Resources for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany
For additional assistance in selecting material, please contact Jane Schuyler at helpline@rca.org or (800) 968-6065.
Worship Resources
The Abingdon Children's Sermon Library , edited by Brant D. Baker. Abingdon, 2008.
Requiring little or no preparation, this book includes an expanded introduction, themed sermons for all seasons, a summer sermon series, and the "Bethlehem Bakery" series for the Sundays of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany.
Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany: Liturgies and Prayers for Public Worship , by Brian Wren. Westminster John Knox Press, 2008.
These worship resources include prayers, litanies, calls to worship, and complete liturgies crafted to encourage rhythmic public responses during worship. Additional features include a Scripture index that points users to materials drawn from passages, a topical index listing items that can be used on other occasions during the church year, and a searchable CD Rom.
At Home with the Word. Reformed Church Press.
This annual booklet of daily Bible readings is based on the Revised Common Lectionary texts. The booklet begins with the first Sunday of Advent. You can access it free online, or purchase copies from Faith Alive Christian Resources.
The Book of Uncommon Prayer (Volume 1) and The Book of Uncommon Prayer 2: Prayers and Worship Services for Youth Ministry (Volume 2), by Steve Case. Youth Specialties.
Be sure to check out the service for "Dumpster" Christmas in volume 1 and prayers for Advent in volume 2.
Christmas Bulletin. MWM Dexter. A special occasion bulletin.
Feasting on the Word: Preaching the Revised Common Lectionary, Year C, Vol. 1 , edited by Barbara Brown Taylor and David L. Bartlett. Westminster John Knox Press, 2009.
For each lectionary text, preachers find four brief essays—one each on the theological, pastoral, exegetical, and homiletical challenges of the text. Each volume also contains an index of biblical passages.
Graphics for Worship: Version 2.0 (Lbw Resources and References) , by Joyce Lynn Hunter. Augsburg Fortress.
This popular CD includes 358 images featuring the art of Jane Pitz, Nick Markell, and Barbara Huber.
Raising the Dead: Sermons of Howard G. Hageman (Historical Series of the Reformed Church in America) , edited by Gregg A. Mast. Eerdmans.
This book contains powerful, Christ-centered sermons on the church year (Christmas, Easter Sunday, Ascension Day, and Pentecost Day) by a master of the pulpit. Great gift book, too!
Reformed Worship.
This quarterly journal provides practical help for planning, structuring, and conducting worship. For seasonal ideas, see their website.
Sundays and Seasons 2010. (Year C). Augsburg Fortress.
Based on the ecumenical lectionary and church year, this annual guide is organized around the three major cycles: Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany; Lent, Holy Week, and Easter; and time of the church--Summer, Autumn, and November. From Advent 2009 to Advent 2010.
Teaching and Celebrating the Christian Seasons: A Guide for Pastors, Teachers, and Worship Leaders , by Delia Halverson. Chalice Press.
Ideas for celebrating the seasons in the worship service (monologues, litanies, etc.) and a Hanging of the Greens service are some of the highlights of this practical book.
Ten Service Plans for Contemporary Worship (Volume 1) and Volume 2 , by Ron Rienstra. Faith Alive Christian Resources and Calvin Institute of Christian Worship.
Volume 1 includes the services "Advent: A Time to Be Silent" and "Epiphany: Luminescence." Volume 2 contains "Advent: The 'O Antiphone'," "Christmas: Jazz Vespers," and "Epiphany: Healing."
Visuals for Worship , by Elizabeth Steele Halstead. Faith Alive Christian Resources.
This book and accompanying CD-ROM combines woodcut images of Christian symbols with their theological and historical background and biblical references. Images for this season include the shoot growing from the stump of Jesse, piercing rays of the sun penetrating the dark, and the cross with sun rays.
Worship Feast series. Abingdon Press.
