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| Joni Robison Discovery Place |
The Gift of the Nutcracker, by Matt Rawle (2018). Rawle looks at this Christmas classic in a new way: through the lens of faith. He uses the iconic tale to help us understand God’s greatest gift of the Christ child and of the kingdom Christ came to build. 4 sessions.
Home for Christmas: Tales of Hope & Second Chances, by Justin Coleman (2018). This study shares the real-life stories of formerly incarcerated men and women as they find work and opportunity through Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles. As we hear about their struggles, we recognize the Advent themes of hope, love, and peace in their lives. 4 sessions.
Faithful: Christmas Through the Eyes of Joseph, by Adam Hamilton (2017). As the earthly father of Jesus, Joseph’s place in the Nativity story is sometimes overlooked, but contains valuable lessons for all of us. 4 sessions.
The Redemption of Scrooge, by Matt Rawle (2016). Based on Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, this study explores the world of Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and the Cratchits, with an eye to Christian faith. Along the way we will meet the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come and learn about living with and for others in a world blessed by Jesus. 4 sessions.
Christmas Gifts That Won’t Break, by James Moore (2017). As we journey through Advent, we reflect on the unbreakable gifts God has given us: hope, love, joy, and peace…and of course the greatest gift of all: Jesus. 5 sessions.
Not a Silent Night: Mary Looks Back to Bethlehem, by Adam Hamilton (2014). Hamilton begins at the end, with Mary at the crucifixion and the resurrection, and then travels back in time as Jesus’ life and ministry unfolds, ending at the beginning: with the Christ Child being born in a stable. 5 sessions.
Sent: Delivering the Gift of Hope at Christmas, by Jorge Acevedo (2015). God sent Christ at Christmas. And Christ sends us. Each session is led by a different presenter, all of whom are clergy. Each session begins with a story about Advent or Christmas, followed by a lively discussion among the presenters. 5 sessions.
Down to Earth, by Mike Slaughter (2016). Have we ever really grasped the miracle that took place in Jesus’ birth? We will be challenged in this study to respond to this miracle with down-to-earth love, humility, lifestyle, and obedience. 4 sessions.
Because of Bethlehem, by Max Lucado (2016). This study explores how the One who made everything chose to make Himself nothing and come into our world. Jesus’ birth gives us the promise that God is always near us, always for us, and always with us. 4 sessions.
Finding Bethlehem In the Midst of Bedlam, by James Moore (2015). This study explores how God comes to us even in the midst of chaos and how we can, in turn, be light that the world seeks, especially during the Christmas Season. Christmas or confusion, Bethlehem or bedlam…which will you choose this year? 5 sessions.
There are numerous other Advent studies from which to choose. Go to our website, www.discovery-place.org. Click on “online catalog.” You can search by title or author and read full descriptions of the resources listed above. You can also choose “advanced search” and under subject, select Christmas/Advent to see a complete listing of all Advent resources we offer. Place an order directly from the online catalog, call us at 717-766-7968, or e-mail discovery@susumc.org.
God’s blessings to you as we celebrate the upcoming seasons of thankfulness, joy, and hope!
Serving Christ with you,
Joni Robison
