Fall & Advent 2023 Essentials

2023 ESSENTIALS

Advent Studies

IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

NEW An Unlikely Advent Extraordinary People of the Christmas Story

Rachel Billups

Experience the unexpected this Christmas with Rachel Billiups in this Advent study. Each week a set of unexpected characters has something to teach us about living faithfully on the journey to Christmas. The 4-week study includes the book, eBook, Leader Guide, DVD, and Sermon and Worship Series download.

SEE PAGE 14

NEW Heaven and Earth Advent and the Incarnation Will Willimon

Connect heaven and earth at Christmas with beloved pastor and scholar Will Willimon. Together you will explore the idea of Jesus as both fully human and fully divine this Christmas. The 4-week study includes the book, eBook, Leader Guide, DVD, and Sermon and Worship Series download.

SEE PAGE 14

PRE-ORDER TODAY!

NEW Experiencing Christmas Christ in the Sights and Sounds of Advent

Matt Rawle

In this study, Matt Rawle will help you define the signs you see during the Advent and Christmas season that point you to the divine. The 4-week study includes the book, Leader Guide, Leader Guide eBook, and DVD.

SEE PAGE 13

THESE 4-WEEK STUDIES ABOVE ARE AVAILABLE IN SEPTEMBER.

AND HERE’S A SNEAK PEEK ON OUR NEW SIX-WEEK LENTEN STUDIES!

The Third Day: Living the Resurrection, by Tom Berlin.

Remember: God’s Covenants and the Cross, by Susan Robb.

FREE SHIPPING on Cokesbury.com every day with minimum purchase of eligible items!

Free shipping applies to standard ground shipping to contiguous U.S. only.

NEW Wrestling with Doubt, Finding Faith

Adam Hamilton

Everyone has doubts. Where is God when bad things happen? Does God hear our prayers? Is there a heaven? How can we know? Often we treat such questions as the enemy of faith. But uncertainty doesn’t mean our belief is lacking. Doubt can be a path to a deeper, richer encounter with God.

In Wrestling with Doubt, Finding Faith, join best-selling author and pastor Adam Hamilton as he discusses some of our most significant sources of doubt and shows how a steady trust in God can emerge from them. Hamilton approaches these sources of doubt with honesty and insight, drawing on the rich wisdom of the Bible, Christian tradition, and his experience walking with thousands of people on their spiritual journey. Whether you’re a longtime Christian or someone brand new to faith, this book will lead you to a trust in God that is unafraid of hard questions. Wrestle with doubt and find faith—belief and trust, not certainty; mystery rather than simple answers.

The 5-week study can be used anytime throughout the year by individuals, small groups, or as a churchwide study. The book makes a great outreach gift for visitors. The DVD features video teaching sessions with Adam Hamilton. The Sermon and Worship Series Download provides everything you need for a Lenten sermon series. Abingdon Press. Coming in December.

9781791029982. Book. $17.99; $13.49

Also available:

9781791030001. Large Print Book. $18.99; $13.99

9781791030025. Leader Guide. $15.99; $9.99

9781791030032. DVD. [CC] 5 videos; 10–12 min. each. $44.99; $33.49

9781791030049. Sermon and Worship Series Download.$29.99

Streaming videos available on Cokesbury.com and amplifymedia.com. (Amplify Media available by subscription.)

MORE STUDIES by this author

The Gospel of Mark

A Beginners Guide to the Good News

Amy-Jill Levine

Discover the Good News in the Bible’s earliest Gospel

Walk through the Bible’s earliest source for the life of Jesus with scholar Amy-Jill Levine as she examines John the Baptizer, the Little Apocalypse, the Transfiguration, and several of Jesus’ most notable stories and parables. The Good News of the gospel message comes alive in this book as readers see Jesus as divine and human, powerful and weak, approachable yet mysterious. The book features an in-depth study of select passages and illuminates the Gospel in its historical context and as a source for the other gospels.

Additional components for this 6-week study include a comprehensive Leader Guide and DVD/Video sessions featuring Amy-Jill Levine (with closed captioning). Abingdon Press.

9781791024833. Book. $18.99; $13.99

Also available:

9781791024857. Leader Guide. $15.99; $11.99

9781791024871. DVD. [CC] 6 videos; 10–12 min. each. $44.99; $33.49

Streaming videos available on Cokesbury.com and amplifymedia.com. (Amplify Media available by subscription.)

FREE SHIPPING on Cokesbury.com every day with minimum purchase of eligible items! Free shipping applies to standard ground shipping to contiguous U.S. only.

God Never Gives Up on You

What Jacob’s Story Teaches Us about Grace, Mercy, and God’s Relentless Love

Max Lucado

SESSIONS

Have you ever wondered if you’ve had one too many stumbles for God to use someone like you? Have you ever worried that you’ve made the wrong decisions in life and there is no way back for you? Have you ever questioned if God can really use you in spite of your mistakes? If so, the tale of God’s unending, unbending, unswerving grace and devotion in the story of Jacob is just what you need.

God Never Gives Up on You is a five-session study tailor-made for the members of the “Lost Halo Society.” It’s for the strugglers among us and the fumblers within us. It’s for those who are part saint . . . and part scoundrel. It’s for those who mean well but don’t always do well. And it’s for those who could use a refresher course on how God enacts his perfect plan in this world by working through imperfect people.

In this study, best-selling author Max Lucado reveals how God used Jacob—the misbehaving patriarch who was strong on savvy but low on conscience—simply because God chose to use Jacob. Period. The word for such devotion? Grace. Grace came after Jacob. Grace found him in the desert. Grace protected him in exile. Grace wrestled him to the ground and blessed him. Grace led him home to Canaan.

Thomas Nelson.

