Christmas – Christianbook.com Blog

16 Inspiring Quotes for Advent Season

Christianbook.com — Thu, 10 Dec 2020 06:07:33 +0000

Advent is here!

To celebrate, we’ve compiled 16 Advent quotes to help you center your heart and mind on Jesus this holiday season. As you make room for Jesus in your life, rest assured – he has already prepared a place for you.

“The word advent means “expectation.” What advent can do for us is create a sense of hope.”

– Louie Giglio

“The Lord is coming, always coming. When you have ears to hear and eyes to see, you will recognize him at any moment of your life. Life is Advent; life is recognizing the coming of the Lord.”

– Henri Nouwen

“It is the beautiful task of Advent to awaken in all of us memories of goodness and thus to open doors of hope.”

– Pope Benedict XVI

“A prison cell, in which one waits, hopes – and is completely dependent on the fact that the door of freedom has to be opened from the outside, is not a bad picture of Advent”

– Dietrich Bonhoeffer, God is in the Manger

“At this Christmas when Christ comes, will He find a warm heart? Mark the season of Advent by loving and serving the others with God’s own love and concern.”

– Mother Teresa, Love: A Fruit Always in Season

“During Advent, we occupy our greatest longings.”

– Ruth Haley Barton

“Optimism and hope are radically different attitudes. Optimism is the expectation that things—the weather, human relationship, the economy, the political situation, and so on—will get better. Hope is trust that God will fulfill God’s promises to us in a way that leads us to true freedom. The optimist speaks about concrete changes in the future. The person of hope lives in the moment with the knowledge and trust that all of life is in good hands.”

– Henri Nouwen

“Look up, you whose gaze is fixed on this earth, who are spellbound by the little events and changes on the face of the earth. Look up to these words, you who have turned away from heaven disappointed. Look up, you whose eyes are heavy with tears and who are heavy and who are crying over the fact that the earth has gracelessly torn us away. Look up, you who, burdened with guilt, cannot lift your eyes. Look up, your redemption is drawing near. something different from what you see daily will happen. Just be aware, be watchful, wait just another short moment. Wait and something quite new will break over you: God will come.”

– Dietrich Bonhoeffer, God Is In the Manger

“One who has hope lives differently.”

– Pope Benedict XVI

“I want a Christmas that whispers ‘Jesus’.”

– Ann Voskamp

“You could more easily catch a hurricane in a shrimp net that you can understand the wild, relentless, passionate, uncompromising, pursuing love of God made present in the manger.”

– Brennan Manning

“Into this world, this demented inn in which there is absolutely no room for him at all, Christ comes uninvited.”

– Thomas Merton

“The season of Advent means there is something on the horizon the likes of which we have never seen before… .What is possible is to not see it, to miss it, to turn just as it brushes past you. And you begin to grasp what it was you missed, like Moses in the cleft of the rock, watching God’s [back] fade in the distance. So stay. Sit. Linger. Tarry. Ponder. Wait. Behold. Wonder. There will be time enough for running. For rushing. For worrying. For pushing. For now, stay. Wait. Something is on the horizon.”

– Jan L. Richardson, Night Visions: Searching the Shadows of Advent and Christmas

“Advent: the time to listen for footsteps – you can’t hear footsteps when you’re running yourself.”

– Bill McKibben

“This Advent we look to the Wise Men to teach us where to focus our attention. We set our sights on things above, where God is. We draw closer to Jesus… When our Advent journey ends, and we reach the place where Jesus resides in Bethlehem, may we, like the Wise Men, fall on our knees and adore him as our true and only King.”

– Mark Zimmermann in Our Advent Journey

“Let’s approach Christmas with an expectant hush, rather than a last-minute rush.”

– Anonymous

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Gift Ideas for Kids this Christmas

Christianbook.com — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 14:54:49 +0000

We all know Christmas isn’t just about the presents. But giving a child a gift that lights up their face and fills them with joy is something quite special! Do you know a child who loves playing board games? Spends hours with their nose in a book? Or maybe dives into all things techy? If so, we’ve some great ideas!

