The Trip to Bethlehem reveals that the traditional Christmas story has an even deeper meaning than you might have imagined. The basics are familiar-the stable, the babe in the manger, the shepherds, the wise men following a star-in this account that blends two different Bible stories with some modern embellishments. But Hypatia Hasbrouck takes it further.Every character in the story, every animal, object, or place has a metaphysical, symbolic meaning that represents a part of your consciousness. From King Herod's ego to Mary's purity, each of us embodies aspects of the people and elements of the Nativity. The trip to Bethlehem is the interior journey we take to discover and develop the Christ that was born in each of us.

Each Christmas, adults and children alike delight at the story of the kings from the East who followed the star to Bethlehem to offer gifts to the newborn Christ. While this familiar tale is recorded in the Gospel of Matthew, another little-known version later emerged that claimed to be the eyewitness account of the wise men. This ancient manuscript has lain hidden for centuries in the vaults of the Vatican Library, but through the determined persistence of a young scholar, Brent Landau, this astonishing discovery has been translated into English for the very first time as the Revelation of the Magi. Everything we know about the wise men is based on only a few verses from the Bible. With the Revelation of the Magi, we can now read the story from the Magi's perspective. Readers will learn of the Magi's prophecies of God's incarnation from the beginning of time, their startling visitation in the form of a star, the teachings they receive from the baby Jesus, and the wise men's joyous return to their homeland to spread the good news. This ancient version of the Christmas story is guaranteed to astonish and delight. It will also raise larger questions of the significance and meaning of Christ's birth, and the mission to spread the good news to every corner of the globe. All the drama and intrigue of the brief description of Jesus's birth in the Bible is filled out in greater, more colorful detail, offering for the first time the complete story of these beloved characters.

Journey with Adam Hamilton as he travels from Nazareth to Bethlehem in this fascinating look at the birth of Jesus Christ. As he did with Jesus' crucifixion in 24 Hours That Changed the World, Hamilton once again approaches a world-changing event with thoughtfulness. Using historical information, archaeological data, and a personal look at some of the stories surrounding the birth, the most amazing moment in history will become more real and heart-felt as you walk along this road. Read The Journey on your own or, for a more in-depth study, enjoy it with a small group. Also available: The Journey: A Season of Reflections The Journey: DVD with Leader Guide The Journey: Youth Edition The Journey: Children's Edition "This book may be the greatest Christmas present of the year. Adam thoughtfully, movingly walks us through what really happened when God touched this planet. The richness of the full story will touch your life as well." John Ortberg, author of The Me I Want to Be: Becoming God's Best Version of You "If you think you know the story of Jesus' birth, think again! This wonderful book sets us on a journey to the times and characters of Christmas so that we experience the birth of Christ in our lives in a new way." Joel C. Hunter, author of Church Distributed "Adam is a pastor who has clearly walked in the footsteps of the Master. This is a timely Christmas gift for a friend no matter where he or she is along 'the journey.'" Rich Nathan, coauthor of Empowered Evangelicals 'Adam Hamilton is one of the finest pastors I know. In addition, his books have long been favorites of mine. The Journey: Walking the Road to Bethlehem will soon be a favorite of yours. Complete with a 28 day devotional and videos filmed in the Holy Land this will add a new depth and joy to your Christmas season." Bill Hybels Senior pastor, Willow Creek Community Church Chairman of Board, Willow Creek Association

Based on Hamilton's, The Journey: Reflections for the Season, this new edition contains added content to create an experience of preparation of heart and mind for Christmas. Experience the Nativity story in new ways as you take your own journey to Christmas. Walking the Road to Bethlehem combines content from Adam’s travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem, a summary of the historical and scriptural content from each chapter of The Journey, links to travel video and photographs online, Scripture, prayers and room for personal journaling. Walking the Road to Bethlehem is excellent for individual devotion and reflection and can also be used as a small group experience.

