Moving stories that demonstrate the true meaning of Christmas and how that meaning is kept alive throughout the year at Old First Reformed Church, an urban congregation in Philadelphia's historic Center City known for its outreach ministries. Helps readers stay connected with the ongoing story of Jesus who lives and reigns among us in all the seasons of our lives.

Easter is the high point of the church year and the very heart of Christian hope, and yet sometimes we are tempted to simply move on once Easter Sunday is over. Easter, Season of Realized Hope invites us to linger a bit. Join the women who visit the tomb of Jesus in the early morning and encounter the risen Lord. Travel with the disciples walking to Emmaus and let your heart burn with recognition. Learn from Paul what a difference it makes that Christ is risen. Let your deepest hopes be realized.

Celebrate the Advent season with a new family tradition with this beautiful and heartwarming collection of devotions and stories from beloved, bestselling author Glenys Nellist, told in the style of the classic ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. ‘Twas the Season of Advent is a 25-day devotional that will inspire your family as you eagerly await the arrival of Christ’s birth! ‘Twas the season of Advent, when all through the earth, People were pausing to ponder Christ’s birth. The bright lights were hung ‘round the doorframes with care In hopes that Christmastime soon would be there… Prepare the way for the LORD. Isaiah 40:3 Written in both prose and poetry, ‘Twas the Season of Advent will engage children and adults alike and become a new holiday tradition for families everywhere! From the bestselling author of the holiday favorites ‘Twas the Evening of Christmas and ‘Twas the Morning of Easter, ‘Twas the Season of Advent: Delivers prose and poetry that will appeal to all ages, especially 4-8 year-olds Brings Advent to life through 25 devotions featuring stories from the Old and New Testaments Features beautiful artwork by celebrated illustrator Elena Selivanova Serves as the perfect gift for the family as you prepare for the Christmas season Presents portions written in the familiar rhyme scheme of Clement C. Moore’s ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas Showcases a beautiful cover you’ll want to display on your coffee table all Advent and holiday season Join Glenys and families around the world as you and your family wait, prepare for, and look forward to the arrival of God’s son, Jesus. Look for additional inspirational children’s picture books from Glenys: ‘Twas the Morning of Easter 'Twas the Evening of Christmas Snuggle Time series Love Letters from God series

All these stories will touch the heart; some will evoke laughter and tears. Here is a collection of forty stories, each simple and to the point. They are based on lectionary cycle A. The stories examine basic theological and moral questions. Very often the story offers a surprise, an ironic twist or reversal as in the parables of Jesus. The collection will assist the lectionary preacher. Although created for adults, the stories appeal to children and youth. John Sumwalt's stories are a treat -- the gospel comes alive in common life and in regular people and suddenly we are enchanted by grace. I am putting it on my shelf right up next to Martin Bell and Walter Wangerin. Donald F. Chatfield Professor of Preaching Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary Afterword by Jo Perry-Sumwalt John Sumwalt is pastor of Wesley United Methodist Church in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He is a member of the T .A.L.E.S. storytelling guild and his stories appear quarterly in Seasons: The Inter-Faith Family Journal. This book is part of a three-year lectionary stories series.

Christians inherited a Roman calendar that was adequate for getting up in the morning, going to bed at night, calculating the equinox, and setting a wedding date. But the stories attached to the Roman calendar were inappropriate to Christian belief, so Christians told stories of Jesus which eventually replaced the Roman versions. Now these classical stories are retold, collected in one volume.