On this list, we’ve rounded up our top picks for children of all ages and interests. You’ll find faith-filled gifts, educational gifts and gifts that are simply fun!

If you are looking for a little more inspiration, explores our Christian Kids’ Store here!

1. The Jesus Storybook Bible

Here is a Bible like no other! Recommended for ages 4-8 years old, The Jesus Storybook Bible is designed to teach children about God’s love and build a deeper understanding of biblical stories. From the Old Testament through the New Testament, children will discover that Jesus is at the center of God’s story of salvation – and at the center of their story too! It makes an excellent gift at Christmas, when we all remember that he is the puzzle piece that makes all the other pieces in our lives fit.

2. 221B Baker Street Board Game – Sherlock Holmes Mystery

Looking for a board game that is both fun and challenging? We have just the solution! Designed for ages 14 years and older, 221B Baker Street Board Game will transport players to Victorian London where they will be tasked with picking up clues to solve 200 intriguing cases. This game can be played by 2 or more individuals or teams making it perfect for some after Christmas dinner entertainment for the whole family!

3. UNO Flip

Do your kids love UNO? Then expand their games collection with UNO Flip! Designed for ages 7 years and older, players take turns matching a card in their hand with the current card shown on top of the deck, either by color or number. In a twist to the original game, players can play the FLIP card and all the cards in the players hand, the draw pile and draw deck are flipped over to reveal an entirely new set of numbers and colors on the opposite side. Another fun-filled game for the entire family to enjoy on Christmas day!

4. Fine Motor Hedgehog

Here’s a little something for the younger children… with this toy, children are tasked with giving the hedgehog back his colorful quills. Sized perfectly for little hands, these quills will help to build their fine motor skills and counting skills making it both fun AND educational! This toy includes a 2-piece hedgehog, 12 colorful quills, and activity guide – it is recommended for ages 18 months and older.

5. Crazy Aaron’s Orangesicle Putty

If you’re on the hunt for something small to pop in a stocking, Crazy Aaron’s Orangesicle Putty will make the perfect filler. This orange cream scented putty is a great stress-reliving toy – for both children and adults alike! It also comes in a wide range of other colors and scents, click here to view them all.

6. Poke-A-Dot: Who’s in the Ocean Activity Book

For preschoolers we’d highly recommend the interactive Poke-a-Dot Who’s in the Ocean book from Melissa & Doug. Designed for ages 3 years and older, this engaging book features a simple text and is paired with adorable illustrations and fun popping dots. Children can press the 30 dots throughout the book and listen as they “POP” – kids can be encouraged to count them all as they read along with the bouncing rhymes.

7. Just In Case You Ever Wonder

This classic story from bestselling author Max Lucado has this year been re-released with all new illustrations. Written especially for children ages 3 to 7 years, Just in Case You Ever Wonder is inspiring for all ages, as it reminds readers of Jesus’ love for them. Whether you have treasured this classic book for years or are reading it for the first time with your little ones, this timeless reminder of the love between a parent and a child – and ultimately, between God the Father and us – will come to hold a special place in your heart and home.

8. Playmobil Noah’s Ark

For a toy that also doubles as a way to learn more about a biblical story, look no further than the Noah’s Ark Playset. Children will enjoy hours of entertainment with the ark – it even floats on water! Included in this playset are animals, functional crane, storeroom with hay bales and a lockable cage in the ship’s hull. Recommend for ages 4 years and up.

9. Adventures in Odyssey DVD Library

Fun, adventure, and character building lessons? Must be the Adventures in Odyssey DVDs! Children aged 8-12 years will love traveling with the Odyssey gang on all their encounters with mystery, intrigue and excitement around the world and throughout history. Each DVD also includes an underlying lesson designed to help bring them closer to the Lord. Included in this DVD Library set are 17 DVDs encased in a colorful canvas storage bag – just perfect for gifting!