Advent & Christmas: Complete Worship Outlines for Advent and Christmas (Worship Feast) takes youth groups from the first Sunday of Advent through Epiphany with experiential worship outlines. Worship Feast: 15 Sketches for Youth Group, Worship, and More , by Beth Miller, includes sketches and a full-length play for Advent. Worship Feast: 50 Complete Multi-Sensory Services for Youth , contains seasonal services. Worship Feast: 100 Readings, Rituals, Prayers, and Guided Meditations (Readings) has seasonal selections.
The Worship Sourcebook . Faith Alive Christian Resources, Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, and Baker Books.
This book and accompanying CD-ROM offer a collection of classic and contemporary calls to worship, prayers of confession, and other spoken prayers and litanies for use on particular Sundays and seasons of the Christian year.
Worship the Lord: The Liturgy of the Reformed Church in America . Reformed Church Press.
This book includes seasonal prayers of confession and seasonal prayers for illumination.
Dramas
The Backward Christmas Pageant , by Dennis Hartin. Abingdon Press.
"This will change everything" is the theme of this humorous yet poignant pageant. This pageant is designed for a production with no set, no budget, no live musical accompaniment (although you can still perform it if you have these things), and where the cast members read from their scripts. Only two full-cast rehearsals are needed. Vocal/piano scores for the sung music selections of the pageant are included. About 35 to 45 minutes in length, it includes up to 25 speaking parts, plus additional opportunities for non-speaking parts. The CD includes all the songs, instrumental interludes, and sound effects suggested in the script (the sung selections are provided in split-track format).
The Christmas Star: Easy Christmas Dramas, Speeches, and Recitations for Children , by Denise Harris. Abingdon Press, 2008.
Dramas include: the angel’s message to Mary and Joseph, the journey to Bethlehem, the birth of Jesus, the shepherds, and the visit of the wise men. One drama provides an overview of the entire Christmas story.
Double-Take!: A Christmas Pageant As Told by Matthew and Luke: The Story of the Birth of christ Told With Humor, Mystery, and Awe! , by Dennis Hartin. Abingdon Press, 2008.
Hartin has created a way to help children, youth, and perhaps even some adults to learn the differences between how the Christmas story is told in the books of Matthew and Luke. Only two full cast rehearsals are needed. The 35- to 45-minute pageant has a cast of up to twenty or more speaking parts, plus additonal opportunities for non-speaking parts.
Quick and Easy Christmas Programs, by Laura and Robert Keeley. Faith Alive Christian Resources.
These Christmas programs are 25-30 minutes in length and only require a single rehearsal. Titles include:
- Born for You and Me. It's A.D. 30, and the proprietor of a sandal store is talking to some customers. They've heard of a new teacher in the area--a man named Jesus--and they're remembering some strange events that took place 30 years ago: shepherds who arrived for breakfast after seeing angels, an old man and woman who saw a baby at the temple, and wise men who came looking for a king.
- I've Got Mail. A Sunday school teacher wants her students to realize that Immanuel is with us all year long, so throughout the year she sends Christmas cards to the children. The children come to realize that each card gives the same reminder: God is with us--always!
- Manger King. Three children are living in Israel at the time of Jesus' birth. They wonder how they will recognize the Messiah. One of them is sure that they can expect a leader like King David. Following their discussion, other children portray scenes from David's life. At the conclusion, they are challenged to reevaluate their expectation of what the Messiah will be like when they are told of Jesus' birth in a manger. Bible readings and songs telling of Jesus' birth follow each of the four stories about David.
- More Than a Story. At the class reunion of Bethlehem High School a group of former friends reflects on how they saw an amazing sight on the first Christmas and how, throughout Israel's history, people have been changed through an encounter with God.
- Not Forgotten. A Sunday school class looks at four Bible stories that describe God's faithfulness during difficult times. They conclude that while we might be scared, we can trust our God to always be faithful.
- Promises, Promises. Two friends ponder the promises of God and wonder if they're still true today. They consider four Bible stories about God's promises. After reflecting on this evidence, the children realize that Christmas is about the promises God fulfills--long ago and still today.
