Enrich your Advent experience with a new book as you prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ this holiday season.
"Twas the Season of Advent"
In “Twas the Season of Advent,” United Methodist and children’s author Glenys Nellist uses poetry and prose to celebrate each day of Advent. Sharing stories from the Old and New Testament, the new book highlights the promise of Christ’s birth, with portions written in the familiar rhyming scheme of “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Though the storytelling is directed at children ages 4 to 8, the hardcover picture book is meant to engage the entire family.
"The Journey"
Celebrating 10 years since its original publication, “The Journey” by United Methodist pastor and author Adam Hamilton takes the reader on the road from Nazareth to Bethlehem in this anniversary edition.
Hamilton weaves together history, archaeological data and a personal look at some of the stories surrounding Jesus Christ’s birth to make the world-changing event more real. “The Journey” is available as a single book, in a DVD version and a four-week devotional along with study guides for adults, youth and children.
"All the Good: A Wesleyan Way of Christmas"
“All the Good: A Wesleyan Way of Christmas,” written by a group of diverse Wesleyan scholars, takes the reader on an Advent journey guided by the practices in John Wesley’s means of grace. Highlighted by illustrations and stories, chapters examine preparing the way for God, the impact and significance of prayer, the substance of good works and caring for others and sharing God’s mission to the world.
“All the Good” is accompanied by a devotional and leader kit for group study.
"The Heart that Grew Three Sizes"
In this new Advent study, United Methodist pastor and author Matt Rawle looks at Christmas through the lens of Dr. Seuss’ classic “How The Grinch Stole Christmas.” Readers, reflecting on how Christ speaks to us through our culture, will consider how the Grinch’s heart grew three sizes on Christmas morning, as well as ponder that the very thing we hate may be the one thing that changes our lives.
“The Heart that Grew Three Sizes” is available in paperback and DVD and with leader guides for adult, children and youth, as well as worship resources.
Listen to Rawle discuss his new book on this “Get Your Spirit in Shape” podcast episode.
For more Advent selections, check out this list of perennial favorites.
Crystal Caviness, who works for UMC.org at United Methodist Communications, compiled this list of books based on recommendations by staff at United Methodist Publishing House. You may reach her by email.
This article was published on November 4, 2021.
