The Christmas Eve Reader

Like that Biblical, astronomical star of Bethlehem, The Christmas Carol Reader guides readers on their quest for information about Christmas songs. Studwell gathers a composite picture of the world's most important and famous carols and includes an ample selection of lesser-known Christmas songs. All of the carols are presented in their historical and cultural contexts which adds to readers’understanding and appreciation of the songs. As the only book that covers this elusive topic, The Christmas Carol Reader informs and entertains readers on over 200 songs of all types (sacred and secular), of all periods (Middle Ages through the 20th century), and from a number of countries and cultures. Because many of the songs in The Christmas Carol Reader fit into more than one distinct category, Studwell wisely divides the songs into two major groups--those that reflect Christmas as a Holy Day and those that celebrate Christmas as a Holiday. Here is just a sample of the breadth of coverage of songs: Sacred: From Heaven Above to Earth I Come; O Come, O Come Emmanuel; Angels From the Realms of Glory; As With Gladness Men of Old; O Holy Night (Cantique de Noël); Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne Secular: Happy Holiday; A Holly Jolly Christmas; God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen; Silver Bells; Here Comes Santa Claus; I'll Be Home for Christmas Medieval: Puer Natus in Bethlehem (A Boy Is Born in Bethlehem); Coventry Carol; I Sing of a Maiden; La marche des rois (The March of the Kings); In Dulci Jubilo 1500--1700's: Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella; I Saw Three Ships; Carol of the Bagpipers 1800's: Adeste Fideles (O Come All Ye Faithful); O Little Town of Bethlehem; What Child Is This?; It Came Upon a Midnight Clear; Stille Nacht, Heiliege Nacht (Silent Night) Spirituals: Go Tell It on the Mountain; I Wonder as I Wander; Mary Had a Baby; Rise Up, Shepherd, and Follow Little Known: O Bethlehem!; The Sleep of the Infant Jesus; Song of the Nuns of Chester Countries and Cultures: O Tannenbaum; Lulajze Jezuniu (Polish Lullaby); Fum, Fum, Fum; Carol of the Bells; Patapan; El rorro (The Babe) As readers learn about the history and nature of the Christmas carol in general and the specific history of individual religious and secular carols, they will learn some history and nature of the holiday season which can bring more enjoyment into their celebrations for years to come. On long winter nights, The Christmas Carol Reader can be read continuously as a series of fact-based commentaries on Christmas music. For shorter periods in between holiday activities, readers can peruse one of the topical sections or select, with the aid of the title index, an individual essay of interest. As a library reference, this book can provide facts for research on Christmas songs or just provide an entertaining education for curious library patrons.

A Christmas sampler of stories and poems, chosen from A Christmas Feast.

This unique holiday book is the perfect stocking stuffer for everyone on your list - naughty and nice. Stuffed like a Christmas goose, this holiday gift book is a cheerful mix of festive facts and yuletide yuks. Gather ’round the fire and unwrap the histories of such holiday traditions as Santa Claus, Rudolph, A Charlie Brown Christmas, candy canes, mistletoe, and more! You’ll also read about weird traditions, the Christmas Pickle, and Festivus. So let this merry little book be your favorite stocking stuffer!

Recounts the stories of Jesus' birth and infancy, the Annunciation, the Visitation, the adoration of the Magi, the presentation of Jesus in the Temple, and the flight into Egypt.

If you are one of the millions of Christian parents looking for a way to engage and understand the Bible together as a family, The Family Reading Bible is the Bible to meet your needs. Throughout the development of this unique Bible, the special content (questions, fun facts, and more) was tested by Christian families just like yours, who provided insightful feedback and help in order to make this Bible useful for you and your family in everyday life. The Family Reading Bible is designed to help parents use the Bible itself as their family devotional tool. A reading system with three easy-to-use tracks allows parents to accommodate children of various ages and stages. Readings of manageable length along with age-appropriate, engaging questions will encourage and maintain your kids’ interest in God’s Word. The Family Reading Bible is the perfect tool for parents in their role as the spiritual leaders of their home. CORE FEATURES 1) Three reading tracks: • Track 1: Short Path—for families with tight schedules or children under 9 • Track 2: Long Path—for longer devotional times and children over 9 • Track 3: Off the Beaten Path—provides an opportunity for creative exploration of various topics of the Bible such as the Christmas story, Angels and Demons, Kings and Queens, and other fun topics. 2) The Family Reading Bible is organized in standard canonical order, but the readings are read in chronological order. Example: when a reading about David in 2 Samuel is connected to a Psalm David wrote, you will be directed by page number to a devotional reading from that Psalm. You will then be returned by page number back to the next reading in 2 Samuel. 3) Brief summaries connect reading passages to provide continuity and understanding 4) Engaging, relevant fact and discussion questions written for children at various cognitive levels 5) Trivia facts keep both kids and parents engaged

A heartwarming collection of merry tales and Christmas lore in the Uncle John’s tradition. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…again! Uncle John’s follow-up to his wildly successful Christmas Collection unwraps even more treasures of holidays past and present. Packed with more fun than an elf’s goodie bag, this anthology includes all the legends, lore, trivia, and history we didn’t have room for in the first Christmas collection. Read about… * The history of Jingle Bells * Secret Santas, bad Santas, and goofy Santas * 10 great holiday films you may have missed * Christmas on the range…and in outer space * How to make your own figgy pudding * The legend of the Christmas Spider * The real Scrooge And much, much more!

So you've just been asked to put together your church's Christmas pageant -- are you feeling overwhelmed yet? Don't worry ... let Doris Wells Miller show you how this ministry can be an enjoyable and fulfilling experience for all concerned. In addition to seven delightful programs designed for children of preschool age through sixth grade, this book provides comprehensive, easy-to-follow guidelines that walk you through the entire process of planning, rehearsing, and presenting your holiday production. There's even a step-by-step worksheet to help you keep organized and stay on top of all the details. Each complete script comes with a synopsis and stage directions, as well as an attractive cover that can be reproduced for your program. You'll find material suitable for congregations of any size; most require no more than a dozen participants. And props, sets, and costumes are kept simple for maximum flexibility. With these practical resources, your children's Christmas program this year is bound to be successful -- Seven Advent Programs For Children has all the help you need in one convenient volume. Copying privileges are included. Doris Wells Miller has been a church secretary, taught Sunday school and Vacation Bible School, and served in many leadership roles in her congregation. Now retired, she is an active member of Cambridge Drive Baptist Church in Goleta, California. CSS Pub