Read this book and experience a more loving celebration of God with us than you ever thought possible. Gregory Spayd, Pastor serving St. Genevieve Parish, Corpus Christi, Texas This is one of the finest--if not the finest---books I have read about the birth narratives of Jesus. Wow. Great job! Thanks. Rance Darity. Graduate University of Kentucky, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Mennonite Seminary. An Anabaptist 'follower of Jesus'. 'Creative, challenging, provocative, and scholarly, John Henson takes us on a journey that cuts through the Christmas traditions of the centuries, enabling us to hear afresh the radical story of the birth of Jesus.' Revd Dr Simon Woodman Co-minister: Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church, London; formerly tutor at Cardiff Baptist College, Wales. 'John Henson and Ray Vincent present us with the humanity of the Christmas story, and show us why it matters. I cannot thank them enough for making Christmas real to me again, and restoring true meaning to one of the most powerful, scandalous, and beautiful narratives of our shared faith.' Kevin M. Rodriquez, Founder and Administrator 'Progressives for America.'. 'In this thought provoking book, John and Ray, grounded in a faith that touches real people in the real world, invite the reader to expand their knowledge and imagination and to reflect on the message at the heart of the Christmas narratives.' Sue O'Hare, Methodist Minister, Caerphilly, Wales. 'John Henson's work is for a large part of the "religious" public a well-kept secret.' Rowan Williams (Baron Williams of Oystermouth) Archbishop of Canterbury 2002-2012

Tonight a king will be born, and all the stars in heaven are competing to see who can shine the brightest for him. But when the stars see the poor family huddling in the shabby stable, they begin to think that this baby couldn’t be a king after all! That is, all the stars except the smallest, loneliest star in the sky, Little Star. He recognizes the baby Jesus as the King of kings and understands His special message of love. Read on to discover the extraordinary way Little Star serves his King on that cold, dark night. Certain to become a Christmas classic, this delightful tale connects the star atop the Christmas tree to the true meaning of Christmas—the birth of Jesus.

This eleventh edition was developed during the encyclopaedia's transition from a British to an American publication. Some of its articles were written by the best-known scholars of the time and it is considered to be a landmark encyclopaedia for scholarship and literary style.

There’s more to Christmas than presents. The fun and thoughtful ideas in 1,001 Ways to Celebrate Christmas instill how to keep others in mind, especially those for whom the holiday season can be difficult. From homemade cards to cookie recipes and ideas about how to give back to your community, readers of all ages will be encouraged to create joy and good tidings, and be reminded why the holiday season is special.

This rhyming story by a bestselling author helps children relate favorite holiday symbols to the true story of Christmas--the night Jesus was born.

Highclere Castle, known as 'the real Downton Abbey' bustles with activity at the best of times, but it is never more alive than at Christmas. Christmas at Highclere is a look behind the scenes at the routines and rituals that make the castle the most magical place to be throughout the festive season. Lady Carnarvon will guide you through Advent, Christmas preparations and Christmas Eve all the way through to the day itself, and beyond. Learn how the castle and grounds are transformed by decorations, including the raising of a twenty-foot tree in the saloon, the gathering of holly and mistletoe from the grounds. All the intricacies of the perfect traditional Christmas are here: from crackers and carol singers. The festive feeling is carried through to Highclere's Boxing Day traditions, the restorative middle days and the New Year's Eve celebrations. This book also tells the story of historic Christmases at Highclere - of distinguished guests warming themselves by the fire after a long journeys home through the snow, unexpected knocks on the door, and, always, the joy of bringing family - and staff - together after a busy year. As well as telling the stories of Highclere Christmases past and present, Lady Carnarvon provides recipes, tips and inspiration from her kitchen so that readers can bring a quintessentially British festive spirit to their own home. Lady Carnarvon divulges the secret to perfectly flakey mince pies, the proper way to wrap presents so that you and your guests are guaranteed a Christmas to remember. Lavish, celebratory and utterly enchanting, Christmas at Highclere is celebration of one of the UK's most beloved historic houses and is the perfect gift for any Downton Abbey fan.

Readers of The Persuasive Christian Parent will learn: - Why parents are the most important influence in their children's lives- That truth should be a consistent topic of conversation with our children- That parents can have confidence in Christian truth and teach that to their kids- Why plausibility is important to a confident faith- How Christianity explains reality far more powerfully than anything else- How a hostile, secular culture can strengthen their children's faithBecause of this hostile, secular culture, many Christian parents fear for their children's faith. The Persuasive Christian Parent offers a powerful panacea to this crisis of confidence with nine foundational concepts parents can teach their children, building in them an enduring, lifelong faith. God has provided Christians everything they need to successfully defend their faith to themselves, and their children. As you engage the arguments in The Persuasive Christian Parent, you will be able to provide answers to the tough questions that daily confront children and parents alike.