9781400239535. Hardcover Book. $29.99; $22.79

Also available:

9780310163046. Study Guide + Streaming Video. $21.99; $16.79

9780310163060. DVD Video Study. 5 videos; 15–18 min. each. $29.99; $22.79

9780310163077. Study Guide + DVD. 5 videos; 15–18 min. each.

MORE STUDIES from this author

Jesus Revealed

The I Am Statements in the Gospel of John

Matt Rawle

Matt Rawle explores the “I Am” statements in John as works of art that resonate throughout the Gospel and all of Scripture. He shows how these words point beyond themselves to the deep mystery of Jesus Christ. Abingdon Press.

9781791024604. Book. $16.99; $12.99

Also available:

9781791024628. Leader Guide. $14.99; $10.99

9781791024642. DVD. [CC] 6 videos; 6–15 min. each. $44.99; $27.99

NEW On Purpose

Finding God’s Voice in Your Passion

SESSIONS 6

Magrey deVega, Sam McGlothlin, Jevon Caldwell-Gross, and Susan Robb

We are hungry for a sense of purpose, direction, and calling in our lives. That’s as basic an ingredient to the human experience as they come. We want to be part of something bigger than ourselves. We want to participate in something that has eternal merit and lasting impact. We do not want to live a shallow, hollow existence. We yearn for deeper meaning, for deeper purpose within our lives. We want to be more than we are.

In On Purpose: Finding God’s Voice in Your Passion, the authors help us see God’s purpose for our lives, how to open ourselves to God’s voice, and how to take the first or next step to follow God’s call and live the life we were meant to live.

Additional components for the six-week small group study include a full leader’s guide and DVD with four teaching sessions featuring the authors. Abingdon Press.

9781791029708. Book. $17.99; $12.99

Also available:

9781791029715. Leader Guide. $15.99; $11.99

9781791029739. DVD. [CC] 6 videos; 10–12 min. each. $39.99; $33.99

Streaming videos for all three studies on this page are available on Cokesbury.com and amplifymedia.com. (Amplify Media available by subscription.)

SESSIONS 6

The Big Picture

Seeing God’s Dream for Your Life

Jevon and Nicole Caldwell-Gross

SESSIONS 5

Life often feels like a scattering of random events, but if we pay attention to God’s work, our lives tell a different story. The story of Joseph in Genesis teaches us to look for the big picture, helping us to connect the dots of triumph/trauma in our lives to discover God’s presence. Abingdon Press.

9781791025953. Book. $16.99; $12.49

9781791025977. Leader Guide. $14.99; $9.99

9781791025991. DVD. [CC] 5 videos; 10–12 min. each. $39.99; $24.99

NEW Thrive Living Faithfully in Difficult Times Jennifer Cowart

SESSIONS

In Thrive, author and teacher Jen Cowart helps women develop the habits and attitudes necessary to thrive, whatever their circumstances. Leading readers through the Book of James, a letter written about enduring hardships, she lifts up six characteristics of mature Christians. From endurance and humility to controlling our words, Jen helps participants find the divine and the practical in living faithfully.

Jen’s teaching has inspired thousands of women across the country. Her authenticity inspires others to open their hearts and minds. One reviewer wrote, “Her ‘realness’ and her vulnerability just work together to open your heart to dig deeper and deeper.”

Additional components for this six-week Bible study, each available separately, are a Leader Guide and six video sessions.

Abingdon Press.

9781791027803. Participant Workbook. $17.99; $13.49

Also available:

9781791027797. Leader Guide. $15.99; $9.99

9781791027766. DVD. [CC] 6 videos; 8–13 min. each. $44.99; $31.99

Streaming videos available on Cokesbury.com and amplifymedia.com. (Amplify Media available by subscription.)

FREE SHIPPING on Cokesbury.com every day with minimum purchase of eligible items! Free shipping applies to standard ground shipping to contiguous U.S. only.

MORE STUDIES from this author

Building a Resilient Life How Adversity Awakens Strength, Hope, and Meaning

Rebekah Lyons

5

This study offers five practical life-changing rules to help you live into God’s unshakable peace even during difficult times. Zondervan.

9780310365396. Hardcover Book. $27.99; $21.29

Also available:

9780310149354. Study Guide + DVD. 5 videos; 1522 min. each. $53.99; $41.29

9780310365433. Hardcover Life Journal & Planner. $24.99; $18.99

Untangling Faith Reclaiming Hope in the Questions Jesus Asked Amberly Neese

Reclaim your hope!

Have you ever felt you struggled to find your faith footing? Join Amberly Neese in she explores the questions Jesus asked as a way to reclaim that faith. Chapters explore our own questions like Can God Be Trusted? and How Can I Grow in Faith. Amberly’s unique humor and wit help the whole group find their way through deep and rich issues of personal faith, doubt, and growth.

Components for this six-week Bible study, each available separately, include a Participant Workbook with daily reading and reflection, a full Leader Guide to help plan full group sessions, and DVD video sessions. Abingdon Press.

9781791028749. Participant Workbook. $17.99; $13.49

Also available:

9781791028763. Leader Guide. $14.99; $10.99

9781791028732. DVD. [CC] 6 videos; 20–25 min. each. $49.99; $36.99

Streaming videos for all three studies on this page available on Cokesbury.com and amplifymedia.com. (Amplify Media available by subscription.)

NEW Don’t Look Back Moving Forward in Faith When Your World Is Not the Same

Christine Caine

5

Using the story of Lot’s wife, this study addresses the overarching question: When I get stuck, how do I get unstuck and move on? Thomas Nelson.