- The Very Best Gift of All. The children are asked to think about their role in the Christmas program and determine what gifts their characters gave to the newborn. In each case, the children realize that their characters really didn't give much. Instead they received an amazing gift--Jesus. In the end, all reach the same conclusion: Christmas is about giving only because we first received the very best gift of all.
- What Did I Miss? A Sunday school class gathers for a lesson about the birth of Jesus. They look at four stories from the Bible and learn how they, too, are part of the story of Jesus' birth.
The Surprising Christmas Pageant , by Dennis Hartin. Abingdon Press. Designed for kindergarten through sixth grade, this comedy musical tells the story of Christ's birth, reminding us that God's grace and love appear new to us every day. The production can be staged with as few or as many sets, costumes, and props as desired. It can be produced with only two 2-hour rehearsals. Only the leader needs a book--children's parts are reproducible, and an accompaniment CD is included.
The Very Important Christmas Pagent , by Dennis Hartin. Abingdon, 2006. In the Nativity, God puts aside our notions of what makes us important--to introduce us to a child that we should welcome. It seems a very unimportant thing, the birth of this baby, but the angels of heaven can't contain their joy, and Herod can't contain his fear. With cast members aged six through sixteen, this humorous story is reproducible, includes a CD, and needs only two rehearsals.
Music Resources
And Heaven and Nature Sing, by Tony Alonso. GIA Publications, 2008.
This CD includes new arrangements of many Christmas favorites plus original material by Alonso, John L. Bell, and Liam Lawton. The collection also features two songs in Spanish.
The Augsburg Choirbook for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany. Augsburg Fortress.
This choral music includes SATB, two-part and three-part settings.
Christmas in the City: Chicago Bronze. GIA Publications, 2008.
This CD presents the auditioned handbell ensemble directed by Philip L. Roberts. Containing many favorite hymns, carols, and songs, it blends secular and sacred music.
Prophets and Angels: An Advent Festival of Lessons and Carols, music by Aaron David Miller and text by Herbert F. Brokering. Augsburg Fortress, 2007.
This musical service is based on the message of prophets and angels heralding the Good News of Christ. A setting of Advent-Christmas lessons and carols for SATB choir, organ, congregation, optional oboe, and optional brass. The work includes carols/hymns for choir (including one for children), scripture readings, reflective texts and responses by Herbert Brokering, and a prelude and postlude. The length of the work is approximately 50 minutes. Organ only parts, congregational and oboe parts are available for free download (click on the free download tab). Book also available.
Sing! A New Creation. Reformed Church Press, Faith Alive Christian Resources, and Calvin Institute of Christian Worship.
This songbook contains many songs for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany.
Sing With Me. Faith Alive Christian Resources.
This collection of 249 melodies for children includes 42 for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany.
Singing the New Testament. Faith Alive Christian Resources and the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, 2008.
This collection of songs quotes or paraphrases texts of the New Testament. With a wide range of musical styles and time periods, the texts are paired with fitting and familiar melodies.
Songs for LiFE. Faith Alive Christian Resources.
This popular songbook for children contains many selections for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany.
Activity and Program Resources
Bulk orders:
- Channing Bete offers a variety of items for bulk purchasing: A Season of Worship and Joy: Family Activities for Advent and Christmas Tote Kit; Preparing for Jesus Activity Calendar; Advent Door Hanger; Share the Joy of the Season Magnet, Bookmark, and Key Ring; Jesus Is Coming! Activity Calendar; Classic Christmas Carols; Celebrating Advent At Home; About Advent: A Coloring and Activities Book; My Book About Christmas; and The Christmas Story: A Coloring and Activities Book.
- Creative Communications for the Parish. Many resources are available in bulk for congregational orders, including devotional booklets, key tags, prayer booklets and cards, calendars, bookmarks, magnets, bulletin inserts, and much more!
The Christmas Book. Faith Alive Christian Resources.