10. Squirreled Away

Is your child a fan of VeggieTales? Then Squirreled Away is the book for them! Created by Mike Nawrocki, co-creator of VeggieTales, The Dead Sea Squirrels series is humorous, fun, and filled with character-building lessons. Squirreled Away, the first installment in the series, introduces readers to 10-year-old Michael and his friend Justin who sneak into the Dead Sea caves near the archaeological dig where Michael’s dad is working. Michael finds two 2,000-year-old squirrels petrified in sea salt. Hijinks ensue as Michael tries to bring them back to the U.S. hidden in his backpack. What Michael thinks are just cool souvenirs may turn out to be something much more! A fun read that is sure to delight children aged 6-10.

11. Artie 3000

Have a child who is interested in coding? Artie 3000 is the robot they need! Designed for ages 7 years and older, this WIFI-enabled drawing robot will encourage children to code in order to create visual masterpieces with Artie 3000. It features 4 modes of play including – pre-programmed shapes, games, art for coloring, and freeform coding.

For more Christmas gift ideas for children, click here!

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Free Christmas Planner + 16 Gift Tags!

Christianbook.com — Mon, 02 Dec 2019 02:49:33 +0000

Here at Christianbook, we understand Christmas can be a busy time. There are events to plan and attend, gifts to purchase and wrap, and most importantly times to come together as a family and enjoy each others company.

So, to help you keep on top of all those events and to-do lists, so you have more time to enjoy with loved ones, we’ve created these handy printables. This download also comes with a selection of gift tags ready to print out, cut out and tie to your Christmas gifts. It’s the perfect solution for all you out there who love to keep organized… or for anyone who needs a little help staying organized!

Included in this download is:

A gift planner
Christmas Wish List
Shopping Planner
To-Do List
Christmas Card List
Event List
Party Planner
Grocery List
Recipe Cards
Menu Planner
December Calendar
Weekly Planner
16 Printable Gift Tags

Click here to download your FREE Christmas Planner!

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Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Gift Ideas

Christianbook.com — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 22:40:44 +0000

It’s that time of year again… it’s Operation Christmas Child National Collection Week! If you are planning to support the cause this year, we’ve rounded up some handy Shoebox gift suggestions for all age brackets. There are fun gifts, educational gifts, gifts of faith and so much more to help you support this wonderful cause.

Want to shop any of the gifts shown below? Just click the product name to navigate to our website. Looking for more gift ideas? Or maybe you need to buy shoeboxes? Follow this link to our Operation Christmas Child store!

Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Gift Ideas: Shop by Age

Ages 2-4 Years Old

A Do-A-Dot 6-pack Rainbow Washable Markers

Shine Like the Stars in the Sky Astronaut Shirt

Nativity Sticker Activity Book

Pull Back and Roll Dump Truck

Sew ‘N’ Sew

Truck Crayon Set, 12 pieces

Ages 5-9 Years Old

Jesus Loves Me Beary Much Shirt

Faber-Castell Triangular Colored EcoPencils

Stickers: Ark Animals

Balloon Powered Boat

All Aboard for Christmas Scratch & Reveal Nativity

Crayola Modeling Clay, Classic Color Assortment

Crayola, Washable Crayons, 16 Pieces

Pocket Etch A Sketch

Crocodile Dentist Game

Ages 10-14 Years Old

Veritas, Coloring Pencils, Pack of 12

Crayola Modeling Clay, 2 Pound Jumbo Assortment

Pocket Etch A Sketch

Bananagrams

Rainbow Scratch Art Mini Notes

Illusions, Super Scarab, Mini Putty

The Lord Is My Rock Carabiner with Mini Flashlight

World’s Smallest Perplexus

Buy Your Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes!

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Christmas Coloring & Activity Pages for Kids

Christianbook.com — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 15:44:27 +0000

Oh, it’s the most wonderful time of the year and we’re celebrating everything Christmas here at Christianbook.com! If you are looking for some festive activities to keep the children busy this Christmas, look no further. We’re created some printable coloring pages – including a Christmas card! – to help keep the little ones busy. Just perfect for when you need a quiet minute to finish up that Christmas wrapping.