9781400226573. Hardcover Book. $28.99; $22.29

Also available:

9780310155454. Study Guide + DVD. $53.99; $41.29

9780310155447. DVD. 5 videos; 19-23 min. each.

$29.99; $22.79

9781400336906. Hardcover Planner. $34.99; $29.99

NEW The Methodist Book of Daily Prayer

Matt Miofsky

Provides complete texts for Morning Prayers and Evening Prayers, with a new set of texts for each week of the year. Each week is organized by liturgical season, but the book is undated, so the reader is free to begin using it at any point during the year. Abingdon Press. Coming in November.

9781791029555. Book. $21.99; $14.79

NEW The Works of John Wesley Volume 29 Letters V (1774-1781)

Randy L. Maddox editor

The correspondence in this fifth volume of Wesley’s letters includes pastoral letters to various lay persons in his societies. It also traces Wesley’s fluctuating stance on the American Revolution. Includes over 180 items not found in previous editions of Wesley’s letters. Abingdon Press.

NEW Calm

How to End Destructive Conflict in Your Church

Mary Gladstone-Highland, Katy Stokes, and Christina Wichert

9781791029685. Hardcover Book. $77.99; $56.99 SESSIONS

This guidebook contains step-by-step instructions to help United Methodist pastors and other church leaders proactively make decisions and deal with conflict. Abingdon Press.

9781791030247. Book. $18.99; $12.79

NEW Introduction to Christian Worship Fourth Edition Revised and Updated

James F. White; edited by Ed Phillips

White’s classic Christian worship text has been revised and updated by one of his graduate students, Ed Phillips, joined by practitioners and teachers from emerging generations, who contribute timely and well-researched material from their own areas of expertise.

Abingdon Press. Coming in November.

9781501884627. Book. $41.99; $30.99

NEW

The Quiet House Reflections on the Loss of a Spouse

Ronald J. Greer

Find comfort in a message of hope and healing. The loss of a spouse is a devastating experience, but pastor Ron Greer invites readers into his own grief journey with messages of hope and healing. The Quiet House calls on the image of a home silenced by absence but also speaks about the possibility of moving forward together through the heartache of loss toward hope. Through an elegant series of personal reflections, Greer, a pastoral counselor, offers steps and reflections of healing while tending to marriage memories.

Pastors may find this book a profound help and comfort for grieving members. Abingdon Press.

9781791028800. Book. $18.99; $13.99

FREE SHIPPING on Cokesbury.com every day with minimum purchase of eligible items! Free shipping applies to standard ground shipping to contiguous U.S. only.

A. NEW Being United Methodist Christians: Living a Life of Grace and Hope, Andy Langford, Ann Langford Duncan, and Sally Langford. This resource offers answers to many questions about United Methodists, including who we are and what we believe. It introduces you to how United Methodists live and think as followers of Jesus Christ. Abingdon Press.

9781791032142. Book.$16.99

B. Belonging: 5 Keys to Unlock Your Potential as a Disciple. Karoline M. Lewis. Scholarly but accessible for pastors, students, ministry leaders, and laypersons, the book is structured around the story of the Samaritan woman. It guides readers to discover deep connection with biblical characters who lead to self-discovery. Incudes questions for reflection. Abingdon Press.

9781791025830. Book. $19.99; $13.99

C. The Concise Guide for Congregational Care: Words to Use in Every Setting, Melissa Collier Gepford. This small, essential book is a go-to resource for Congregational Care Ministers, pastors, chaplains, and anyone else who provides spiritual care for people in hospital, hospice, or home settings. Includes key points from the Congregational Care Minister’s Manual by Lampe & Gepford. Abingdon Press.

9781791024109. Book. $14.99; $10.99

D. Listeners Dare: Hearing God in the Sermon, Will Willimon. This book is for anyone who listens to sermons and who wants to gain skills as a listener—including preachers, since there’s no way to preach without having skills as a listener. Abingdon Press.

9781791023980. Book. $16.99; $12.49

Consecration Sunday, Revised and Updated Stewardship Program

Herb Miller with Eugene Grimm

The Consecration Sunday Stewardship Program is a proven winner; it has helped thousands of congregations increase financial giving by 15% to 30%.

Consecration Sunday approaches financing the ministries of your congregation by teaching stewardship from a spiritual perspective rather than a fundraising perspective. It focuses on the question, “What is God calling me to do?” rather than, “What does the church need in order to pay its bills?”

This revised edition offers updated language, references, and statistics while keeping everything that has resonated with the program for more than 25 years intact. Digital materials available with the Program Guide are now available via Internet download, are updated and include social media posts in additional to letters and other proven communications tools. Abingdon Press.

9781791024024. Program Guide w/ Download Library. $39.99; $27.49

9781791024048. Team Manual. $12.99; $8.99

Also available:

9780687064069. Estimate of Giving Cards. Pkg. of 100.$12.99

9781791024062. Devotional: Living Gratitude. $9.99; $7.49

Saving Grace A Guide to Financial Well-Being

Based on Wesleyan values, this 6-session study provides tools for addressing saving, earning, giving, spending, and debt, along with strategies for a sustainable financial life. 3-session Clergy Workbook available. Wespath & Abingdon Press.

9781791008222. Participant Workbook. $22.99; $15.99

9781791008390. Leader Guide. $18.99; $13.49

9781791008246. DVD. 6 videos for the study + 3 videos for clergy. $44.99; $31.49

9781791008376. Clergy Workbook. $22.99; $20.79

9781791008413. 40-Day Devotional. $14.99; $12.79

The Bible Year A Journey Through Scripture in 365 Days

Magrey R. deVega

If your goal is to read the whole Bible in a year, The Bible Year has it all mapped out for you. Each day features a short Bible reading and a concise devotional, plus easily digestible summaries of key themes and ideas. Enrich your spiritual life, develop a deeper faith and form a closer connection to God and others. Abingdon Press.