Designed by Friendship Ministries for people with cognitive impairments, this resource book contains two session plans plus a collection of songs, dramas, ideas for worship, craft activities, service projects, patterns, and more for the Advent season. It complements the session plans found in Friendship Bible Studies.
Christmas Extras!: Faith-filled Ideas for Celebrating Christmas .Group Publishing, 2008.
This book includes age-appropriate games, devotions, Bible stories, snacks, crafts, and more. Useful for teachers and families (each activity is approximately ten to fifteen minutes).
Fluffy and God's Amazing Christmas Adventure. Sunday Software.
Designed for ages 5 to 15, this computer program (CD) contains six learning areas for classroom and home use along with student worksheets.
A Night in Bethlehem: A Hands-On Holy Land Experience. Group Publishing.
Recreate Bethlehem on the night of Jesus' birth with this event kit. Families in your church and community experience music, wander through a marketplace, and encounter Biblical characters with a story to share.
PowerXpress! High Voltage Bible Experience Stations. Abingdon Press.
Not only for churches where children in grades K-6 rotate to a different station each week, the "Christmas Messengers," "Journey to Bethlehem," "Christmas around the World," "Isaiah," "In the Manger," "The Gift of Jesus," or "Good News!" module also may be used for special midweek Advent celebrations. The complete lesson plans, scripts, and activities include stations for art, computer, cooking, games, music, science, storytelling, and video.
Ready-to-go Retreats & Lock-ins: 16 Complete Plans for Fun And Soulful Events , by Beth Miller. Abingdon Press.
The Christmas retreat helps youth participate in the Christmas story and affirm their belief in Christ. The accompanying CD-ROM contains the lock-in plans, all of the handouts, and some sample forms you'll need to make your retreat a success.
A Simple Christmas, by Alice Chapin. Herald Press, 1998.
In the spirit of More-with-Less Cookbook, this volume offers many creative ways for families to celebrate Advent, Christmas, and the New Year with festivities that mean more and cost less.
25 Days, 26 Ways to Make This Your Best Christmas Ever , by Ace Collins. Zondervan, 2009.
Collins shares 26 ways to revamp Christmas expectations. Through a blend of historical stories, scriptural truths, and contemporary anecdotes, he helps readers rediscover Christmas as it was meant to be--holy, peaceful, and purposeful.
Walk With Me Holiday Units. Faith Alive Christian Resources, 2004-2008.
Each book includes two complete plans for Sunday school, two complete dramas, and a large selection of crafts and activities. The Light of the World Is Jesus (Book 1); Glory to the Giver and the Gift (Book 2); Just Like Me (Book 3); and The Promise Keeper (Book 4).
Whose Birthday Is It, Anyway? Alternatives for Simple Living, 2009.
Designed for individuals, families, and small groups, this booklet (bulk orders available for a discount) includes biblical reflections by Walter Brueggemann, worship aids, and activities. The theme for 2009 is "Hope for the New Decade." The authors provide practical ways of sharing and celebrating "God with us." Also available in Spanish (Adviento), see www.simpleliving.org or phone 800-821-6153.
Bible Study
Advent through the Eyes of Those Who Waited, by Carol Wehrheim. The Thoughtful Christian (www.thethoughtfulchristian.com)
First, the prophets in the book of Isaiah present us with the idea of waiting and preparing for the Messiah—our work for Advent. Next we meet John the Baptist who announces the coming of the Messiah. Mary, the mother of Jesus, is the main subject of sessions three and four. Finally, we learn from Elizabeth about how to accept a blessing so long in coming that it is no longer expected.
Book of Faith Advent Reflections: While We Wait, by Tanya Ferdinandusz, Pam Fickenscher, Kevin E. Ruffcorn, and Mike Sherer. Augsburg Fortress, 2009.
This book contains reflections and activities for each day in Advent. Explore these themes: be watchful; watch for the Messiah; the Light has come; and God is with us. In addition, four Bible studies, one for each Sunday in Advent, are also provided to encourage group participation alongside personal reflection.
