowing that it is light, or tasting honey and knowing that it is sweet. The depth and complexity of Jesus shatter our simple mental frameworks. He baffled proud scribes with his wisdom but was understood and loved by children. He calmed a raging storm with a word but would not get himself down from the cross. Look at the Jesus of the Bible. Keep your eyes open, and fill them with the portrait of Jesus in God's Word. Jesus said, "If anyone's will is to do God's will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority." Ask God for the grace to do his will, and you will see the truth of his Son. John Piper has written this book in the hope that all will see Jesus for who he really is and will come to enjoy him above all else.

This exquisite four-color 30-day devotional book will help your members remain focused on the advent and birth of Jesus by illuminating the reality of GOD WITH US. Members, seekers, and the unchurched will find inspiration and hope through focusing on Emmanuel: The Glory of Christmas. MAKE CHRISTMAS 2007 be about Christ! How it works: 1. 40 days before Christmas- Members begin outreach blitz distribution with Emmanuel: The Glory of Christmas. Have your members identify individuals (family members, friends, acquaintances, neighbors, store clerks, etc) to invite to Christmas services by giving them a copy of Emmanuel: The Glory of Christmas. (You may choose to place a label on the back or inside front cover displaying a written invitation that includes service times, location, phone number and website.) 2. 30 days before Christmas- Have every member & attendee begin 30 committed days of devotion using Emmanuel: The Glory of Christmas. 3. Christmas Service- Celebrate Emmanuel: The Glory of Christmas with all those who have been inspired to attend your Church by the outreach and love shown by your members and through the gift of Emmanuel: The Glory of Christmas. SPECIAL OFFER! 50-200 copies $1.49 each 250+ copies $.99 each Must order at least 50 books and orders must be placed in quantities nearest multiple of 50. (i.e. 50, 100, 150, 200 . . .)

Celebrate the Christmas season with this beautiful and heartwarming nativity retelling from beloved, bestselling author Glenys Nellist. Told in the style of the classic ?‘Twas the Night Before Christmas poem, make this read aloud your new holiday tradition. ‘Twas?the Evening of Christmas shares the glorious nativity story of baby Jesus, the King of Kings! Written in both prose and poetry, this beautiful picture book will engage children and adults alike and become a new holiday tradition for families everywhere!? ?‘Twas?the Evening of Christmas: Is a wonderful holiday read aloud for children ages 4-8? Shares the powerful message of Jesus and his miraculous birth Features beautiful artwork by celebrated illustrator Elena Selivanova? Serves as the perfect gift for the family as you prepare for the Christmas season? Presents portions written in the familiar rhyme scheme of Clement C. Moore’s?‘Twas?the Night Before Christmas? Makes a great holiday, Christmas, or Advent, gift for readers young and old? Is the perfect addition to a Sunday school or children’s ministry lesson, classroom setting, or homeschool library Join Glenys and families around the world as you and your family celebrate the arrival of God’s son, Jesus.? Look for additional inspirational children’s picture books from Glenys:? ‘Twas?the Morning of Easter? 'Twas?the Evening of Christmas? Snuggle Time series? Love Letters from God series

In his powerful yet compassionate voice, Pastor Rick Warren tells the most wonderful story of all - the story of God come to earth in the form of a human infant. Warren goes back to that day long ago when the baby Jesus was born in the manger. In this clarion call to 'remember the reason for the season', readers are taken back in time to the simple origins of a baby who changed history forever. Warren gives readers an intimate look into his family heritage as he shares the fifty-year-old Warren Christmas tradition of having a birthday party for Jesus. Through stirring imagery and compelling insights, this book celebrates the significance and promise of this cherished holiday.