Simply download the pages, print out and enjoy!

For more Christmas coloring, click here!

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Christmas Bible Reading Plan

Christianbook.com — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 22:38:17 +0000

As Christmas nears, the to-do list just seems to get longer and longer. There are presents to buy, gifts to wrap, baking to be done and family to be seen. But we want to set you a bit of a challenge. A challenge to put Jesus at the forefront of each day in the lead up to Christmas – no matter how busy you get.

We find by taking a quiet moment for the Bible each day, it helps us to reset our focus and put a lot of things in perspective. We hope this Bible reading plan will help you on your way to keep Jesus at the heart of everything you do this festive season.

While it may only be short, this Bible reading plan will help you revisit those passages that serve as a reminder to the real reason for the season. We’ll touch on verses that explore the promise of Jesus in the Bible, the birth of Jesus and more.

[ CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD ]

To shop our range of devotionals for the new year, click here!

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Bible Journaling Gift Guide Christmas 2018

Christianbook.com — Sat, 08 Dec 2018 14:54:12 +0000

Looking for a little something special for the Bible journaling enthusiast in your life? Well, reader, you’re in luck. Here at Christianbook.com our Bible Journaling selection has expanded so much over recent years. Specialty pens, stencils, washi tape… we’ve hundreds of products just perfect for helping your loved one grow in their Bible journaling practice!

Whether they are just starting out Bible Journaling or they are an expert at exploring their faith creatively, we’ve rounded up some products we think they might appreciate receiving this Christmas.

If you yourself are looking to explore Bible journaling a little, you might be interested in our FREE Journaling Start Kit. Click here to download.

Date It Stamp by Shanna Noel
This stamp is much-loved by the Bible journaling community. It will help your loved one remember just when they created that journaling masterpiece. This stamp not only includes dates, but also a series of words: prayed, wow, remember, sermon, blessed, etc. It’s a great way to enhance journaling entries!
PIGMA Micron Inductive Bible Study Kit
A creative journaling Bible enthusiast can never have too many pens. These PIGMA Micron pens are a favorite among the community… and for a good reason! They don’t smear, bleed-through, or fade and will deliver smooth, consistent lettering every time.
Watercolor Paint Set, Pearlescent
This watercolor set features 24 pearlescent colors and a brush. They are absolutely perfect for those who like to use paints in their Bible journaling creations. These paints create simply beautiful colors, if you ask us!
Bible Journaling Kit by Faber-Castell
The ultimate Bible Journaling Kit! It includes tools and inspiration to assist creatives as they doodle, draw and journal in the margins of their Bible. Inside the kit you’ll find, a design guide, stickers, gelatos, highlights, mixed media stencils and much more.
Illustrated Faith Bookbound Journal
A basic blank-page journal for creatives to add illustrations of Scripture on unruled pages. Each page also includes an inspirational Bible verse quote in the footer. It’s the perfect way for your loved one to explore their ideas before proceeding in their Bible.
Faith That Sticks: Who I Am In Christ Stickers
Stickers are an integral part of any journaling Bible collection. These high quiality artisan stickers feature typography phrases and words, describing who we are in Christ and words of Christian virtue. This pack includes 2 sheets with 48 stickers.
Faith & Lettering: An Inspirational Guide to Lettering and Journaling
A book designed to help readers connect with God as they learn to draw his Word. Author Krystal Whitten, shares three basic types of letters, the best tools to use, and step-by-step instructions. Her practical tips will help your loved one make their Bible unique! A great gift idea for the newbie.
Joy Coloring Pencil Case
Everyone needs a little something to help keep their favorite pens together! This pencil case has an added layer of fun as it can be colored in as the recipient desires. Perfect for the creative who likes to add their flare to everything.
Veritas Gel Pens Set of 36
Like we said, a creative Bible journaling enthusiast can never have too many pens! This selection of gel colors by Veritas is the ultimate gift. It includes 9 metallic pens, 9 water chalk pens, 9 neon pens and 9 glitter pens. They’ll surely love to add this to their collection.
Floral Washi Tape, 8 Pieces
Oh, how we love washi tape! This floral set is so beautiful, and will surely enhance any Bible journaling creation. Washi tape is great for creating borders, highlighting sections, layering, or to make tags.

