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It's hard to imagine Advent or Christmas without music, and that goes beyond popular carols and handbells. Author Max Vincent invites readers to discover the music in the biblical story of Christmas. Four canticles ("little songs") precede, announce, and celebrate the birth of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke. These canticles invite readers to pause and consider the deeper meaning of the events surrounding his birth. In Good News of Great Joy, 24 daily readings explore the context, content, and spirituality of these canticles. Each of the four canticles has six daily readings. The daily readings include practices and questions to encourage further reflection on these little songs. In addition, the book provides a Leader's Guide for group study. Luke's canticles were some of the earliest songs of the church and are still prayed daily in some Christian traditions. Vincent encourages readers to pause and notice God's comforting presence as they reflect on these joyous songs of Advent.

People of faith are struggling these days as they watch unbelievable events unfold. The United States, once a refuge for immigrants, has closed its borders to many of the world's most vulnerable citizens. Fear of people different from us has created an atmosphere of hatred, incivility, and violence. We are living in a time of wilderness and exile.Yet the wilderness is a familiar place for those who follow Jesus. Like Jesus, we spend 40 days in the wilderness. During Lent God calls us to examine ourselves, repent, and make room in our lives for the Holy One.Walking in the Wilderness is meant to be a companion for readers' journey through Lent. It may be studied by individuals or groups. The book includes daily reflections for Ash Wednesday through Easter. Sunday of each week introduces a spiritual practice for the wilderness. The practices for the six Sundays of Lent are Being Present, Lament, Lectio Divina, Trust, Compassion, and Hospitality.Each reading contains a quotation from an Upper Room resource, a short scripture passage, an insightful reflection and prayer written by Richardson, and a single word for readers to carry with them throughout the day."We come hungry to this season of Lent," Richardson writes, "hungry for words of life, for rituals of preparation, for disciplines to help us on our way." Walking in the Wilderness provides a spiritual feast for readers during what is often the most challenging season of the Christian year.

This charming devotional book takes readers on an inward journey to the miracle of Christ's birth in the little town of Bethlehem. Many who will read this book probably haven't actually traveled to Bethlehem. "But that is of little consequence to the adventure of arriving there, to the adventure of discovery that awaits the mystery and wonder in the birth of Jesus," Todd Outcalt writes. The devotions are both personal and challenging. "I hope readers can discover something new that they may have overlooked in the old, old story," says Outcalt.It's important to stay alert on the pilgrimage to Bethlehem, Outcalt reminds readers, for they may encounter Jesus in unexpected moments and surprising people or when they are most tired or confused. "The way to Bethlehem is saturated with stops and starts, with both darkness and light, with angels and the common touch of shepherds," writes Outcalt.Let Us Go Now to Bethlehem contains devotions for the 28 days of Advent, the 12 days of Christmas, and the day of Epiphany. For small-group leaders, the book includes a 6-week study guide with weekly questions for reflection and conversation, a suggested scripture passage for each week, and an invitation to ponder the happenings of that week. As the Gospel of Luke attests, Let Us Go Now to Bethlehem is both an expectant declaration filled with mystery and a declaration of faith. Each day can offer these same expectations and wonders for readers if they open themselves to awe and joy.

During Advent we think about a wondrous mystery: that God chose to become human and lived among us. The Savior of the world was born a vulnerable child. The king who will rule all of creation was laid in a humble manger. The Wondrous Mystery invites readers to reflect on several paradoxes that make up the Advent season: light and darkness, peace and strife, solitude and community, simplicity and complexity.This daily Advent reader incorporates meditations from Weavings: A Journal of the Christian Spiritual Life. Writers include Barbara Brown Taylor, Henri J. M. Nouwen, Sue Monk Kidd, Wendell Berry, Wendy M. Wright, and other voices from Weavings, which contained the teachings and perspectives of some of the finest theologians and teachers of Christian spiritual formation.This book may be used by individuals or groups. Groups can use the reflection questions for discussion and talk about the meditations they found most meaningful for that week.Compiler Ben Howard writes, "The glory of the Advent season is that it's irrational. It shows us a glimpse of the way that God turns the world and our expectations upside down. . . In a season filled with the longest, darkest nights, we are told to wait for the coming of the most beautiful light."

What energizes someone in pastoral ministry for the long haul? Holy days like Christmas, Easter, and Pentecost are the exception. Ordinary Time, the longest season of the Christian year, is where pastors spend most of their ministry.James Harnish invites pastors and other ministers to see Ordinary Time as a metaphor for the ordinary days of ministry. "Whether we thrive or merely survive depends on what we do with the ordinary days," he writes.Harnish encourages ministers to develop spiritual disciplines and personal relationships to nourish their souls for long-term ministry. He highlights the importance of reflection on scripture, spiritual reading, journaling, prayer, and spiritual conversation with trusted friends.This 6-week study focuses on themes Harnish found crucial in over four decades of ministry: power, people, places, proclamation, perseverance, and promise. Daily readings help readers develop their own customized practices of spiritual formation to sustain and strengthen their life and ministry.

