Four youth, rehearsing a church Christmas play, are perplexed about why everyone appears so busy at Christmas. Through a series of events, the youth learn, to their surprise, that the real meaning of Christmas is God's gift of Jesus. Highlights of this drama: - Easy-to-rehearse - Simple, yet powerful message - Parts for four youths, up to ten young children and two adults - Five original songs for young singers - Complete order of worship provided - Performance time from 35 to 45 minutes Phyllis Futer is a free-lance writer and member of the Leola United Methodist Church, Leola, Pennsylvania. Her special interest is youth and children's ministry. With the assistance of church musician, Lorraine Gernert, she worked with a children's choir in creating this resource.

The bestselling star of No, David! turns Christmas traditions upside down with laugh-aloud humor. Readers of all ages will vividly remember trying to peek at hidden gift packages; writing scrolls of wish lists to Santa; and struggling to behave at formal Christmas dinner parties. Always in the background, we know Santa Claus is watching, soon to decide if David deserves a shiny new fire truck or a lump of coal under the tree. From playing with delicate ornaments to standing in an endlessly long line for Santa, here are common Christmas activities--but with David's naughty trimmings. A surefire hit that is destined to be an annual classic.

This eleventh edition was developed during the encyclopaedia's transition from a British to an American publication. Some of its articles were written by the best-known scholars of the time and it is considered to be a landmark encyclopaedia for scholarship and literary style.

The message "You matter to God" is presented using the parable of the Prodigal Son. Cartoon. Age range: Children, Youth, Adults

A short, engaging, evangelistic book, looking at the songs sung at the first Christmas Christmas is a great time to give a non-Christian friend or church visitor a short book getting to the heart of what it's truly all about. This is perfect for giving out at church events, or with a present. Music is everywhere at Christmas-chart-toppers, carols, children's tunes... Alistair Begg takes us to four songs that were sung by people at the very first Christmas (and his favourite carol). In this short, winsome book a teenage girl, a respected priest, a group of angels and an old man bring readers to the heart of Christmas, showing them the joy and peace that comes from meeting a baby who lay in the food trough and changed eternity.

A poem about the visit that Santa Claus pays to the children of the world during the night before every Christmas.

The six mean Herdman kids lie, steal, smoke cigars (even the girls) and then become involved in the community Christmas pageant.

A special new enlarged edition of the bestselling Christmas story told from the point of view of the grumpy innkeeper. When a night of angels, shepherds and bright stars keeps him from his sleep, is there anything that will cheer him up?

Twelve-year-old Eddie has always lived for fishing trips with his grandfather, idyllic day-long floats on the sweet waters of their home river. But now Gramps, the charismatic owner of a local sporting goods store, has himself been hooked by dementia: he's obsessed with catching the biggest fish in the river, and he's scaring everyone in Eddie's life half to death. This earthquake spawns numerous aftershocks, some comic: the unfortunate incident of the deceased carp; how it comes about that Eddie's dad throws up at his mom's wedding. And some dark: the climactic 60-mile river journey--one voyager perhaps mad, the other perhaps kidnapped--launches deep in the night, carrying Eddie and his grandfather inexorably to a final, fateful encounter with the Big One.

The 'Big Book of Christmas Tales' is a captivating anthology that traverses the vivacious literary landscape of Christmas narratives. Encompassing a wide range of literary styles, from the whimsical to the solemn, this collection presents an unparalleled amalgamation of stories that both illuminate and celebrate the myriad facets of the holiday season. Its significance is bolstered by the inclusion of seminal works from a pantheon of authors renowned for their contributions to literature, narratively weaving through the themes of hope, generosity, redemption, and the human condition. The diversity of tales, from Dickenss evocative portrayals of Victorian Christmases to Andersens timeless fairy tales, showcases the universal and enduring appeal of Christmas storytelling. The contributing authors and editors of this anthology bring together a veritable tapestry of cultural, historical, and literary backgrounds, united by the theme of Christmas. Their collective works resonate with various movements and epochs in literature, from Victorian sentimentalism to the poignant realism of Dostoevsky, reflecting the profound ways in which Christmas has been celebrated, challenged, and depicted throughout literary history. The anthology stands as a testament to the rich interplay of cultural narratives and individual creativity, offering a holistic exploration of Christmas through the lenses of some of the greatest writers in history. 'Readers seeking a comprehensive exploration of the Christmas spirit through literature need look no further than the Big Book of Christmas Tales. This anthology not only offers a unique opportunity to engage with the holiday season through a multitude of perspectives, styles, and themes but also serves as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling in capturing the essence of human experiences connected to Christmas. It invites readers to delve into a literary feast, promising both enlightenment and entertainment, and fostering a deeper appreciation for the ways in which Christmas has been immortalized in literature.