Journey To The Manger

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.

The Manger Mission: A Family Christmas Tradition is a story told through the eyes of playful, reminiscing Wise Men, now part of a family's nativity set, as they anticipate Christmas each year while reflecting on their first journey to meet Jesus. Each morning leading up to Christmas, the children in the family choose a place for the Wise Men as they journey through their home, every day moving them closer to the nativity where they can once again see baby Jesus. On Christmas morning, the children return the Wise Men to the nativity as part of their family's Christmas morning tradition.

"The perfect introduction to the Christmas story for the very young. . . Excellent, also, for both religious and nonreligious families." - BookPage One day, a long time ago, Mary and Joseph went on a long journey. They had to walk very far, to the city of Bethlehem. The king wanted to count all the people in his country. Among them were Joseph, Mary and the child that was still in Mary's womb. A simple version of the Christmas tale with colorful illustrations. Recommended for young children.

"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."--

It's Christmastime, and Mortimer Mouse, unhappy in his cramped, cold hole, goes in search of a new home. He spies a nativity scene that looks just right for him, so he moves the statues out and settles himself into the manger! But when he hears the Christmas story being told and realises that the statues are of Mary, Joseph and Jesus, he understands that the crèche is meant for them and returns everything to its rightful place. Then, suddenly, a Christmas miracle occurs and Mortimer discovers a new home, at last!

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. Although many biblical scholars have puzzled over historical details in the accounts, Paula Gooder argues that doing this risks missing the point. Engaging seriously with biblical and historical criticism, she 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 goldmine for preaching and teaching, and will breath new life into the familiar Christmas stories heard year after year in churches, carol services and nativity plays. Devotional reflections and discussion questions also make this ideal for personal and group study.

Biblical Explorations is an exciting series from bestselling author Paula Gooder, aimed at all who wish to gain a fuller understanding of the Bible through its key themes and subjects. It is rooted in the belief that greater understanding leads to deeper devotion. This series will also be invaluable for preachers, worship and study group leaders. This second volume in the series focuses on the events leading up to and surrounding the birth of Jesus and includes: • the Annunciation • the birth narratives • the flight into Egypt • the presentation in the Temple Also considered are relevant Old Testament prophecies and why the genealogies are important. Paula Gooder uses her extensive knowledge of the New Testament world, its language and culture, to reveal fresh insights and to open up hidden depths in these familiar stories.