9781791023430. Leader Guide. $21.99; $14.99

9781791023454. Pastor Guide. $16.99; $12.49

9781791023416. Devotional. $24.99; $18.99

A. NEW Sacred Belonging: A 40-Day Devotional on the Liberating Heart of Scripture, Kat Armas. Drawing from personal narrative and Scripture, Armas highlights biblical passages that point toward decolonized themes centered on creation, wisdom, spirit, the body, and the feminine. Brazos Press.

9781587435096. Book. $18.99; $13.99

B. NEW Real World Faith, Walter Brueggemann. Our faith is linked to our real world, the world of our bodies (health, security, dignity, sexuality, food, shelter) and the world of the body politic (money, power, weapons, policies, treaties, taxes, trade agreements). These matters are the proper agenda of faith. We must articulate how God can make effective contact with our world. Fortress Press.

9781506492674. Book. $24.95; $19.99

C. NEW A is for Alabaster: 52 Reflections on the Stories of Scripture, Anna Carter Florence. Beloved preacher and writer Anna Carter Florence brings winsome insight to an array of characters and stories in the Bible—some celebrated and some overlooked.

Westminster John Knox Press. Coming in October. 9780664261481. Book. $20.00; $15.99

D. NEW Every Moment Holy, Vol. 3: The Work of the People, Douglas Kaine McKelvey, editor. These daily prayers and liturgies are drawn from writers, artists, poets, songwriters, and pastors from all walks of life who remind us life is filled with sacred purpose. Rabbit Room Press.

9781951872168. Imitation Leather Book. $35.00; $26.79

E. NEW Silent Compassion: Finding God in Contemplation, Richard Rohr. Rohr focuses on finding God in the depths of silence. Divine silence is more than the absence of noise; it has a life of its own. We are invited into its living presence to find the wholeness of being and peace it brings. Franciscan Media.

9781632534132. Book. $18.99

F. NEW Women Who Do: Female Disciples in the Gospels, Holly J. Carey. Examines what it means to be a disciple—and contends that it’s the disciples—often nameless and many of them women—and not the Twelve who best embody discipleship in the gospels. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing. Coming in October.

9780802879158. Book. $29.99; $22.79

G. NEW Come Forth: The Promise of Jesus’s Greatest Miracle, James Martin. Analyzes the miracle of Lazarus’ resurrection verse-by-verse, considering what Jesus means when he calls Lazarus—and us—to “come forth.” HarperOne.

9780062694386. Hardcover Book. $32.99; $25.29

H. The Sacred Life of Bread: Uncovering the Mystery of an Ordinary Loaf, Meghan MurphyGill. Making and breaking bread are spiritual practices that reveal deep truths and pathways toward meaningful relationships with ourselves, our communities, and our environment. Includes 14 recipes. Broadleaf Books.

9781506482231. Hardcover Book. $26.99; $20.99

Experiencing Christmas Christ in the Sights and Sounds of Advent

Matt Rawle

Discover how everything changed when God was born.

SESSIONS

Everything seems different at the end of the year. We put lights on our houses to dispel the growing darkness, Christmas music floods local radio stations, apple cider and cranberry sauce are again on the menu, and wrapping paper and tape are always ready. Things just look, smell, and taste differently during the Advent and Christmas season, and these differences are a sign to us that God is about to do something radical and different. Christmas is when God surrounded the divine with senses of his own. That first noel was when God had eyes to see suffering, ears to hear our cries, and hands to hold those in need, and all of these senses were bundled in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. “This will be a sign to you,” the angel told the shepherds, and they traveled to Bethlehem and found a child. What signs do you see during the Advent and Christmas season that point you to the divine?

Additional components to use the book as a four-week small group study include a Leader Guide and DVD/Video Sessions featuring Matt Rawle guiding participants through the content. Abingdon Press.

9781791029272. Book. $17.99; $13.49

Also available:

9781791029296. Leader Guide. $17.99; $13.49

9781791029319. DVD. [CC] 4 videos; 10-12 min. each. $39.99; $28.99

9781791029333. Sermon & Worship Series Download.$29.99

Streaming videos available on Cokesbury.com and amplifymedia.com. (Amplify Media available by subscription.)

MORE STUDIES from this author

NEW An Unlikely Advent Extraordinary People of the Christmas Story Dachel Billups

Expect the unexpected this Christmas.

This four-week Advent study focuses on the experiences of four sets of often overlooked characters in the Nativity story. During this Advent season, Rachel Billups guides readers through the themes of hope, love, joy, and peace by sharing the stories of Elizabeth and Zechariah, Herod, the Magi, and the shepherds. Each set of unexpected characters has something to teach about living faithfully on the journey to Christmas.

Additional components to use the book as a four-week small group study include a leader guide and DVD/video sessions featuring Rachel Billups. Abingdon Press.

9781791028978. Book. $17.99; $13.49

Also available:

9781791028992. Leader Guide. $15.99; $11.99

9781791029005. DVD. [CC] 4 videos; 10-12 min. each. $39.99; $28.99

Streaming videos available on Cokesbury.com and amplifymedia.com. (Amplify Media available by subscription.)

FREE SHIPPING on Cokesbury.com every day with minimum purchase of eligible items! Free shipping applies to standard ground shipping to continental U.S. only.

NEW Heaven and Earth Advent and the Incarnation

Will Willimon

It’s not within our own power to make a fresh start. If we’re to have a future different from the past, it must come as a gift, something not of our devising. What we need is a God who refuses to be trapped in eternity, a God who not only cares about us but is willing to show up among us and do something with us, here, now.

In Heaven and Earth, Will Willimon introduces you to the God who does just that, bringing heaven to earth and changing everything. In Advent we celebrate and anticipate the earthshaking, life-transforming good news that God is coming to us. Watch out. Get ready. God is on the way.

