In World War II Poland, a young girl receives straw at the Christmas Eve service to bring to her impoverished family. But on her way home, Marta meets others who are much poorer than she, and she shares her piece until there is nothing left. In spite of the lack of straw--though perhaps because of her generous heart—Marta finds riches she never expected in this tender tale of Christmas giving. The Traditions of Faith series features stories of how significant Christian traditions emerged from around the world. These traditions continue to be practiced today and encompass many different holidays. Each Traditions of Faith book includes an author’s note about the history of the tradition, and ideas and activities to adopt into one's own family celebrations.

With sweet, rhyming text and illustrations by bestselling illustrator Jane Chapman, Goodnight, Manger offers a unique twist on the classic Christmas tale, creatively weaving together comforting and familiar bedtime routines with the special magic and wonder of the manger story as Mary and Joseph try to lull baby Jesus asleep inside the noisy stable. Goodnight, Manger: Is perfect as bedtime reading for your little ones, especially during the holiday season Makes the Christmas story fun and accessible for young readers Helps kids think deeper about what being in the stable may have been like for Jesus, Mary, and Joseph Can be read during Advent, the Christmas season, or celebrations of Jesus’s birthday Makes a great gift for baby showers, new moms, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and boys and girls 4-8 It's bedtime for Baby Jesus, but who knew a manger could be so loud? Mama, Papa, and all the animals try to get the baby to sleep, but between itchy hay, angels' joyful hosannas, and three kings bearing noisy gifts, it's just too loud. Until Mama finds a way for everyone to work together to shepherd Jesus into peaceful dreams under the twinkling stars. If you enjoy Goodnight, Manger, be sure to check out Goodnight, Ark as well!

Jesus: His Story in Stone is a reflection on still-existing stone objects that Jesus would have known, seen, or even touched. Each of the seventy short chapters is accompanied by a photograph taken on location in Israel. Arranged chronologically, the one-page meditations compose a portrait of Christ as seen through the significant stones in His life, from the cave where He was born to the rock of Calvary. While packed with historical and archaeological detail, the book’s main thrust is devotional, leading the reader both spiritually and physically closer to Jesus.

The Good Deed Manger is a charming, beautifully illustrated Christmas story that shows children the importance of doing good deeds and helping others. While searching for a place to stay in Bethlehem, Mary and Joseph meet a young donkey named Jordan. Jordan helps Mary and Joseph by giving them a place to stay (Jordan's stable) and prepares a cozy bed for Baby Jesus (Jordan's manger). By Jordan's example, children learn that they, too, must do good things for Jesus.

The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition is an activity the entire family will enjoy. Based on the tradition Carol Aebersold began with her family in the 1970s, this cleverly rhymed children's book explains that Santa knows who is naughty and/or nice because he sends a scout elf to every home. During the holiday season, the elf watches children by day and reports to Santa each night. When children awake, the elf has returned from the North Pole and can be found hiding in a different location. This activity allows The Elf on the Shelf to become a delightful hide-and-seek game.

Who came up with the idea of using nativity scenes to celebrate Christmas? Many might be surprised to learn that Saint Francis of Assisi, is credited with creating the first nativity scene. The Living Nativity introduces readers to Saint Francis and his joyous reenactment of Jesus' birth.The Living Nativity explores how nativity sets, Advent wreaths, candles, carols, Christmas cards, and other traditions help prepare our hearts for the God "who bends low to enter our world and our lives." Prayer poems for each day of the season lead readers to deepen their spiritual journey, and the book provides a guided pattern for individuals and small groups to share reflections and experience activities that open their hearts to the Christ child.The Living Nativity offers a prayer, meditation, and reflection questions for each day of Advent. The Leader's Guide includes suggestions for worship, discussion questions focused on the readings, and guidance for a mini-retreat on a theme of the week

There is a legend that describes how, at midnight on Christmas Eve, all creatures are granted the power of speech for one hour. In this rich collection, Lee Bennett Hopkins and a dozen other poets imagine what responses they might offer. The poems represent a diverse group of animals, but all come together with one singular purpose: celebrating the joy of the miraculous event. This collection of graceful poems provides readers with a Nativity story unlike any other -- at times gently humorous, at times profound, but always inviting readers to appreciate the wonder of Christmas. This book is a perfect gift for the holiday season. Includes poems by... Lee Bennett Hopkins Joan Bransfield Graham Amy Ludwig VanDerwater X. J. Kennedy Jude Mandell Marilyn Nelson Jane Yolen Ann Whitford Paul Prince Redcloud Rebecca Kai Dotlich Michele Krueger Alma Flor Ada Alicia Schertle