A Charlie Brown Christmas Bible Study, by Steven L. Case. Youth Specialties, 2008.
Taking a look at this classic cartoon, this study examines the true meaning of Christmas, commercialization, loneliness, and depression. Additional studies available include Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Bible Study, and The Nativity Story Bible Study.
Discover John: The Word Became Flesh(1). Faith Alive Christian Resources, 2005.
This twelve session intermediate study helps participants discover together what the Bible says.
Discover Luke: Jesus' Birth and Ministry Preparation (2nd Edition), by Tamera Veenstra Schreur (revised by Carol Veldman Rudie). Faith Alive Christian Resources.
From the Discover Your Bible series, this seven-session basic study covers Jesus' birth, childhood, and preparation for public ministry (Luke 1-4:15).
Discover the Gift of Christmas. Faith Alive Christian Resources.
The four lessons in this basic course are an inductive approach to Bible study.
Hallelujah: The Bible and Handel's Messiah, by Carol Bechtel; musical commentary by Robert Page. The Kerygma Program.
This study explores the scriptural texts of Handel's Messiah and includes musical commentary. With four sessions on the Advent texts and six sessions on the Lenten texts, this study may be offered as two seasonal courses or as one ten-week course. A recording of Messiah is recommended for class use: Kerygma offers the two-CD Chicago Symphony version.
Kerygma Gospel Studies. The Kerygma Program has completed its popular Gospel series with the recent release of The Gospel of Matthew: God With Us, by Robert A. Bryant and Victoria Smit (14 sessions). The other studies include The Gospel of Mark: Jesus--Powerful, Courageous, and Trusting, by Carol J. Miller (8 sessions), Good News for All: The Gospel of Luke, by Carol J. Miller (14 sessions), and That You May Believe: The Gospel of John, by Carol J. Miller (14 sessions).
The Light Will Shine: A Study for Advent, by Carol J. Miller. The Kerygma Program.
Discover new light in traditional texts and holiday themes. Find fresh perspectives on the journey through Advent to Christmas and beyond. Designed for four or five sessions of 1 to 2 hours. Sessions explore "Keeping Watch" (Gospel apocalypse), "John the Baptist's Call," "Prophecy Fulfilled," and "Birth and Epiphany Stories." For lectionary and non-lectionary churches alike.
Luke: Taking Up the Master's Mission (Part One),by Joel Kok. Faith Alive Christian Resources.
During these seven in-depth lessons, participants walk with Jesus as he teaches what his coming means for us and how to take up his mission, serving humbly and joyfully. Study guide (large print available) with separate leader's guide.
Pausing on the Road to Bethlehem: A Spiritual Journey through Advent, by Kathleen Long Bostrom. The Thoughtful Christian.
This five-session Advent study, designed for those who want to immerse themselves in the season of Advent, utilizes music, art, poetry, and a variety of interactive activities centered on biblical passages that connect to Advent.
Preparing the Way: An Advent Study for Youth, by Adam Fischer. The Thoughtful Christian.
Each week a number of activities help youth understand and integrate four Advent themes--love, hope, joy, and peace--into their daily lives. The leader's guide offers options for dialogue, drama, music, movies, in-depth Bible study, meditation, labyrinth-walking, and service. An additional one-session youth study, Advent: Why Do We Celebrate It?, explores how Advent is a time of waiting, not only for Christmas, but also for the healing of our world.
Rejoice! Reflections on Four Advent Hymns, by Erik Kolbell. The Thoughtful Christian.
This adult study pack explains the history behind some of our favorite carols and helps groups encounter the rich wording anew. Make extra copies for the gathering area for visitors and members.
Repentance, Faith, Holiness, and Love: An Advent Study, by James Howell and Joyce MacKichan Walker. The Thoughtful Christian.
These four sessions explore various characters in the biblical story, and even a few others out of the annals of history, to think through how to “prepare him room” during Advent.
The Uncluttered Heart: Making Room for God During Advent and Christmas , by Beth A. Richardson. Upper Room, 2009.