Components for the four-week small group study include the book, Leader Guide, and DVD/video sessions featuring Willimon guiding participants through the content. Abingdon Press.

9781791029036. Book. $17.99; $13.49

Also available:

9781791029050. Leader Guide. $15.99; $11.99

9781791029098. DVD. [CC] 4 videos; 10-12 min. each. $39.99; $28.99

9781791029081. Sermon & Worship Series Download.$29.99

Streaming videos available on Cokesbury.com and amplifymedia.com. (Amplify Media available by subscription.)

Prepare the Way for the Lord Advent and the Message of John the Baptist

Adam Hamilton

For centuries, Christians have turned to the story and message of John the Baptist in the weeks leading up to Christmas. In Prepare the Way for the Lord: Advent and the Message of John the Baptist, best-selling author and pastor Adam Hamilton explores the Advent themes of John’s life and ministry, and how John calls all followers of Jesus to prepare our hearts for his coming.

In each of the Gospels, the story of Jesus is intertwined with that of his cousin John, the one whom the prophets foretold would come to “prepare the way of the Lord.” When we hear the message of John the Baptist, it makes us and our world ready to receive Christ.

The book includes a link to free downloadable teaching resources for children and youth. Components to use as a fourweek Advent study include the book, a comprehensive Leader Guide, and DVD/video sessions featuring Adam Hamilton. Abingdon

Press.

9781791023485. Hardcover Book. $19.99; $11.49

Also available:

9781791023508. Large Print Book. $20.99; $11.49

9781791023515. Leader Guide. $14.99; $10.99

9781791023539. DVD. [CC] 4 videos; 14-16 min. each.

$39.99; $28.99

9781791023607. Worship & Media Download.$29.99

NEW Waiting Here for You An Advent Journey of Hope

Louie Giglio

The people of Israel waited years for the promised Messiah. This study leads you through the season of Advent and shows how your waiting is never wasted when you are waiting on God.

Harperchristian Resources. Coming in October.

9780310169345. Study Guide + Streaming Video.

$21.99; $16.79

Also available:

9780310169369. DVD. 4 videos. $29.99

9780310169376. Study Guide + DVD. $50.99; $50.79

The Angels of Christmas Hearing God’s Voice in Advent

Susan Robb

Explore the four angelic visits surrounding the birth of Jesus with Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds. Dive into the history of Gabriel and other Old Testament angels to discover God’s presence in history and our lives today. Abingdon Press.

9781791024253. Book. $16.99; $10.99

Also available:

9781791024277. Leader Guide. $14.99; $10.99

9781791024291. DVD. [CC] 4 videos; 10-11 min. each.

$39.99; $29.99

Streaming videos available on Cokesbury.com and amplifymedia.com. (Amplify Media available by subscription.)

NEW Hope An Advent Journey

Olu Brown

United Methodist Pastor Olu Brown penned the original version of Hope: An Advent Journey during the COVID-19 crisis and the ensuing months. With COVID-19 and unrest on American streets as a backdrop, Brown reminds the reader that God is still in control and there is still hope for the world.

In the book, Olu Brown encourages readers to reclaim Advent as something already here, not a season waiting to arrive. Matthew’s gospel speaks of Jesus as Emmanuel, which means “God with us.” This name does not speak of the future, but of the present.

In spite of any difficulties we face, we have Emmanuel. Our hope is not based on external situations, but eternal promises. This Advent season can be the best ever if you dare to embrace the hope of Jesus right now, knowing that God’s grace and love are present to carry you through the most challenging times in your life.

Designed for both individual and group study, Hope: An Advent Journey is the perfect companion for Advent 2023. Market Square Publishing. 9781950899784. Book.$18.95

A. NEW Advent: A Season of Surprises, Scott Chrostek. Advent is filled with anticipation of what’s coming next. The studies in this five-week devotional are meant to be used by individuals, small groups, or entire congregations. Market Square Publishing. 9781950899746. Book.$19.95

B. NEW Names for the Messiah: An Advent Study, Walter Brueggemann. This book ponders each name for Messiah as found in Isaiah 9:6 and how the people understood the names then, how Jesus did/did not fulfill the titles, and how Christians interpret Jesus as representative of those titles. Westminster John Knox Press. 9780664262570. Book. $16.00; $12.29

C. NEW Christmas in the Four Gospel Homes: An Advent Study, Cynthia M. Campbell. How might a house look for Christmas based on what each Gospel says about it? An architect imagines each of the four Gospels as a “house” which the church visits at Christmas, along with the author’s reflections. Suitable for individual or group study. Westminster John Knox Press. 9780664264994. Book. $17.00; $12.99

D. NEW Holy Disruption: Discovering Advent in the Gospel of Mark, Tracy S. Daub. The Gospel of Mark doesn’t have a Nativity story—so where’s the Advent message? This book shows how Advent is in every aspect of Jesus’ life, to death and beyond. Westminster John Knox Press. 9780664267384. Book. $15.00; $11.99

NEW Advent 2023 A Calendar of Devotions

Sam McGlothlin

A convenient and affordable Advent devotional for the entire church.

Advent 2023: A Calendar of Daily Devotions provides daily devotions for Christians as they prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ. This annual favorite is a wonderful resource for churches to give to each family to emphasize the importance of the Advent of our Lord. Each day’s reading, from Sunday, December 3 to Christmas Day, is based on the Revised Common Lectionary and includes the Scripture, a short devotion, and a brief prayer or practice, and it’s printed with a larger font for ease of reading.

Sold in packs of 10, booklets are designed to fit in a #10 envelope, enabling churches to include them in Advent mailings, and making it easy to share with visitors or others the church wishes to reach during the Advent season. Abingdon Press.

