FaithfulReader.com - 2007 CHRISTMAS ROUNDUP

We at FaithfulReader.com have compiled a number of inspirational fiction and nonfiction titles perfect for the holiday season. Many of the books on our list will help you focus your prayer life in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Others offer ideas for blocking out commercialism and reflecting on the true meaning of the holiday. And even a few come with CDs to celebrate the beloved traditional carols. Be sure to read some of these selections with a child and rediscover the innocence and wonder of the season. We hope all of the titles in this year’s roundup will further the peace and joy of Christmastime in your homes.

FICTION

Joe L. Wheeler
Howard Books
Fiction/Short Stories
ISBN:

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THE BEST OF CHRISTMAS IN MY HEART is a heartwarming legacy of holiday stories that all ages and all families can share. Celebrate the true meaning of Christmas through this memorable collection from master storyteller Joe Wheeler. Gather the family and pass on the tradition of sharing stories of faith, hope and love.

Rene Gutteridge
WaterBrook Press
Fiction
ISBN:

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It’s Christmastime in Skary, Indiana, but the holiday season has been hijacked by maverick director Lois Stepaphanopolis as she attempts to bring her horror-ific vision of A CHRISTMAS CAROL to life. But the path from page to stage is a thorny one as Lois attempts to rally her skeptical cast and learns that her reluctant marketing director, Alfred Tennison, is truly a Christmas Scrooge.

THE CHRISTMAS PROMISE
Donna VanLiere
St. Martin’s Press
Fiction
ISBN:

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Each Christmas we are given a promise from heaven. And each year on earth we make promises to each other. This is a story about how a promise from one person to another shows us the true meaning of faith, remembrance and love. In THE CHRISTMAS PROMISE, the lives of the characters collide and we learn that even as we move ahead, the past is never far behind. And when we are forgiven much, we love much. In this warmly humorous and deeply poignant story, we are reminded that the Christmas Promise is the promise of second chances.

FINDING FATHER CHRISTMAS
Robin Jones Gunn
FaithWords
Fiction
ISBN:

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Miranda Carson’s search for her father takes an unexpected turn when she finds herself in England with only a few feeble clues to who he might be. Carson faces a terrible decision after she is warmly welcomed into a family that doesn’t recognize her, and whom she quickly comes to love. Whatever choice she makes during this Christmas season will forever change the future for both her and the family she can’t bear to leave.

Jerry Camery-Hoggatt
Revell
Fiction/Short Stories
ISBN:

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GIVER OF GIFTS reveals the true meaning of Christmas through three page-turning stories. “When Mother Was Eleven-Foot-Four” is a son’s memoir of his tiny mother whose big Christmas spirit taught him about God’s generous gift of grace. “Joseph’s Son” is a beautifully written story of the infant Jesus, told from the unsung perspective of His earthly dad. And in “Through a Glass Darkly,” a young girl’s life is transformed by a mysterious mirror that allows her to see others in a new light.

These well-crafted tales are reminders of what it means to give --- and live --- with a generous and gracious heart.

Melody Carlson
Revell
Fiction
ISBN:

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For Colleen, life is spinning out of control. She just lost her husband, and her relationship with her young adult son Jamie is crumbling. Should she confess to him the secret that has been haunting her for 20 years? Jamie has a few secrets of his own. When he announces his plans to join the military, Colleen decides its time for the two of them to take a trip together to Ireland. The truth they discover there could fulfill both their dreams in a way neither ever thought possible.

Daniel L. Gilbert
Paraclete Press
Fiction
ISBN:

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Finally, a full and far-reaching novel about the travels of the magi, or wise men, that combines history, astronomy, prophecy, legend and culture, to culminate in a life-changing meeting with the new child king, the Messiah. No other novel in history has brought together such a human and historical portrait of the travels and the search for the One who changed history.