From Moab to Bethlehem...Journey to the King is an in-depth study of the biblical book of Ruth. Full of deep insights by author Cynthia Shomaker, it traces the footsteps of Naomi and Ruth and takes the reader on an inspiring journey from doubt, despair and defeat to triumphant faith and satisfying fulfillment. First taught to a small Bible study group, the 44 lessons in From Moab to Bethlehem address issues every person deals with, among them: the temptation to trust in earthly things, failed expectations, responding to loss, disillusionment and despair, past sins and other debilitating conditions, self-doubts and insecurities and false saviors. Along the way, it constantly points the reader to Jesus, the King, the true Savior and Redeemer, who much like Boaz, Ruth's kinsman-redeemer, is not only able to redeem fully, but to provide "exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think." This inspirational book challenges us to dare to leave our "Moabs" behind, venture by faith onto the pathway to Bethlehem, the "House of Bread," and find there in Christ everything we'll ever need. Terry Beh- editor Cynthia Shomaker is a former educator who now homeschools her two children in Highlands, North Carolina, where she and her husband Eric have made their home since 1993. She has been studying, writing, teaching Bible study and leading retreats for the past several years.

Experience the stories of Advent in a vibrant, new way this year as you Color Advent! In a collection of stories from both testaments, explore prophesies of the coming Messiah, the humble birth of Jesus, and the time-honored first worshippers at Epiphany. Each day has a new scripture for reflection as you create your own scenes and color a story you've known your whole life -- one that becomes more meaningful with every year. Make Coloring Advent part of your journey to Bethlehem!

Travel to Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus with Mary and Joseph as the journey is told from the donkey s perspective. Extra special treats for breakfast, new blanket, everyone packing their bags. What is going on? Who is Caesar Augustus and what are taxes? The donkey learns that he has the honor of ensuring a smooth ride for Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus. Fresh, warm, delicious straw for the donkey to eat, soft bed, and other animals in the stable. The donkey s blanket is used to swaddle baby Jesus. An angel appears to the shepherds keeping watch over the sheep to announce the birth of the Savior.

For some, Christmas is a time of excitement, celebration, and quality time with loved ones. For others, it's full of loneliness, grief, and loss. Join New York Times bestselling author Max Lucado as he unwraps the enduring promises of Christmas and discovers a lifetime of hope, all because of one baby born in Bethlehem. It's easy to lose sight of the remarkable story of Christmas. We forget that a king ordered a census, Joseph was forced to travel, Mary bounced on a donkey's back, the hotel was full, the hour was late, and the event was one big hassle. Yet, out of that hassle, hope was born. In Because of Bethlehem, Max invites us to look at the Christmas story from a different perspective. He reminds us that Christmas is about more than a pretty tree with presents piled up underneath it. Christmas begins what Easter celebrates: the child in the cradle who goes on to become the King on the cross. Because of Bethlehem, we have a place on earth and a Savior in heaven. In the midst of your hectic Christmas season, Max will give you the encouragement, advice, and tools you need to: Rekindle your connection to the Christ of Christmas Receive the promises of the Christmas season Lay down your endless Christmas to-do list and trust what Jesus has already done Heal your heartache by embracing the God who is always near you, always for you, and always with you Each copy of Because of Bethlehem will also include an Advent Devotional Guide designed to help you reflect on the miracle of Christ's birth and the promise of his return. As you curl up in a comfortable spot and take a closer look at the wild and wonderful story of Bethlehem, may you find enduring faith for all seasons of your life. No matter what this season holds for you, rest in the truth that the promise of Christmas has the power to bring you a lifetime of hope and healing.

The story opens with a familiar Biblical image-of Mary being visited by the angel Gabriel. In Brian Wildsmith's imagining of this scene, Mary is shown with her cherished cat and dog. When Mary and Joseph set out for Bethlehem, her pets are left behind. But the cat and dog miss their mistress and decide to make the journey to find her. Along the way, they stop to help various other animals who join them on the road to Bethlehem. Arriving at the stable, the animals share in the joy of the birth of Jesus. Mary is delighted to be reunited with her pets and be able to present her new baby to them. This appealing story from one of our most internationally acclaimed picture-book writers and artists has deservedly become an enduring favourite with children at Christmas time.

A retelling of the story of the first Christmas.