9781791029746. Pkg. of 10.$12.99

Also sold as an electronic download.

QUANTITY DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE

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A. NEW Abide with Us: An Advent Devotional, Paul Koch, editor. Each daily devotion contains Scripture, a short reflection, and a prayer to walk us through the four weeks that lead to Christmas. Chalice Press.

9780827245006. Book.$4.99

MINIMUM PURCHASE OF 2

Also available (not shown):

Come, Emmanuel: Devotions for Advent 2023-2024. Daily devotions for the first Sunday of Advent (Dec. 3, ‘23) through Epiphany (Jan. 6, ’24).

9781506496566. Book.$3.50

MINIMUM PURCHASE OF 2

B. NEW Daily Reflections for Advent and Christmas: Waiting in Joyful Hope 2023–2024, Susan H. Swetnam. Brief, down-to-earth reflections bring prayer and Scripture into everyday life in a lasting way. Liturgical Press.

9780814667026. Book.$3.00

MINIMUM PURCHASE OF 2

9780814667033. Large Print. $7.95; $7.29

C. NEW Sacred Space for Advent and the Christmas Season 2023-24, The Irish Jesuits. This daily guided prayer experience features an easy-to-use format, weekly topics for meditation and prayer, and daily Scripture readings and brief reflections. Loyola Press.

9780829455793. Book.$5.50

D. NEW Draw Near: Daily Prayers for Advent and Christmas 2023 A daily reflection booklet for Advent and Christmas allows you to build a daily prayer practice. Ave Maria Press.

9781646802616. Book.$3.29

MINIMUM PURCHASE OF 2

A. NEW Light from Afar: An Advent Devotional from Around the World, Nadiyka Gerbish, Joel Bengbeng, Claudio Carvalhaes, Sidwell Mokgothu. This daily Advent devotional illuminates the season through the experiences and reflections of writers from around the world, each week written by a different author. The Upper Room Books.

9780835820370. Book. $17.99

B. NEW Ordinary Blessings for the Christmas Season: Prayers, Poems, and Meditations, Meta Herrick Carlson. A beautiful collection of prayers, poems, and meditations from to help us find the holy behind the routine of the season. Broadleaf Books. Coming in October.

9781506481531. Hardcover Book. $17.99; $14.49

C. NEW A Radiant Birth: Advent Readings for a Bright Season, Leslie Leyland Fields and Paul J. Willis, editors. In 42 readings, the Christian literary writers of the Chrysostom Society reflect on Advent and Christmastide as a bright and meaningful season of anticipation and glory. InterVarsity Press.

9781514008331. Hardcover Book. $22.00; $16.79

D. NEW The Advent of Glory: 24 Devotions for Christmas, R. C. Sproul, contributor and editor. Short, profound Advent readings by the much-loved Bible teacher, plus daily prayers by well-known Bible teachers. Good Book Company. Coming in October.

9781784988913. Book. $14.99; $11.49

E. NEW Born a Child and Yet a King: The Gospel in the Carols: A 31-Day Advent Devotional, Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth. Discover anew the awe of the season when you spend 31 days tracing the gospel through your favorite carols in this daily Advent devotional. Moody Publishing. Coming in October.

9780802428172. Hardcover Book. $15.99; $12.29

F. NEW Winter Fire: Christmas with G.K. Chesterton, Ryan Whitaker Smith. This beautifully illustrated Christmas devotional includes selections of Chesterton’s writings, with commentary, Scripture readings, and reflections. Moody Publishing.

9780802429285. Hardcover Book. $24.99; $18.99

G. NEW The Gifts of Christmas: 25 Joy-Filled Devotions for Advent, Sheila Walsh. This beautiful Advent devotional will refresh your faith, reactivate your wonder, and restore your joy with stories of simple Christmases past, inspiration from Scripture, and pearls of wisdom from beloved author Sheila Walsh. Baker Books. Coming in October.

9781540902900. Hardcover Book. $19.99; $15.29

H. Advent in Plain Sight: A Devotion Through Ten Objects, Jill J. Duffield. This daily devotional for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany focuses on 10 ordinary objects that appear in the biblical narratives of messianic prophesy and incarnation. Westminster John Knox Press.

9780664267148. Book. $17.00; $12.99

A. NEW Jesus Listens For Advent and Christmas: Prayers for the Season, Sarah Young. Prepare your spirit for Christmas with a devotional collection of prayers and reflections from the best-selling Jesus Listens and Jesus Calling Thomas Nelson. Coming in October.

9781400244249. Hardcover Book. $17.99; $13.79

B. NEW Advent: The Season of Hope, Tish Harrison Warren; Esau McCaulley, series editor. Part of the Fullness of Time Series, this short volume invites us into a deeper experience of Christmas. InterVarsity Press.

9781514000182. Hardcover Book. $20.00; $15.29 Also NEW in The Fullness of Time Series: Each Hardcover Book. $20.00; $15.29

9781514000403. Christmas: The Season of Light and Life, Emily McGowan.

9781514000380. Epiphany: The Season of Glory, Fleming Rutledge. Coming in November.

C. NEW Preparing the Way: Christian Practices for Advent, Richelle Thompson, Lindsay Barrett-Adler, Scott Gunn, Hugo Olaiz, and Miriam McKenney. Daily meditations invite you into a more faith-filled observation of Advent and Christmas. Forward Movement.

9780880285223. Book. $12.00; $9.29

D. NEW Christmas Ideals 2023, Melinda Lee Rathjen, editor. This annual illustrated Christmas edition collects of poetry, essays, quotations, recipes, and Bible excerpts from well-known authors. Worthy Publishing. Coming in October.