Christians often have the head knowledge that we are beloved, but deep in our hearts do we truly believe it? When we encounter Jesus in scripture, we tend to hear Jesus' words with judgment, thinking we cannot be beloved because we will never measure up to God's standards. Author Kristen Vincent takes us on a journey alongside Jesus that helps break this false understanding and allows us to discover how deeply beloved we are.This 6-week Lenten journey follows stories of Jesus' experience of God's love. The incarnate Son of God was made fully human, which means that Jesus had to fully mature in strength and wisdom to learn that he was beloved. Just as Jesus learned of his belovedness, we, too, can cultivate the wisdom and knowledge that we are deeply loved.Each week begins with a scripture passage, a weekly devotion, reflection questions, an optional prayer bead experience, and a listening meditation. A Leader's Guide for small-group study is also included. Note: This product does not include prayer beads.*Be transformed by God's love this Lenten season.

Don't Look Down: Answering Jesus' Call to Walk on the Water is for followers of Jesus who may find themselves stuck in a rut spiritually, at a decision point but too afraid to make a move or wondering why they aren't living a more fulfilled, purposeful life.This book features practical application for turning faith into Kingdom work and discipleship in our faith communities. It also features fresh, encouraging, and imitable stories of people (church planters and entrepreneurs) who have heard Jesus say to them, "Come," and who have walked with Jesus in remarkable and instructive ways.Many believers today want to see their faith in action. They want to know where Jesus is going to use them for his glory in the world. Yet, many are stuck not knowing how to turn the ignition on their faith. They may not expect to hear from God or may not have the courage to answer God's call. This book will be a spark to help people out of their "boats" and onto whatever water Jesus has called them. It is an ideal resource for church planters, church planting teams and teaching pastors, couples, college students, ministry leaders, and anyone hoping to put their faith into motion.

Who came up with the idea of using nativity scenes to celebrate Christmas? Many might be surprised to learn that Francis of Assisi, the well-known thirteenth-century saint, is credited with creating the first nativity scene. The Living Nativity introduces readers to Saint Francis and his joyous reenactment of the birth of Jesus, complete with a manger and animals. The Living Nativity explores how nativity sets, Advent wreaths, candles, carols, Christmas cards, and other traditions help prepare our hearts for the God who bends low to enter our world and our lives. Prayer poems for each day of the season lead readers to deepen their spiritual journey, and the book provides a guided pattern for individuals and small groups to share reflections and experience activities that open their hearts to the Christ child. The Living Nativity provides a prayer, meditation, and reflection questions for each day of Advent. The Leaders Guide includes suggestions for worship, discussion questions focused on the readings, and guidance for a mini-retreat on a theme of the week.

This Life That Is Ours offers 40 gentle meditations with guidance for reflection on the spiritual journey of motherhood. These practical, soul-affirming meditations nurture a mother's heart and spiritual life in a season fraught with overwhelm, exhaustion, and loss of identity. Through the lens of Burdette's real-life stories, the reader is invited to ponder her experience and to contemplate where God might be present.This book is divided into three sections. Reflections in the first section, "Becoming a Mother," explore the dynamics of being a new mother and the whirlwind experience of those early months and years. The second section, "Becoming Yourself," considers what it means to return home to yourself-to begin to find your identity again, both within the realm of motherhood and outside of it. The third section, "Becoming Holy," names the holy paradoxes of motherhood-the ways it can be both extraordinary and mundane, both gift and sacrifice-ultimately deepening one's experience of the holiness of motherhood.This Life That Is Ours includes an introduction, a preparatory guide for the reflective journey, a closing spiritual practice, and a conclusion. This book can be used in communities of mom groups, intergenerational groups of women, or spouse groups and would make a great gift for new mothers and mothers-to-be.

We often think of Jesus as someone with all the answers. But over and over in scripture, he asks questions, seeking to engage with people and genuinely interested in their responses.Matthew Croasmun challenges readers to consider this book as an experiment-an opportunity to see whether God is real. He invites us to enter into conversation with Jesus by answering the questions Jesus asks in scripture. The goal is not to come up with what we think are the right answers but to respond honestly to Jesus' questions.Each chapter of this six-week study contains five readings. Each reading follows this format: A Bible passage with a question Jesus asks in bold typeA short reflection designed to help you engage with Jesus' question as he asked it in the Gospels and as he asks it of you nowSpace for you to continue the conversation with Jesus.Written in a warm, encouraging style, this thought-provoking and imaginative book will certainly give readers entry points into conversation with God, and they may find themselves experiencing a deeper relationship with the divine than they ever thought possible.