This book's purpose is to help readers clear away obstructions to God so that their hearts and spirits are open to God's movement during this holy time. It may be used by an individual or a group. Each day's meditation contains a quote, a short scripture, a reflection, a prayer, and a brief sentence or phrase that sums up the theme for each day. The book concludes with a group study guide. Sign up at unclutteredheart.org to receive a daily electronic reminder.
Picture Books for Children
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey with CD: Gift Edition (Christmas Miracle of Jon Toome) , by Susan Wojciechowski. Candlewick, 2007.
Designed for ages four through twelve, this story is about the spiritual reawakening of a bitter wood carver.
Christmas on Jane Street: A True Story , by Billy Romp with Wanda Urbanska. Harper, 2008.
The ideal Christmas story about the lasting and profound difference that one person can make to a family and one family can make to a community.
The First Christmas (Bible Story Time), by Sophie Piper. Lion Publishing, 2008.
With stories from the Old and New Testaments, these twelve Bible stories are perfect for reading aloud and sharing with young children.
The First Christmas , by Lois Rock. Lion Publishing, 2008.
From the angel visiting Mary to the night in the manger, this book tells the story surrounding the first Christmas.
God Loves Me Storybooks, by Patricia L. Nederveld. Faith Alive Christian Resources.
These fifty-two books are the heart of a Bible story program designed for twos and threes. Follow-up suggestions in each book give a variety of ways for parents/leaders to encourage children to respond to the story through play activities. The Christmas stories include Jesus Is Born!, Good News!, An Amazing Star!, and Waiting, Waiting, Waiting!
The Jesse Tree , by Geraldine McCaughrean; illustrated by Bee Willey. Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2005.
Designed for ages five and up, these stories, telling of Christ's lineage, unfold as an old carpenter begrudgingly tells a young boy about the Jesse tree he is carving.
The Lion Book of Five-Minute Christmas Stories , by John Goodwin. Lion Publishing, 2008.
Take a unique look at the birth of Jesus with this collection of ten fun stories, each of which tells the story from a different point of view.
N is for Navidad , by Susan Middleton Elya and Merry Banks. Chronicle Books, 2007.
From the angel hung above the door to the zapatos (shoes) filled with grass for the wise men's camels, each letter in this alphabet book introduces children to a Spanish word. Thus, children also see various aspects of the 22 days of the traditional holiday.
Prairie Christmas , by Elizabeth Van Steenwyk and illustrated by Ronald Himler. Eerdmans Books for Young Readers.
This Christmas story, designed for ages five and up, offers a glimpse of life on the prairie in the 1800s. Like eleven-year-old Emma, young readers see that easing someone else's pain can often help ease their own.
Small Camel Follows the Star , by Rachel W. N. Brown. Albert Whitman, 2007.
Balthazar is following a brilliant star and looking for a baby king. Small Camel, carrying a special bundle, and his mother are going on the journey, too. It's a long, tiring trip but the most special one that Small Camel will ever take with Balthazar.
Inspirational Resources
Advent Calendars.
Countdown to Christmas with Advent Calendars available from several publishers. See especially those from Abingdon Press (Cokesbury), Creative Communications for the Parish, and Morehouse Publishing.
CareNotes. Abbey Press.
The popular CareNotes pamphlets, frequently made available in a congregation's gathering area, have several new seasonal selections to join the bestselling Getting Through the Holidays When You've Lost a Loved One, including Your First Christmas After a Loved One Dies, Celebrating the Holidays Despite Being in a Healthcare Facility, and Making Christmas Count!: A Kid's Guide to Keeping the Season Sacred (Elf-help Book for Kids).
Coming Home for Christmas, by Timothy L. Brown. Faith Alive Christian Resources, 2009.
As you prepare this Advent, perhaps the natural longing for the heart's true home can be joined to the ministry of pastoral care and evangelism. As you read these devotions, maybe you will think of a member who has fallen away and needs to be called home. You may reach out to a neighbor who has a need to hear the gospel's call to come home.