9781546003564. Book. $14.99; $10.99

E. NEW Christmas Miracles: True Stories from the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Karen Kingsbury. Updated with a new story in a giftable format, the author’s classic collection of true stories celebrates the wonder of Christmas. Worthy Publishing. Coming in October.

9781546005520. Hardcover Book. $19.00; $14.49

F. NEW Charlie Brown’s Christmas Miracle: The Inspiring, Untold Story of the Making of a Holiday Classic, Michael Keane. Discover the inspiring, against-all-odds story of how the classic animated holiday special A Charlie Brown Christmas almost never made it on to television. Center Street. Coming in October.

9781546004905. Hardcover Book. $29.00; $22.29

G. NEW One Great Love: An Advent and Christmas Treasury of Readings, Poems, and Prayers. An elegant keepsake volume of stories, poems, prayers, and art from beloved writers and artists through the centuries. Paraclete Press. Coming in October.

9781640607965. Hardcover Book. $21.99; $16.79

H. NEW A Ukrainian Christmas, Nadiyka Gerbish and Yaroslav Hrytsak. This beautifully illustrated and powerful book introduces readers to Ukraine’s unique Christmas traditions—Christmas music, gifts and food— and a look at the country’s rich and troubled history through the perspective of the season. Sphere Publishing. Coming in October.

9781408728413. Hardcover Book. $26.99

A. NEW Jesus Calling Advent and Christmas Prayers, Sarah Young; Katya Longhi, illustrations. This read-aloud children’s prayer book by the best-selling author of Jesus Calling, Jesus Always, and Jesus Listens includes an Advent calendar of 25 prayers alongside a simple retelling of the Christmas story. Thomas Nelson. 9781400244027. Board Book. $9.99; $7.79

B. NEW ‘Tis the Season Family Advent Activity Book: Devotions, Recipes, and Memories of the Christmas Season. This family activity book features a reusable, lift-the-flap Advent calendar short devotions, reflection questions, game ides, recipes, holiday tips, and more. Ink and Willow. 9780593580479. Hardcover Book. $19.95; $15.29

C. NEW Witnesses of Christmas: A Musical Journey Through the Nativity of Jesus the Christ, Jason F. Wright, Jenny Oaks Baker & Family Four. Families can read and perform singalongs of beloved Christmas carols with included sheet music and access to instrumental audio tracks. Shadow Mountain Publishing. 9781639931712. Hardcover Book. $25.99

D. NEW The Jesus Storybook Bible Advent Activity Book: 24 Guided Crafts, Plus Games, Songs, Recipes, and More, inspired by Sally Lloyd-Jones. Based on the best-selling The Jesus Storybook Bible, this activity book is filled with crafts (including punch-out ornaments), games, recipes, songs, and activities for every day of Advent. Zondervan. Coming in October.

9780310753797. Book. $16.99; $12.99

E. NEW Advent Devotions and Christmas Crafts for Families: 24 Scripture Reflections & Simple Projects to Anticipate Christ’s Birth, Victoria Duerstock. Each day of this illustrated family devotional includes Scripture, a short reflection, and a simple Christmas craft to focus on the meaning of the season. Simon & Schuster. 9781680996487. Hardcover Book. $16.99; $12.99

F. On the Way to Bethlehem: A Child’s Activity Book for Christmas, Daphna Flegal; Margaret Lindmark, illustrations. This delightfully illustrated gift book tells the amazing story of Jesus’ birth based on the Gospels of Luke and Matthew while introducing children to some Bible-times customs. Includes a maze. Abingdon Press. While supplies last.

9781791006891. Pkg. of 10 Books. $19.99; $7.99

G. Faithful Families for Advent and Christmas: 100 Ways to Make the Season Sacred, Traci Smith. Parents, grandparents, Sunday school teachers, pastors, and more will find easy, fun, and meaningful ideas to bring the sacred back into the season. Chalice Press.

9780827211360. Book. $12.99; $8.79

H. Why Christmas Trees Aren’t Perfect, Richard H. Schneider Elizabeth J. Miles, illustrations. This magnificently illustrated story of a warm-hearted Christmas tree will surely become one of the most beloved classics of future generations. Abingdon Press.

9781501825835. Hardcover Book. $14.99; $8.99

NEW

Connections Worship Companion

Year B, Volume 1: Advent through Pentecost

David Gambrell editor

This volume of the Connections Worship Companion series offers complete liturgies— from the call to worship to the closing charge, with prayers and litanies for every need in between—for all worshiping occasions between Advent and Pentecost of Year B. Part of the Connections commentary series, these worship resources help congregations illuminate the connections between Scripture and liturgical rhythms and between the Sundays of each liturgical season. A “Making Connections” essay precedes each season’s resources, providing context for worship within the themes and purpose of the season, while liturgies for repeated use throughout each season enhance connections from Sunday to Sunday.

Contributors to this volume include Claudia L. Aguilar Rubalcava, Mamie Broadhurst, Marci Auld Glass, Marcus A. Hong, Kimberly Bracken Long, Emily McGinley, Kendra L. Buckwalter Smith, Samuel Son, Slats Toole, and Byron A. Wade. Westminster John Knox Press. 9780664264949. Hardcover Book. $32.00; $25.99

Also NEW in the Connections series: Everyday Connections: Reflections and Practices for Year B. 9780664264543. Book. $40.00; $32.99

Connections: Year B, Three Volume Set.. 9780664266035. Hardcover Book. $155.00; $111.99

A. NEW The Upper Room Disciplines 2024: A Book of Daily Devotions. Based on the Revised Common Lectionary, Disciplines features: a focal Scripture passage for each day, short daily meditations from 53 thought leaders from diverse Christian traditions, a daily reflection or prayer, weekly Scripture overviews, an index of readings, and a guide to daily prayer. The Upper Room Books. 9780835820127. Book.$18.99