Jerry B. Jenkins and Dallas Jenkins
Tyndale House Publishers
Fiction
ISBN:

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MIDNIGHT CLEAR is a modern-day parable about how seemingly insignificant acts of grace make a profound difference. This Christmas Eve story is told from the point of view of five different characters: an alcoholic who has run out of excuses, a young mother struggling with the impact of her husband’s accident on their little family, an older woman getting things “in order” for her planned suicide, a depressed gas station owner, and a discouraged youth pastor. Each feels they have little to celebrate, but as midnight approaches, their lives intersect and hope is reborn.

written by Ruth Bell Graham
illustrated by Richard Jesse Watson
Baker Books
Fiction
ISBN:

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A classic Christmas picture book from the wife of well-known evangelist Billy Graham, ONE WINTRY NIGHT tells the story of a mountain boy who is injured in a snowstorm and seeks refuge in a cabin. While he waits out the storm, the woman who lives there tells him the Christmas story. Starting with the very creation of the world and ending with the resurrection, the boy discovers the big picture of God’s plan for his people and situates the nativity within the scope of history.

Leisha Kelly
Revell
Historical Fiction
ISBN:

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It is December of 1932, just one year after the Worthams and the Hammonds lost Wilametta Hammond and Emma Graham in one terrible night. The Christmas spirit seems largely absent again this year. George Hammond has disappeared, and Julia Worthams’s house is filled to overflowing with the Hammond children, several of whom are coming down with a mysterious illness. As Christmas nears, the children’s homemade nativity scene takes on a life of its own, bringing comfort in the midst of uncertainty and hard times.

UNWRAPPING CHRISTMAS
Lori Copeland
Zondervan
Fiction
ISBN:

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It’s that time of year again, and with excitement and high expectations, Rose has planned the perfect Christmas for her family and friends. But when she feels them drifting away during a time that should celebrate togetherness, Rose is forced to slow down in the most unexpected way. In this whimsical, uplifting story, she discovers the true meaning of giving.

THE YADA YADA PRAYER GROUP GETS DECKED OUT
Neta Jackson
Thomas Nelson
Fiction
ISBN:

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Resurrected just in time to help refugees from Hurricane Katrina, Manna House is being put in apple-pie order by the Yada Yada friends as the holidays approach. But will they be grateful for reminders of the painful past that show up unexpectedly? In this highly anticipated final installment, the Yada Yada sisters --- a group of multi-cultural friends --- and their families prepare for the event of the season.

NONFICTION

Christin Ditchfield
Crossway Books
Religion & Spirituality
ISBN:

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The Three Wise Men are well-known. But what of the three wise women --- Mary, Elizabeth and Anna --- who played crucial roles in the Christmas story? Christin Ditchfield explores the unique purpose God had for each woman in His plan to send His Son to earth.

Charles R. Swindoll
Thomas Nelson
Spirituality
ISBN:

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The world changed forever one Bethlehem night. Bestselling author Charles R. Swindoll invites us to sit back and enjoy his personal and engaging retelling of the first Christmas story. Combining both regal mystery and humble human experience, the book focuses on four major characters: Gabriel, Mary, Joseph and Immanuel. A BETHLEHEM CHRISTMAS provides biblical insight with the heart and warmth of a gifted storyteller to bring what happened at the nativity to life and renew the joyful hope of Christmas.

Sharon Jaynes
Moody Publishers
Christian Living
ISBN:

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Christ has been crowded out of Christmas by shopping malls, parties and decorations. Sharon Jaynes offers help to return our focus to the baby in the manger. Organized A to Z, CELEBRATING A CHRIST-CENTERED CHRISTMAS is filled with 26 innovative and creative ways to do just that. Come let your focus be renewed and use these great ideas to have a joyous celebration of the Savior's birth.

Tim Coffey
Harvest House Publishers
Religion & Spirituality
ISBN:

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Charming nativity scenes, roly–poly penguins and humorous reindeer reflect the wonder of Christmastime. Traditional holiday hues decorate this gift–worthy collection of literary quotes, joyful sentiments, Scripture and delicious recipes, ushering in the season with joy and cheer. This combination of whimsical images and inspirational content will be the hit of the year as an ideal hostess gift, family reader and centerpiece for all who adorn their heart and home with the true spirit of Christmas.