Daylight, by Andrew Kuyvenhoven. Faith Alive Christian Resources, 2009.
This updated classic devotional uses Scripture to shed light on what it means to live in the presence and promises of God.
In My Heart I Carry a Star: Stories for Advent , by Derek Maul. Upper Room, 2008.
"This is my prayer," writes Maul, "that in the midst of all the wonder, and the bustle, and the peace, and the constant performance art that is December, the Jesus who makes my life necessarily uncomfortable at times will work God's inexorable way out of the margins and into the heart of Christmas Present for each of us."
In the Bleak Midwinter: Forty Meditations and Prayers for Advent and Christmas , by Herbert Brokering. Augsburg Fortress, 2008.
Based on Christina Georgina Rossetti's Christmas carol, "In the Bleak Midwinter," the overall tone of this book shows the depth and beauty, paradoxes and perplexities of the Nativity.
Gift Ideas
New books from the Historical Series of the Reformed Church in America make excellent Christmas presents! Here's the latest from 2009:
Herman J. Ridder: Contextual Preacher and President, edited by George Brown, Jr. Reformed Church Press (Eerdmans, 2009).
This volume is a collection of more than forty of Ridder's sermons. While most of the sermons were preached at Central Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, there are also sermons from early in his ministry to the last sermon he wrote, but never got to preach. It includes sermons related to popular movies, moral issues, central Christian truths such as grace, and the rhythms of congregational life. Several sermon series are included. Ridder's vision for theological education, presented in a lecture, "A Proposal for Theological Education," is also included.
Tools for Understanding: Essays in Honor of Donald J. Bruggink, edited by James Hart Brumm. Reformed Church Press (Eerdmans, 2009).
Honoring Bruggink on his eightieth birthday, the dozen essays in this volume are tools for understanding four areas of his life and ministry: Western Theological Seminary; the study of history; theological education; and the nature of God and the church. Architecture of worship spaces is integral to an essay in the final section.
Chinese Theological Education, 1979-2006, edited by Marvin D. Hoff. Reformed Church Press (Eerdmans, 2009).
This book offers insight into the emergence of the Christian church after Mao's Cultural Revolution. Hoff, as executive director for tthe Foundation for Theological Education in Southeast Asia, traveled as least annually to China for the period covered by this volume. The original reports of his encounters with Chinese Christians, especially those involved in theological education, are a jhistoric record of the church's growth--and growing freedom. Interspersed with Hoff's accounts are essays by Chinese and other Asian Christians.
Liber A of the Collegiate Churches of New York, edited by Francis J. Sypher, Jr. Reformed Church Press (Eerdmans, 2009).
This book contains detailed 17th century records of the Reformed Dutch Church of New York City. Nearly all of these pages were written in the late 1600s by Domine Henricus Selijns (1636-1701). This volume will be special note to those interested in American colonial history--especially the history of New Netherland and of New York--and the history of the Reformed Dutch Church in America and its relations with the Reformed Church in the Netherlands.
Aunt Tena, Called to Serve: Journals and Letters of Tena A. Huizenga, Missionary Nurse to Nigeria, edited by Jacob E. Nyenhuis, Robert P. Swierenga, and Lauren M. Berka. Reformed Church Press (Eerdmans, 2009).
Tena Huizenga, a Christian Reformed missionary, served seventeen years at Lupwe, Nigeria, during a pivotal era in world missions. Through her eyes, we see the Lupwe mission, Aunt Tena's (Nigerians called all female missionaries "Aunt") colleagues, and the many Nigerian helpers.
The Practice of Piety: The Theology of the Midwestern Reformed Church in America, 1866-1966, by Eugene P. Heideman.
