At The Manger

"Who were those who stood at the manger the night Jesus was born? What are their stories? What of the carpenter who built the manger? Or the midwife who helped Mary deliver the child? What is the origin of the swaddling clothes that wrapped the babe? At the The Stories of Those Who Were There is a collection of inspirational tales which poses possible answers to these questions. Residents of Bethlehem and travelers from Rome alike, stand as witnesses in the stillness of the night to the profound, humble birth. Through their own trials, those blessed to be present at the Nativity are woven into a fabric of mutual dependence and ultimate redemption. And through great personal sacrifice, gifts are laid at the foot of the crib while the reciprocal treasures of liberation, peace, and love blossom in the hearts of the givers. Experience the joy of Christmas by taking a journey back in time and partaking of the lives of those first to greet the newborn babe. At the Manger shares the gentle reminder that giving is an act of love, and ennobles us most when it is a gift of self."--

Through poems, stories and prayers the author describes the thoughts, feelings, questions, and dreams of those who gathered around that manger of long ago, as well as the faces that have been there since. Original.

" ... [W]hat is Christmas really all about? Does it actually have any ‘meaning’? Child in the Manger – The True Meaning of Christmas sets out to explore that question. When we find the answer we realise that it isn’t only for Christmas time. So these pages are an invitation to explore what that meaning is. And if this book has come into your hands around Christmas time, may it help you to enjoy it in a new way!"--From publisher website.

The gentle beauty of the story of the first Christmas is now available as a board book. With a simple, lyrical text and radiant artwork, this book is perfect for the youngest child to be a part of the wonder of the Nativity.

Journey to the Manger explores the New Testament’s various accounts of the birth of Jesus: their origins in Old Testament prophecies, the genealogies, the angelic announcements, the journeys and arrivals, and the aftermath of Jesus’ birth for the powerful and the poor alike. Engaging seriously with biblical and historical criticism, Paula Gooder uncovers key similarities running through the Gospel writers’ accounts and focuses on their shared understanding of the significant events they describe. Her detailed exploration of the texts is a gold mine for preaching and teaching, and will breathe new life into the familiar Christmas stories heard year after year in churches, hymn sings, and nativity plays. Devotional reflections and discussion questions also make this ideal for personal and group study. Rooted in the conviction that greater understanding of the Bible leads to deeper discipleship, this is an essential resource for preachers, teachers, and study group leaders, as well as those who simply wish to get to know the Bible better.

Based on a true event which the author had reported on, this lighthearted story follows one reluctant nativity star, Esther the cow, on a special Christmas journey. Besides discovering her importance in the Christmas story, Esther teaches us how God has made us each special in His world. Mildred "Mitzi" Probert Mitzi grew up on a farm near the small town of Yorkville, OH. Her love of animals led her to Ohio Wesleyan University where in 1985 she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in zoology and journalism. After 10 years as a reporter/editor, Mitzi served as director of a World Vision-sponsored program in Jefferson County, OH and continued freelance writing. She and her husband, Eric, reside in Steubenville, OH with their two sons, Kyle and Carson, dog Bubba and hamster, Spot Jr. They attend Wintersville United Methodist Church. Esther is based on one of her last feature stories while working with The Wheeling (WVa) Intelligencer/News-Register. Richard "Ty" Schafrath Ty earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in drawing from Ohio State University in 1988, but a visit to MGM Studios and the Feature Animation Tour a year later in Orlando would change the course of his life. After numerous setbacks, Ty eventually landed a job with Nickelodeon Animation Studios in Hollywood in 1995 as a Storyboard Artist through 2002, when the industry slowed from its frantic pace. "Esther" is Ty's second book in 2010. In addition to illustration, he is a freelance storyboarder, painter, and a caricature artist. Ty, his wife, Jeni, and his step-daughters Aliyah, Alycia, and Sophia, and their dog Kirby, reside in Orlando. Ty is a follower of Jesus Christ and is a member of Harvest Bible Chapel in nearby Windermere.

That Baby in the Manger is a children's Christmas picture book with a needed message about inclusion and acceptance of cultural differences. As the children of a small church struggle with the portrayal of the Holy Family in the Nativity scene as European--not Middle Eastern and not necessarily like them--they learn more about Jesus's love for all children.

Supplemented by an informative introduction, short excerpts from Bonhoeffer's letters, and passages from his Christmas sermons, these daily devotions are timeless and moving reminders of the true gift of Christmas.