Advent begins in just a few days, on Sunday, Dec. 2, and there are new Brethren Press resources to help prepare for this special season.
“Wait and Hope” by Rhonda Pittman Gingrich is the 2018 Advent devotional, offering daily readings, scriptures, and prayers for Advent through Epiphany. This pocket-sized devotional is suitable for individual use and for churches to provide to their members. “Advent is a time for engaging God’s word and grounding ourselves in the hope of the kingdom rather than personal wishes and desires,” said a description from Brethren Press. “This season, examine the words and actions of both the prophets and the central figures in the Christmas story, and rediscover the gift of waiting in patient expectation for God’s ultimate promise, Jesus.” Price per copy is $3.50. Order online at www.brethrenpress.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=8488 or call customer service at 800-441-3712.
“25 Days to Jesus,” a hard-cover illustrated children’s book written by Christy Waltersdorff and illustrated by Mitch Miller, is a colorful Advent devotional for young children. “Meet those whose lives were changed by the birth of Jesus,” said a promotion from Brethren Press. “Through a daily scripture, story, and prayer, begin a Christmas tradition the whole family can share.” Price per copy is $18.95. Order online at www.brethrenpress.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=9033 or call customer service at 800-441-3712.
The winter quarter of Shine, a curriculum jointly produced by Brethren Press and MennoMedia, also begins Dec. 2, on the first Sunday of Advent. This quarter’s theme is “Journeys with Jesus.” Curriculum is offered for early childhood, primary, middler, junior youth, and multi-age classrooms. The Bible outline for primary through junior youth focuses on the Gospel of Luke, studying the Advent and Christmas narratives about Jesus’ early life, followed by studies of several of the parables Jesus told. Order curriculum online at www.brethrenpress.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=225 or from customer service at 800-441-2712. For more information and sample sessions visit shinecurriculum.com.