Growing Everyday Disciples: Covenant Discipleship With Children is a formational resource by Melanie C. Gordon, Susan Groseclose, and Gayle Quay that equips adults who serve in ministry with children ages 8-11 to guide children towards a mature faith through everyday acts of compassion, justice, worship, and devotion under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Covenant Discipleship helps connect children with Jesus Christ and one another through ongoing mutual accountability and support for living in the world as Christ followers. The resource offers leaders in ministry with children suggestions for forming covenants, exploring accountability, evaluations, and a choice of plans to organize, maintain, and evaluate Covenant Discipleship groups with children. This resource also provides a brief background on discipleship, covenants, and society meetings of the Methodist Movement, and can be used as preparation for confirmation.Take advantage of a discount and purchase all three Covenant Discipleship resources at once!

Everyday Disciples: Covenant Discipleship With Youth by Chris Wilterdink resources pastors, youth leaders, and youth groups with information and planning materials related to Covenant Discipleship and accountability practices. Covenant Discipleship encourages youth to connect with Christ and one another through mutual accountability. It also encourages a networked support structure for living in the world as Christ followers.Take advantage of a discount and purchase all three Covenant Discipleship resources at once!

Slow down, simplify, and add a burst of color to your Advent this year. The spiritual practice of coloring mandalas, lighting candles, and praying regularly can help us stay centered on God during this busy time of year. Based on the four candles of the Advent wreath, this coloring book for adults weaves together the popular practice of coloring with four simple methods of contemplative prayer. Each chapter includes a short vignette, an explanation of the weekly theme and prayer method, a simple candle lighting liturgy, 7 mandalas for each week of contemplative coloring, and a closing prayer of illumination. Let the candles light the way and calm your spirit. Color and pray. And you will experience the most meaningful gift of alla peace that passes all understanding as you journey toward the manger.

In the face of hurtful public dialogue and worldwide conflict, many Christians want to practice and experience genuine compassion. After all, centuries of Christian teachings have insisted that compassion is at the heart of the Christian life."Love your enemies," Jesus said in Luke 6:35-36. "Do good to them. Be compassionate, just as God is compassionate."How do we become more compassionate toward others, especially our enemies? And since Jesus told us to love our neighbors as ourselves, how do we practice being compassionate toward ourselves?Join Andrew Dreitcer, codirector of the Center for Engaged Compassion, in exploring how certain Christian spiritual practices are compassion practices. Discover how ancient as well as contemporary practices can shape your life, helping you become more compassionate in today's world.Dreitcer introduces you to the Compassion Practice, a compassion formation process that has been developed in the last decade. Each chapter includes a "Review and Practice" section to help you apply what you learned. Uncover and learn how to express your innate compassion within you, and find out how to turn your desire for compassion into a life centered in genuine, lasting compassion.

Many people end their celebration of Christmas on December 25, but George Donigian reminds us that the celebration is only beginning. Donigian offers meditations that begin with Advent and continue through Epiphany (January 6), also known as the 12th night of Christmas.Like the surprises of an Advent calendar, the meditations touch on many subjects. Some topics include "An Editor," "A Counting Song," "Prudence," and "Chrismons." Instead of putting away your nativity scenes and other Christmas decorations on December 25, celebrate all the days to come.In Days to Come offers devotional meditations based on a merger of several Christmas traditions: Advent calendars, ancient Advent prayers known as the "O Antiphons," the traditional celebration of Christmas on December 25, and the Armenian Orthodox celebration of Christmas on January 6. The meditations-4 per week-count down from the first week of Advent to Epiphany. While each reading stands alone, the meditations are rooted in a weekly theme. Donigian's writing style is conversational, and given his diverse interests, the conversation ranges widely.In Days to Come encourages us to move with the Incarnation of Jesus Christ into the new year and into mission and ministry.

Have you ever been in an earthquake? Earthquakes shake our most basic assumptions: that the ground will remain steady beneath our feet, that the world's current existence is the way it will always be. But when tectonic plates shift under the earth's surface and the ground shakes beneath our feet, it rattles the bedrock assumptions on which we build our lives.The Gospel of Matthew reports that on the first Easter morning, an earthquake rocked the earth, ripped open the tomb, and scared the Roman guards at the tomb, who "shook with fear and became like dead men" (Matthew 28:4).This is the second earthquake reported by Matthew. The first one took place on Good Friday, when the noonday sky turned black and Jesus died.In Easter Earthquake, James Harnish invites us to place the resurrection at the center of our Lenten journey. This 6-week study explores how Christ's resurrection shakes some of our most basic assumptions about ourselves and God."The earth-shaking promise of Easter is that God has not forsaken any of us," Harnish writes. "The risen Christ will meet us along the confused, chaotic, fearful paths of our lives and speak the same words the women hear at the tomb: 'Do not be afraid .'"This book reverses the usual focus of Lenten studies by starting at the empty tomb and seeing the entire journey in light of the resurrection. Join James Harnish in this energizing exploration that will inspire you to live as a more faithful disciple of Jesus Christ.FEATURESA guide for daily mediation and prayerAn outline for small-group meetingsBegins with Ash Wednesday and continues through EasterEach week contains 5 readings, a prayer focus, and suggestions for small-group interactionIncludes a hymn each week