If you are looking to get started with Bible journaling, make sure you download our FREE Bible Journaling Starter Kit. Just click here!

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Stocking Stuffer Inspiration for All Ages

Christianbook.com — Tue, 04 Dec 2018 22:16:59 +0000

Who says stocking stuffers have to be an afterthought! We think these little items can add a little extra fun to Christmas morning and bring an even bigger smile to everyone’s faces. Whether you are looking for some stocking items that will share the reason for the season, or just a little game or toy, we’ve got just what you need.

So, in case you are looking for a little inspiration, here are some ideas to take your stocking stuffer game to the next level!

Stocking Stuffers for Kids

Stocking Stuffers for Her

Stocking Stuffers for Him

For more Stocking Stuffer inspiration, click here!

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Christmas Books for Young Readers

Christianbook.com — Sun, 18 Nov 2018 17:43:44 +0000

The Christmas season is upon us again! While children get excited for Christmas day, it’s also important that we show them there is more to the season than just presents. What better way to do this, than through books!

Fortunately, there are so many Christian authors out there who have penned books sure to capture the imaginations of children. Here are just some of our favorite children’s books sharing the true message of Christmas…

Jesus Calling: The Story of Christmas

by Sarah Young

Featuring bright illustrations, kid-friendly devotions, and Scripture verses, Jesus Calling: The Story of Christmas teaches the Christmas story to your children. Unfolding God’s majestic design, Sarah Young takes your little on from the dawn of creation to the foot of the manger to reveal the babe who would grow up to save the world. Bible verses and Jesus Calling devotions are on every spread of this beautifully illustrated book.

Mouse’s Christmas Gift

by Mindy Baker

When the pastor gets sick and the traditional Christmas Eve service is canceled, can a tiny church mouse find a way to brighten the spirits of his little town? Sweetly illustrated with glitter-enhanced pictures, the Mouse’s Christmas Gift story is sure to bring cheer to your holidays and become a year-round favorite for children and adults alike!

‘Twas the Evening Before Christmas

by Glenys Nellist

It’s a beloved holiday tradition to read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas aloud. But now, families can gather around to share the real Christmas story – the story of Jesus’ birth. ‘Twas the Evening of Christmas echoes the familiar rhythm and language of the original, but shifts the focus to the birth of Jesus. All families will delight in this simple retelling of the most famous story ever told. It’s sure to become a Christmas classic!

The Christmas Cradle

by Meadow Rue Merrill

The Christmas Cradle picture book is an engaging illustrated book for children four to seven years old. Every Christmas Eve, Aunt Jenny and Uncle Gerry hold a huge Christmas party at their home – this year, Molly gets to help prepare. Disaster strikes forcing the party has to move to the barn. With help from cousins Jacob and Sammy and neighbor Rosa, the children clean up the barn and decorate cookies, while discovering the story of the Christmas cradle.

God Gave Us Christmas

by Lisa Tawn Bergren

Another heartwarming story about the polar bear family from the author who wrote God Gave Us You! In the enchanting book God Gave Us Christmas, you can help young children celebrate the most special day of the year and learn the true meaning of Christmas. It also offers the perfect opportunity for little ones to discover the awesome truth of how much God loves them. Children will discover that at Christmas, Jesus is the best present of all!

A Very Noisy Christmas

by Tim Thornborough

Here’s a book worth shouting about! This fun and fresh retelling of the Christmas story shows children that at the heart of the Christmas story is something we should all be quiet and see: God’s son Jesus was born, so that we can be friends with God forever. A Very Noisy Christmas comes with sound effects so that children can join in as parents read to them.

