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The Apologies From a Repentant Christian series is the continuing story of a Christian pilgrim’s walk personified. Part I tells of an unrepentant sinner who surrendered her heart to God, embraced His forgiveness for her sins and received her new identity in Christ. Part II tells of the next stage of this Christian’s walk: a new believer faces rejection, spiritual battles, and learns how to live in a corrupted temple of flesh.

The observance of Easter represents one of the most complex historical tapestries in the western world. It is not merely a singular religious holiday; rather, it is a confluence of astronomical phenomena, ancient agrarian rites, and foundational theological shifts. To understand Easter, one must first look toward the vernal equinox. For millennia, the arrival of spring served as a pivot point for human civilization; it signaled the return of life to the frozen earth and the promise of future harvests.

As a travel blogger, I’m always on the hunt for hidden gems across Western Canada. So when my best friend invites me back to Candy Cane Creek for its first annual Valentine’s Festival, I can’t resist. From the conversation hearts tree to the holiday hoedown, the town has pulled out all the stops for couples and singles alike.

The Icelandic tradition of Jólabókaflóð, or the "Christmas Book Flood," stands as a testament to a nation’s enduring love for the written word. This cultural phenomenon, which sees the majority of books in Iceland published and purchased in the final months of the year, is more than a mere commercial cycle; it is a fundamental pillar of Icelandic identity. To understand the Jólabókaflóð, one must look toward the intersection of geographic isolation, historical necessity, and a deep-seated literary heritage that stretches back to the medieval Sagas.

Washington Irving’s Old Christmas: The Origin of Our Modern Christmas recounts his visit to Bracebridge Hall, the fictionalized but closely based estate modeled on Aston Hall in Birmingham, where he stays as a holiday guest of the benevolent Squire Bracebridge.

This cheerful book full of informative narrative poems takes the listener through ancient pagan traditions that inspired the celebration as we know it today. From the Roman Saturnalia to Norse Yule, from Persian god Mithras to Jesus Christ, there are fables, symbols and lessons to learn that the book eloquently relays. Christmas tree, christingle, mistletoe, Santa Claus, mince pie, stockings, angels, wreaths, turkey—all come to life in fun trivia stories.

Every December, the internet explodes with bold claims that Christmas is nothing more than a remix of ancient pagan festivals. Saturnalia, Sol Invictus, Yule, Mithras, Horus — you’ve heard the accusations. “Jesus is just a copycat.” “Christians stole December 25 from the pagans.” “The Christmas tree is pagan.”

The nativity scene is like a living Gospel rising up from the pages of sacred Scripture. As we contemplate the Christmas story, we are invited to set out on a spiritual journey, drawn by the humility of the God who became man in order to encounter every man and woman. We come to realize that so great is his love for us that he became one of us, so that we in turn might become one with him.

The unabridged, downloadable audiobook edition of India Knight's darkly comic Comfort and Joy. Read with humour and sensitivity by Lucy Brown, the star of the hit show Primeval. It's December 23rd and Clara Dunphy is running around Oxford Street like a blue-arsed fly trying to buy presents. She...

Are you ready to have your best Christmas EVER? That sounds easy, right? Having a great Christmas is harder than you might think, and it’s much easier to ruin your Christmas instead. We often get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, spending time on things that aren’t a priority. Before we know it, our high expectations aren’t reached and we think to ourselves, “Maybe next year.” Don’t let this year end that way! Learn how to prioritize what actually matters with Best Christmas Ever.

The presentation features ten readers representing Biblical characters and angels: Abrham, Jacob, the Angel Who Appeared to Balaam, the Angel Gabriel, Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, the Head Angel who appeared to the shepherds, the Head Shepherd, and the Revelation Angel. Each reading contains key scripture passages focused on the birth of Christ.

Spending time in the entire story of Jesus—from birth to death, to resurrection and ascension—centers us on the true reason for the season. We serve a Savior who was born and a Savior who is risen! Our celebration at the manger flows from our celebration at the cross. This set of twenty-five devotionals seeks to center us on the beauty of the full story of the Gospel of Luke with a reflection for each day in December leading up to Christmas.

When we are initiated into the church with the water of baptism, we (or our sponsors) answer a series of questions called the Baptismal Covenant. The first three questions echo the words of our creeds, our beliefs about God and the church. The last five questions focus on action. They each begin with the words: "Will You?" These "Will You" questions articulate how we are to animate our baptism, to follow Christ's example in our relationships with others, our communities, and the world.

Lighting displays are popping up, Christmas advertisements are taking over your tv, and you’ve heard the song “White Christmas” at least twice already. The hustle and bustle of the season can seem daunting when you are knee deep in diapers and and you can’t remember when you last had a shower. Being sleep deprived can make this time of year even more challenging. Learning to navigate through all of the seasonal mayhem while thoroughly enjoying yourself can be accomplished.

Imagine our once homeless people have jobs and a place to live. Our veterans and elderly are being cared for as they should be. Our streets and schools would be safe for all children. Our world is at peace.

Are you hoping to rediscover the magic of the winter holidays? Looking for traditional inspiration for your upcoming Xmas parties? Ever wondered what’s behind the twelve days of gift-giving? The daughter of a real cowboy, award-winning author Larada Horner-Miller grew up in a small rural community in southeastern Colorado. Now she’s using her seventy years of festive experiences to share the true meaning of the season and how to rejoice in its miracles.

From bestselling author Gayle Boss (All Creation Waits: The Advent Mystery of New Beginnings) comes a Lenten book filled with twenty-five of Earth's rare and wild creatures. Their stories, while tragic and uncomfortable, will wake listeners to greater compassion and hope—which is what Lent, meaning "springtime," has always been for.

Blake Fisher won’t let anyone destroy the life she’s built. So when a silver-spoon-in-his-mouth snob refuses to listen to her proposed deal, the hardworking real estate agent sneaks her way onto his land to demand a face-to-face meeting. But while she hits it off with his rambunctious trio of brothers, she’s determined not to yield an inch to her onetime crush…even after they share a bone-melting kiss.

The first Christmas sermon preserved in church history was preached by St. John Chrysostom in AD 386, in which he declared, "Behold a new and wonderful mystery!" In this volume, the Christian literary writers of the Chrysostom Society reflect on Advent and Christmastide as a bright and meaningful season of anticipation and glory. Through forty-two readings from the first Sunday of Advent through Epiphany, contributors prepare us in watchful waiting for the coming of Jesus.

The time-honored traditions of the liturgical calendar guide Christians through a year-long meditation on the life of Christ. Beyond just Christmas and Easter, each season of the church year offers special opportunities to remember and celebrate the work of God. In Sacred Seasons, Danielle Hitchen helps you incorporate the rhythms and rituals of this ancient Christian discipline into your everyday family life.