Color your way to a closer relationship with God. Praying with Mandalas blends the relaxing practice of coloring with ancient spiritual practices. The mandalas in this book (10 each of 4 designs) help you grow closer to God through lectio divina, intercessory prayer, centering prayer, and the Examen. Contemplative coloring is a simple, enjoyable, and tangible way to let go of your distractions and focus on God. Sharon Seyfarth Garner invites you to "be with God on purpose"to intentionally create space where you might hear God's holy whispers. Embrace the opportunity to nurture a deeper relationship with God through the colorful, contemplative practice of praying with mandalas.

How might listening more deeply to your body change the way you listen to God? A stroke at age 31 forced Whitney Simpson to slow down and listen more deeply to her body. As she journeyed toward healing, she found several ancient practices helpful in connecting her body and spirit, which ultimately helped her listen more closely to God. This 40-day book of meditations guides you to listen to God through lectio divina (meditative scripture reading), yoga, breath prayer, and aromatherapy. It provides suggestions for small groups, descriptions and illustrations of yoga postures, and chair modifications for the yoga postures. Find out how to listen to God with your whole selfbreath, body, and spirit.

What do racing flags have to do with the spiritual life? Just as flags convey messages to race car drivers, God sends us signals in our fast-paced lives. In this Bible-based, 7-week churchwide series, Rob Fuquay uses the symbolism of flags to correspond with important moments in our spiritual life.

The spiritual life is often compared to a race. Pastor Rob Fuquay sees a parallel between the flags used in auto racing and the signals God sends us in our fast-paced lives.The purpose of Take the Flag is not to turn readers into race fans but to help them become stronger disciples of Jesus Christ by paying attention to the signals God gives us each day.In this Bible-based, 7-week churchwide series, Fuquay uses the flags from auto racing as a way to discuss different aspects of our life of faith. With wisdom and humor, these seven dynamic lessons will put you on course for your faith journey, helping you navigate the bumps and turns ride out the delays and pit stops, and ultimately take the checkered flag of a victorious life.

Our first reaction when the doctor says it's cancer: Why me?Receiving a cancer diagnosis is traumatic, both for the person diagnosed and family and friends. Todd Outcalt writes from the perspective of a husband who has accompanied his wife, a breast cancer survivor, through her cancer journey.Praying Through Cancer is a practical guide for anyone seeking strength, support, and hope for coping with cancer. This personal book addresses the raw emotions and deep questions evoked by cancer. Each devotion helps the reader encounter God through comforting scriptures, insightful reflections, and heartfelt prayers.Daily readings provide an uplifting connection with God to help readers face their situation with faith and hope.Reflection questions for family conversation or group discussion (especially cancer support groups).The author shares wisdom from his pastoral counseling, plus his personal experience of supporting his wife as she lived with breast cancer.The 28 Days of Prayer SeriesDepending on who you ask, it takes 21-28 days to create a habit. The point is to commit for a consecutive number of days. This series follows the same concept. Each book is designed to cover a specific topic and help you develop a daily prayer practice that hopefully continues beyond the 28 days.

What difference does the cross make in our worship and discipleship? This 6-week study focuses on the cross, its imprint on how we worship as a community, and how it transforms our discipleship. He organizes daily readings around components of corporate worship: gathering, invocation, confession, proclamation, creed, response, and sacrament. 6 weeks -- Includes Leader's Guide KEY FEATURES --Leader's Guide helps you share this worship experience with your community of faith. --Daily readings are key in preparing you for worship experiences. --Each daily reading includes a reflection question or action. --Includes ideas for creating a weekly worship center to emphasize each week's theme.

Throughout Advent we read and sing the words Prepare the Way as we make room to welcome the Christ child into our lives once again. We prepare our city streets and buildings. We prepare our homes and workspaces. But sometimes Advent can slip away from us before we can prepare our hearts.In this 4-week study and prayer book, Pamela Hawkins invites us to prepare our hearts through guided prayer, readings from Isaiah and Matthew, as well as brief reflections on four scriptural themes: Peace, Justice, Fearlessness, and Faithfulness.Prepare the Way includes these spiritual practices: Prayers of invocation, intercession, and benedictionReflection through spiritual readingSilenceMeditation on scriptureCall to Christian witness and service4 weeks - Includes Leader's Guide