The impact of the miraculous event of the incarnation continues -- and the light of hope that appeared in the darkness of that night in Bethlehem two thousand years ago still shines on us today, even in the midst of life's most difficult situations. Illustrated with poignant stories and anecdotes, these powerful messages celebrate the heartwarming joy of Christ's coming, and demonstrate how we can rely on the Lord to serve as our steady lighthouse while we navigate the shoals of life. This seven-part series for Advent, Christmas Eve, the Sunday after Christmas, and Epiphany Sunday provides a comprehensive seasonal resource for busy pastors and worship planners. Each chapter includes a sermon, a children's message, a candle lighting response with scripture reading, and a pastoral prayer. Chapter titles include: - In The Darkness Of Despair -- Isaiah 9:2-7 - In The Darkness Of Suffering -- John 1:1-13 - In The Darkness Of Oppression -- Luke 2:1-5 - In The Darkness Of Fear -- Luke 2:6-11 - In The Darkness Of Anxiety -- Luke 2:12-17 - In The Darkness Of Uncertainty -- Luke 2:17-20 - In The Darkness Of Suspicion -- Matthew 2:1-12 Thomas A. Pilgrim, the senior pastor of First United Methodist Church in Fayetteville, Georgia, has served several United Methodist congregations in the North Georgia Conference since 1966. He is the author of six other books, including They Came Together In Bethlehem and The Man From Galilee (CSS). Pilgrim has served on mission trips to Puerto Rico and Costa Rica, and his travels have included eight trips to the Holy Land as a tour host/leader. He is a graduate of LaGrange College and Candler School of Theology at Emory University.

This book is for caregivers who have a desire not only to hone their caring skills, but also to deepen their relationship with God through their care. It explores feelings of loss and challenge, but turns always towards potential and hope. THESE ARE THE FACTS: There are over 100 types of dementia affecting over 50 million people around the world. But if you’re picking up this book, you probably already know that. Unfortunately, knowing the hard numbers doesn’t make caregiving less demanding, challenging, exhausting, and, yes, many times and in many ways, potentially uplifting. Caregiving is typically understood as an activity, as something we do – likely because caregivers do a lot. But caregiving is deeper than what we do. It is more than a series of tasks. It is, first and foremost, a call to love. In How the Light Shines each chapter engages an issue raised by caregivers themselves and is filled with real-life stories that convey the realities of caregiving, as well as tips and advice, and spiritual insight and guidance. It is written with both individuals and groups in mind. Each chapter includes questions and, for personal or group reflection, a spiritual practice and a prayer grounded in the pain and possibilities of it all.

The road to life is not an easy path to follow. Chris discovered that truth in a prison cell as he remembered and told his story to Michael. In the prison cell, he remembered aspects of his life he had forgotten because of the life he had chosen; yet a plan still existed for him. He thought Gods plan for him would end in a prison cell filled with pain and torture, but he was wrong. The path was clear. Would Chris follow it?

In this book, the author provides a powerful revelation on how you as an individual are the light of the world that illuminates and eradicates any form of darkness, thus making this world a better place to live. Light brings change; it brings out the beauty that was hidden by darkness. Even plants blossom when there is light. The light that is described in this book is inside of you. It requires you to acknowledge your purpose as the light of the world and effectively shine to bring a change not only in your life but in the lives of many.

For generations, the Dutta family, had lived contentedly in the pluralistic culture of Old Delhi, and cherished the comforts of the British colonial life as much experienced its challenges. When the political changes in the country began to fragment the unity in people, bringing paramount decisions about the future of India, the fabric of the social culture also began to reveal its complexities. As the independence movement escalated inside British India, the formation of two nations, India and Pakistan, was proposed based on their religious affiliations. Amid the uncertainties, the Dutta family is put through momentous situations as they came to terms with the national events, alongside, their own struggle to interpret the beliefs of an age-old religious system from how they revered faith and love. The story narrates pivotal moments in understanding the values and assumptions of faith against the established religious norms anchored in society in the backdrop of the tremulous historical shifts taking place. “Throughout the story of this extended family, Chotani consistently weaves in many evocative details drawn not only from historical events, but also from the more intimate social fabric of life. Readers are submerged in the fine points of business, culture, faith, and cuisine......An illuminating but static tale of an Indian family clinging to its core values.”--Kirkus Review

Published at the beginning of Pope Benedict XVI's papacy in 2005, Let God's Light Shine Forth, introduced the world to his spiritual vision of hope. The election of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger as successor to Pope John Paul II aroused tremendous interest not only among Catholics but throughout the world. Formerly the head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith and known for his stand against liberation theology and social activism on issues such as homosexuality, in his first days as Pope demonstrated a pastoral and very human face to the world. His deep faith, his theological learning and his intellectual gifts are without peer, and provided the foundation for his Papacy until his abdication in 2013, This book, from the editor of Inside the Vatican, explores Benedict's beliefs and policies through his own writings. Robert Moynihan sets the scene for his momentous election and then surveys his writings: on Jesus, Mary and the Sacrements, on the wider issues of faith and spirituality, and on the world today. In conclusion he reveals Benedict XVI's views expressed since his election and shows how these relate to his spiritual vision for the Church and the world.

Some five or six years ago I had the opportunity to speak at a womens prayer breakfast in my hometown. The theme for that prayer breakfast was Christian Women, Showing Compassion and Making a Difference. In contemplating what I would use for a subject, God gave me the message Let Your Light Shine The message came from Matthew chapter 5 verses 1-15, but the main thought came from verse 14 where Jesus told His disciples you are the light of the world. This book is a direct result of the thoughts that God gave me. That message was not only for those gathered for the prayer breakfast, but it was for me also. I had found my purpose, which was and still is to be a light, one that shines forth for Jesus Christ.

This story of three men's work helping traumatized kids in one of America’s most underserved cities reveals how mindfulness tools can help children and communities not only survive but thrive In this inspiring book, founders of The Holistic Life Foundation Ali Smith, Atman Smith, and Andres Gonzalez describe how they have spent the past twenty years teaching yoga, meditation, and breathwork to thousands of at-risk kids in Baltimore schools helping them to develop deep reserves of patience, empathy, resolve, and—when needed—the righteous anger that fuels deep structural change. Their work has received wide national attention due to their remarkable results: The schools that have participated in their programs have seen suspension rates plummet and graduation rates go through the roof. Ali and Atman discovered as young children the power of mindfulness practices to sustain them through the challenges of growing up in a neighborhood in Baltimore that was struggling with poverty and violence—a community they now serve. The Holistic Life Foundation’s mission is to empower kids to find this same stillness and light within themselves and to let it shine out to help change the world. In this book, Ali, Atman and Andres share hands-on mindfulness and meditation tools readers can teach kids that will empower them to do this same work in their own communities. Let Your Light Shine is essential reading for parents, educators, activists, and anyone looking to make a difference in the lives of young people.