Bobbie Wolgemuth and Joni Eareckson Tada
Crossway Books
Spirituality/Music
ISBN:

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This book reminds children of the real meaning behind Christmas carols --- the birth of Jesus Christ. It introduces 12 carols and shares the stories behind each one. The enclosed CD contains fully orchestrated versions of the carols with children's voices.

edited by Greg Pennoyer and Gregory Wolfe
Paraclete Press
Worship & Devotion
ISBN:

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Christmas is the season most difficult to grasp and understand in all its spiritual richness. The sentimentality and commercialism that dominate the season tend to obscure the profound mystery at its heart: the Incarnation. Profound daily readings are enhanced by classic and contemporary art masterpieces carefully selected by the editors. GOD WITH US will make anyone's journey to the stable in Bethlehem and the child in the manger utterly unforgettable.

Ann Spangler
Zondervan
Worship & Devotion
ISBN:

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Ann Spangler believes it’s possible to transform the crazy, wonderful, stressful season we call Christmas into one of greater peace and deeper joy by recovering the gift of Advent. She selected six names or titles for Jesus --- one for each week of Advent and the nearly two weeks of the Christmas season. Each name offers a week’s worth of devotions focusing on God, the miraculous birth of his son and the promise of his return. In IMMANUEL, you’ll discover a perfect balance of prayer, reflection and study to help you open your heart fully to the birth of Jesus and all that it means.

Ron Mehl
WaterBrook Press
Worship & Devotion
ISBN:

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Eloquently capturing the true spirit of the holiday, beloved author Dr. Ron Mehl tells the story of a God whose tenacious love would not --- did not --- leave us lost and alone, but moved heaven and earth to rescue us, save us, adopt us…and so much more. In 12 worshipful readings, Dr. Mehl opens our eyes to the scope and dimensions of what the Almighty accomplished on our behalf by sending His Son into space and time on that first Christmas morning.

Chip Davis
Thomas Nelson
Spirituality/Music
ISBN:

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Musician Chip Davis has created lovely prose with his personal and intimate reflections on five simple joys of the Christmas season: family, friendship, giving, music and a special Baby. Each section is decorated with beautiful, full-color traditional and contemporary imagery of the season and with seasonal verses and quotes to touch the reader's heart and imagination. The millions of Mannheim Steamroller fans around the world will love this new way to experience and share with others the joys of Christmas through both music and prose. Included is a bonus two-song CD of “Silent Night” and a new composition.

Marty A. Bullis
Regal Books
Devotional
ISBN:

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In the midst of the hustle and bustle of the weeks leading up to Christmas, we sometimes forget what it's all about. These 29 daily Advent devotionals from a fresh new voice will help readers attend to the gospel story of Jesus in deeper, more meaningful ways. After reading the selected Scripture verse for the day, Marty Bullis's short devotional reading will help you unpack deeper meanings of the text. Then, through guided reflection, prayer and journaling, you'll engage in this time of holy waiting. Even those whose Christian faith traditions don’t include celebrating Advent will find these devotions a way to combat the frantic consumer mentality of the Christmas season.

compiled by Lucinda McDowell
Shaw
Religion & Spirituality
ISBN:

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This elegant, full-color gift book boasts a wonderful collection of heartwarming stories, poems, regional traditions and recipes from people whose roots and hearts are deep in the South. Enjoy reflections by great writers and well-known Southerners, including Jan Karon, Liz Curtis Higgs, Max Lucado, Anne Rivers Siddons, Charles Allen, Michael Card, Ruth Bell Graham and Catherine Marshall. No matter where you live, SOUTHERN-STYLE CHRISTMAS will help you soak up the beauty of Christmas.

Tolbert McCarroll
Crossroad Publishing
Religion & Spirituality
ISBN:

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Few storytellers can capture the sense of the divine as Brother Toby can. In this precious gift book, we are all invited to stroll along with this outstanding monk through the wintry season of darkness and candlelight. Guiding us through the rich symbols and celebrations of diverse faith traditions, including the Advent Wreath, Bohdi Day, Chanukah, Ramadan and the Epiphany, and moving gracefully between the secular and the sacred, Brother Toby reminds us to leave behind the obligations, the frenzy and the triviality that wear us down and find a glimpse of the divine in the ordinary.

--- Compiled and written by Mary Dubbs