Discovery Place is ready to meet your needs for resources for small groups or Sunday School classes. The first Sunday of Advent is Thanksgiving weekend, so start thinking now about a study for Advent! Order early to avoid disappointment, as quantities are limited. Choose from the following titles:
Incarnation: Rediscovering the Significance of Christmas, by Adam Hamilton (2020). Jesus was known by many other names throughout his life. Learn the meaning behind the names of Christ and the difference He makes in our lives this Christmas. 4 sessions. (Also available – study books for Children and Youth.)
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. (Also available – study books for Children and Youth.)
The Case for Christmas: Evidence for the Identity of Jesus, by Lee Strobel (2018). Strobel reveals what he discovered as he sought to separate the holiday from the holy day, the facts from the fantasy, and the truth from the tradition. You will learn what the Bible says about Jesus’ birth and how you can know it is accurate. 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. (Also available – study books for Children and Youth and a large-print book.)
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. (Also available – study book for Youth.)
Because of Bethlehem, by Max Lucado (2016). In this Bible study, Lucado 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.
Who Needs Christmas, by Andy Stanley (2019). The remarkable details of the Christmas story are what make it so believable. And Andy Stanley tells us why, after so many years, it took something unexpected to get people’s attention. 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.
Finding Bethlehem in the Midst of Bedlam, by James Moore (2015). This study explores how God comes to us in the midst of chaos and how we can be light that the world seeks, especially during the Christmas Season. Bethlehem or bedlam…which will you choose this year? 5 sessions.
The General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) has published a challenging on-line resource for Advent called Reimagine Advent. Discover the Liberating Christ. Visit www.r2hub.org/premium-resources/p/advent2021 for more information.
Find more complete descriptions of Discovery Place resources at www.discovery-place.org. Click on ONLINE CATALOG and search by title, or use the “Advanced search” (subject: Christmas/Advent) to see a complete listing of all Advent resources we offer. Place an order directly from the 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
