Two Christmas-themed freebies from Baker Publishing:
Devotions for Advent (Ebook Shorts): Meditations Based on Best-Loved Hymns by Robert J. Morgan
B&N Amazon
Quote:
Grow closer to God through the hymns you love to sing
The great hymns of the faith are not only meaningful songs we love to sing--they teach us about God and ourselves. They are miniature Bible studies that lead us effortlessly toward worship, testimony, exhortation, prayer, and praise. They clear our minds, soothe our nerves, verbalize our worship, summarize our faith, and sing our great Redeemer's praise.
In Devotions for Advent, bestselling author Robert J. Morgan has gathered favorite hymns as well as classic, lesser-known gems to guide your quiet time with God during Advent. Each devotional contains an opening story about the hymn or its writer, the lyrics to the hymn, and a closing Scripture. Hymn titles are listed in the table of contents so you can find your favorites easily.
Perfect for any music lover, this is a unique journey into the songbook of praise that has defined our worship for centuries.
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When Mother Was Eleven-Foot-Four: A Christmas Memory by Jerry Camery-Hoggatt
B&N Amazon
Quote:
"This is the story of the Christmas of 1963, which is the Christmas that I learned what it means to be a giver of gifts."
In a beautifully written holiday memoir, the author tells the story of his mother, whose romantic nature and love for Christmas left a lifelong impression on her son. From her, he learns that sometimes you need to give what "your head tells you you can't afford, and your heart tells you you can't do without."
Mother has always celebrated Christmas with a flourish. So when she loses the Christmas spirit, her three young sons work hard to remind her what the season is about. The way her astounded reaction turned a corner for the family is something the author has never forgotten.
And neither will you. With vivid characters who are as timeless as the message, this delightful story will become a treasured part of your holiday traditions.
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I also want to mention that I've started reading
Jesus and the Gospels and it's really good. It was written as an introductory text for undergrad theology students and offers a pretty comprehensive overview of the historical context of early Christianity and the New Testament. I'm not far enough into the book to have reached the discussion of the gospels themselves, but if the rest of the book is as good as what I'm reading now, $4.99 is an absolute bargain.