Itsy Bitsy Christmas You’re Never Too Late for His Love

by Max Lucado

Itsy Bitsy Christmas Board Book by Max Lucado brings the Christmas message to even the smallest of children with a revised edition of his classic book, Itsy Bitsy Christmas. When Itsy and Bitsy – two little mice – hear that a King is coming to Bethlehem, they set off with great enthusiasm to find Him. This is a book that will help children understand God’s great love and know that He sent his son for all of us – little or big, young or old.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

by Barbara Robinson

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is a classic Christmas read for younger readers! The Herdmans are absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world. No one is at all prepared when the Herdmans invade church one Sunday – and decide to take over the annual Christmas pageant. None of the Herdmans has ever even heard of the Christmas story before! Their interpretation of the tale has a lot of people up in arms. But it will make this year’s pageant the most unusual and, just possibly, the best one ever.

One Small Donkey for Little Ones

by Dandi Daley Mackall

In One Small Donkey, little ones will discover the very first Christmas, seen through the eyes of an unlikely narrator – the donkey that carries Mary to Bethlehem! The donkey is not the biggest, fastest, or strongest of all the animals but he had an important job all the same. The story delivers an important Christmas message to children – God has big plans for little ones. We think this is a story that both children and adults will love!

The Littlest Watchman

by Scott James

Benjamin is a Watchman. It’s his job to watch for the sign that all God’s promises are coming true – to watch a stump. Trouble is, it’s hard just waiting. And one night, Benjamin finally gives in and stops watching. But that same night, as he sits outside Bethlehem, he gets to watch something wonderful. Kids will be gripped by what Benjamin saw, and will be excited by the Christmas story all over again after reading The Littlest Watchman.

The Legend of the Christmas Cookie

by Dandi Daley Mackall

Read along and discover The Legend of the Christmas Cookie written by Dandi Daley Mackall. A young boy named Jack learns that the family who began the Christmas cookie tradition baked the holiday treats for the needy – and told the story of Jesus’ birth while handing them out! A sweet book that encourages kids to become cheerful givers and share the true reason for the season with others.

Leo’s Gift

by Susan Blackaby and Joellyn Cicciarelli

In Leo’s Gift, an intensely shy six-year-old boy overcomes his self-doubt to discover that he has beautiful gift to share with the world – just in time for Christmas! With the help of his sister, Leo discovers music and develops a passion that gives him a big voice and helps his confidence soar. A beautifully illustrated book filled with heart and hope that will inspire kids to believe in themselves and learn that not all gifts come wrapped in a box.

My Merry Christmas

by Sally Lloyd-Jones

From Sally Lloyd Jones, author of the Jesus Storybook Bible, comes the wonderful My Merry Christmas! What can lovingly wrapped presents tell us about the true meaning of Christmas? How about twinkling lights, angels, and stars?In this illustrated rhyming storybook, children will learn the significance of favorite holiday symbols – and in the end, they’ll discover the sweetest gift of all.

The Christmas Story for Children

by Max Lucado, Randee Frazee and Karen Davis Hill

This retelling of the Christmas story, taken from The Story for Children, is sure to become a favorite family reading tradition. Beautifully illustrated by Fausto, The Christmas Story for Children tells about the birth of a special baby whose story is filled with love for us all. Young readers as well as their parents will appreciate the beautiful words and artwork that convey the message that we are all loved and cherished. A wonderful new tradition to begin this Christmas!

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Perfect Christmas Gifts for Book Lovers

Christianbook.com — Mon, 05 Nov 2018 17:55:39 +0000

We all have an avid reader in our life… whether it’s a friend, a mother, a father, or maybe it’s even you! That’s why we have put together a little gift guide with all the best gifts for your bookworm this Christmas.

Now, we haven’t just restricted this list to simply books… oh no! There are so many different type of gifts that will enhance a book lover’s life. Mugs, bookmarks, literary devotionals and so much more.

Hopefully you’ll find something for your reader among this list, but if you’re looking for something else, check out our complete gift guide for book lovers by clicking here!

Books You’ll Love to Gift

Stocking Stuffers for Bookworms

Looking for more inspiration? Visit our complete gift guide for book lovers by clicking here!

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