The title of this book reflects the concern of Dutch pietists to live a holy life. Attention is given to the nature of the piety that the immigrant members of the midwestern Reformed Church in America practiced after arriving in America. Reformed piety has its focus on God rather than on the development of one's self. The practice of piety among the Dutch Reformed immigrants was as concerned for theological integrity as for personal devotion to God. Thus, this book sets forth a history of theological thought in the midwestern RCA. That history provides insight into the ways in which the leaders sought to remain faithful to their theological and ethnic heritage while adjusting to the new demands of modernity and American culture. It was a time when the immigrants were coming to terms with their calling to live a life to the glory of God in the New World.
Freedom on the Horizon: Dutch Immigration to America, 1840-1940, by Hans Krabbendam.
This book seeks to understand the settlement process of an unproblematic and relatively small immigrant group during the century when the door to America was wide open and Dutch emigration reached its apex. It takes a closer look at the transatlantic ties to explain the formation of a new Dutch-American identity. This is the English translation of Krabbendam's Dutch book, Vrijheid in het verschiet. Nederlandse emigratie naar Amerika, 1840-1940, adapted for an American audience.
Selected DVDs
Advent Calendar on DVD and Advent Calendar On DVD 2: Christmas Carols Edition . Vision Video.
In the first 88-minute edition, discover the origins of the wreath, mistletoe, candy cane, Christmas trees, gift-giving, the twelve days of Christmas, and more. The second edition (25 segments, 115 minutes) includes the stories of Christmas songs and carols along with new arrangements by composer Steven Bias.
Advent Conspiracy: Can Christmas Still Change the World? by Rick McKinley and Chris Seay with Greg Holder. Zondervan, 2009. Four 15-minute segments.
This 4-session DVD study, with book and study guide, invites families, small groups, and churches to replace consumption with compassion by practicing four countercultural concepts: worship fully; spend less; give more; and love all.
A Clear View of the Birth of Jesus: A Middle Eastern Understanding.
During these four 30-minute lectures, Dr. Kenneth Bailey responds to many questions regarding the Christmas story, providing fresh understandings of the well-known Biblical stories of Christmas in a way that everyone can follow.
Davey and Goliath's Snowboard Christmas. Augsburg Fortress.
Davey learns some very important lessons about the real meaning of Christmas and respect for people who are different than he is.
The King Is Born. Nest Entertainment.
Beginning with the angel's announcing God's plan for Mary, this 30-minute animated children's program brings all the elements of the story of Jesus' birth to life. Includes chapter access and a sing-along song.
Nativity: The Art and Spirit of the Creche . Vision Video. 30 minutes.
This 30-minute program unites theologians and collectors with an astonishing and beautiful array of nativity scenes collected from across the globe and housed at the Mepkin Abbey in Moncks Corner, South Carolina.
The Purpose of Christmas , by Rick Warren. Zondervan, 2009.
The three sessions on this DVD examine three purposes of Christmas: celebration, salvation, and reconciliation.
Saint Nicholas: A Story of Joyful Giving . VeggieTales. 45 minutes.
Laura Carrot's holiday stocking might be empty this year because her dad could lose his job. While Larry's sure a letter to the North Pole will fix everything, Bob thinks he knows what will really help. But his story about a boy named Nicholas leaves everybody wondering.
The Christmas StoryKeepers. Zondervan. 70 minutes.
This animation depicts persecuted Christians in the Roman Empire who keep the gospel alive by verbally repeating the Bible. Even as the emperor escalates his war on Christians, Ben, Helena, and their family of orphans celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace.
The Vision of Simpler Living. Alternatives.
Three classic videos are now available on one DVD: The Celebration Revolution of Alexander Scrooge; Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas; and Break Forth into Joy: Beyond a Consumer Lifestyle.
Web Resources
Find ideas for Jesse Tree celebrations, St. Nicholas Day, dramas, skits, and more in the Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany Area on the RCA website.
Find more on St. Nicholas at www.stnicholascenter.org.
Discover ways to zero in on world needs that you care about deeply. Give a Gift of Hope this Christmas and make a difference in the life of a child or family whose needs are great. Remember to also put Gift of Hope on your Christmas list this year.
|