Also available: 9780835820134. Enlarged Print Edition.$20.99

B. NEW 2024—A Book of Grace-Filled Days, Joseph Durepos. Each page of this daily devotional calendar combines a Scripture of the day with reflections. Loyola Press. 9780829455137. Book. $17.99; $14.49

C. NEW 2024 Christian Planning Calendar. Features seasonally appropriate images of historic stained-glass windows. Each month—from September 2023 to December 2024—includes religious observances from the Anglican, Roman Catholic, Orthodox Christian, Islamic, and Jewish calendars, along with secular holidays. Morehouse Church Supplies. 9781640656123. Spiral-bound.$16.95

D. NEW Church Year Calendar 2024, Year B. This full-color, two-sided worship planning and devotional resource gives specific dates, Bible readings, hymn of the day, and liturgical colors for Sundays and festivals. Augsburg Fortress.

9781506487762. $2.25

MINIMUM PURCHASE OF 3

A. Wooden Advent Wreath. Handcrafted of solid maple hardwood and finished in walnut or pecan stain, this wreath features candle sockets made of highpolished brass. Sockets are 1 ½" in diameter for the four outer candles and 3" in diameter for the center candle. Overall height is 49 ½" with a 12" square base. Some light assembly required. Candles sold separately. Each.$239.95

780090937553. Walnut Stain. 780090937591. Pecan Stain.

ORDER YOUR SEASONAL ITEMS EARLY TO ENSURE BEST SELECTION AND TIMELY SHIPPING.

B. Battery Operated Candlelight Service Candles. Safe, flameless, hand-held. Great for churches, organizations, charities and schools. Indoor/outdoor. Perfect for children! Each requires 2 AAA batteries (not included). 6 ½" H, ¾" diameter. 886083591471. Pack of 12.$47.40

C. Advent Christ Candle, Red/Blue Nativity. This Christ the King Christ candle features a red/blue Nativity design. It measures 11" x 3". 072094080107. Each.$44.79

D. Emkay Advent Candle Set, 3 Purple, 1 Pink. Advent candles: 3 purple, 1 pink. Candles measure 12" x 1½". with plain ends. Made in the USA. 072094115304. Carton of 4. $39.30; $34.99

E. Advent Candle Sets. Wax tapers measure 10" x 7⁄8" base.

871241003002. 3 Purple, 1 Pink. Set of 4.$6.99 Also available:

871241003057. 3 Blue, 1 Pink. Set of 4.$6.99 871241003064. 3 Purple, 1 White, 1 Pink. Set of 5.$7.99 072094115205. 15" x 7⁄8" Purple, 1 Pink. Set of 4.$12.49

A. Jeff Wunrow Designs The Virgin Mary Stole. A contemporary interpretation of Mary, this design is made of luxurious silk Dupioni and is accented with metallic bias strips. (Specify 104" or 112" length when ordering.)

SP219817. Cobalt. $315.00

B. Jeff Wunrow Designs Manger Stole. The Star of Bethlehem shines brightly on the manger where the Christ child lays. Made of silk Dupioni with a silver pleather star and cotton prints. (Specify cobalt or purple and 104" or 112" length when ordering.)

SP219814. Cobalt or Purple. $290.00

C. Praise Banners Manger, Star, and Cross Stole. Special design appliquéd in shades of gold and white on a blue stole constructed of a variety of fabrics. Measures 5" W. (Specify 102", 114", or 124" length when ordering.)

SP219901. Blue. $169.00

D. Praise Banners Christmas Peace and Joy Stole. White satin stars and dove (holding red and green ribbons) on subtly sparkling blue sky panel and “Joy” on white panel. Measures 5" x 100".

820830019764. Blue & White. $169.00

[E – F] Jeff Wunrow Designs Parament Sets. These 3-piece sets include 42" x 30" altar frontal; 18" x 30" pulpit parament; and pair of 5" x 30" lectern scarves. (Pulpit parament and lectern scarves both have an additional 20" cotton lining and 2" rod pocket for counterweight.) Set and stole come in either magenta or cobalt. Stole is 104" or 112". (Specify length and color when ordering stole).

E. Star 3-Piece Parament Set. A striking design featuring cotton prints, batiks, and luxurious silk Dupioni with a faux leather metallic gold star.

560672. 3-Piece Set. Cobalt. $2,195.00

SP219905 Stole Only. Cobalt or Magenta. $250.00

Also available:

560770. 3-Piece Set. Magenta. $2,195.00

F. Bethlehem 3-Piece Parament Set. This design on silk Dupioni base is a simple and elegant representation of the Holy City at the birth of The Christ Child.

560643. 3-Piece Set. Magenta. $2,695.00

SP219904. Stole Only. Magenta or Cobalt. $290.00

Also available:

560765. 3-Piece Set. Cobalt. $2,695.00

G. Praise Banners Journey to Bethlehem Advent Parament Set. Illustrates the story of the birth of Christ with silhouettes. Blue polyester poplin with a matte finish. Unlined. 3-piece set includes 48" x 46" altar frontal (with 18" drop); 18" x 44" pulpit scarf; and 5" x 36" Bible marker. Stole is 5" x 100".

820830030462. 3-Piece Set. Blue. $269.00

820830030448. Stole Only. Blue. $149.00

H. Praise Banners Long Expected Jesus 3-Piece Altar Set. Economy paraments printed on 100% poplin polyester with a matte finish and unlined. 2-piece set includes 48" x 46" altar frontal (with 18" drop); 18" x 44" pulpit scarf; and 5" x 36" Bible marker. Stole is 5" x 100". (Specify color when ordering.)

SP217610. 3-Piece Set. Blue or Purple. $269.00

SP217615. Stole Only. Blue or Purple. $149.00