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During the months of November and December it's difficult not to get swept up by the superficial aspects of the holiday season, such as planning parties and shopping for presents. We often forget that Christmas is a sacred and joyous time steeped in spirituality, history and custom, which is meant to be cherished and celebrated.
This year, we at FaithfulReader.com have compiled a list of books perfect to share with the whole family that reflect the richness of this meaningful holiday. In this roundup, you'll find inspirational, heartwarming and humorous stories, faith-stirring devotionals, and thought-provoking history and trivia, as well as guides to keeping old traditions alive and creating new ones in both the home and the community. We're also featuring five books from Tyndale House Publishers that tie in perfectly to the December 1st release of the major motion picture The Nativity Story.
With these fiction and nonfiction titles, readers can nurture their faith, indulge in the joys of simple pleasures and cultivate the spirit of giving this holiday season.
 101 WAYS TO HAVE A CHRISTIAN CHRISTMAS
Brenda Verner
Tyndale House Publishers
Christian Living
ISBN-10: 1414308116
ISBN-13: 9781414308111
• Buy from Amazon.com.
To help Christians think creatively and communally about how to keep the focus on Jesus this Christmas, 101 WAYS TO HAVE A CHRISTIAN CHRISTMAS features ideas ranging from community-wide events to intimate family traditions. Author Brenda Verner provides a wide array of choices and activities for those seeking to remember the reason for the season.
 A CAROL FOR CHRISTMAS
Robin Lee Hatcher
Zondervan
Fiction
ISBN-10: 031025776X
ISBN-13: 9780310257769
• Buy from Amazon.com.
What would you give up for love? For Carol, it was her passion to sing. But was her sacrifice worth it now that her marriage is crumbling? In this heartwarming novella, two people discover the true essence of Christmas and its power to rekindle the flames of love.
 CELEBRATE SIMPLY (Revised and Expanded)
Nancy Twigg
Kregel Publications
Self-Help
ISBN-10: 082543890X
ISBN-13: 9780825438905
• Buy from Amazon.com.
Have you ever wished for the simpler holidays of your childhood? To just forget about the shopping, wrapping and overspending, and instead focus on the true meaning of the holiday? In this easy-to-use guide, author Nancy Twigg teaches people of all ages how to celebrate joyfully on a budget. From Christmas to Valentine's Day, birthday parties to wedding celebrations, and everything in between, CELEBRATE SIMPLY seeks to bring the fun back into holidays and special occasions.
 THE CHRISTMAS CANDLE
Max Lucado
WestBow Press
Fiction
ISBN-10: 1595541470
ISBN-13: 9781595541475
• Buy from Amazon.com.
Max Lucado's THE CHRISTMAS CANDLE takes readers back to a simpler time: a small 18th century English village where nothing out of the ordinary ever happens --- except at Christmastime. That's when a magnificent angel suddenly appears in a lowly candle maker's shop, and the holy and the human collide in a way that only God could imagine.
 THE CHRISTMAS LETTERS: A Timeless Story For Every Generation
Bret Nicholaus
Center Street
Fiction
ISBN-10: 1931722951
ISBN-13: 9781937122957
• Buy from Amazon.com.
While the whole family is convened for holiday festivities, Grandpa hands each member an envelope and tells them, "This may be the last Christmas I get to spend with all of you, so I want to give each of you a personal letter." Each one contains a personal story of how they brought him joy, as well as a lesson that will stay in their hearts forever. This inspirational story will warm hearts and move readers to reflect on the ways their lives have been touched by loved ones.
 A CLASSIC NATIVITY DEVOTIONAL
James Stuart Bell
Tyndale House Publishers
Devotional
ISBN-10: 1414315015
ISBN-13: 9781414315010
• Buy from Amazon.com.
This advent season, enjoy the timeless wisdom of some of the greatest spiritual and literary figures of all time. From the inspirational words of Martin Luther, Charles Spurgeon and Saint Augustine to the lyric poetry of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, John Milton and Christina Rossetti, this classic collection of devotional thoughts, traditional carols and memorable hymns will warm your heart and touch your soul as they rekindle the joyous spirit of Christmas.
 THE GIFT OF CHRISTMAS
Kent Hughes
Crossway Books
Spirituality
ISBN-10: 1581345305
ISBN-13: 9781581345308
• Buy from Amazon.com.
It is a story of singular beauty and wonder --- a story worth telling with the best of our creative gifts. It is the story of salvation. THE GIFT OF CHRISTMAS retells the timeless story of Christ's birth in a way that will speak today with unique power. And when storyteller Kent Hughes turns to the birth of Christ itself, the familiar, ageless story comes to life, revealing the true meaning of the incarnation in an unforgettable way.
 HEARTWARMING CHRISTMAS STORIES: A Cozy Collection of Fiction for the Holidays
River Oak/Cook Communications
Fiction/Short Stories
ISBN-10: 1589190955
ISBN-13: 9781589190955
• Buy from Amazon.com.
HEARTWARMING CHRISTMAS STORIES is a collection of never-before published original Christmas short stories written and donated by some of Christian fiction's top writers --- Jack Cavanaugh, Joe Hilley, Terry Burns and many others. Ranging in style from historical to contemporary, suspenseful to romantic, these stories surround readers with the sights and sounds of Christmas, reminding them of the true meaning of this season.
 HUMOR FOR THE HOLIDAYS: Stories, Quips, and Quotes for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years
Howard Publishing
Humor
ISBN-10: 1416535357
ISBN-13: 9781416535355
• Buy from Amazon.com.
The newest addition to the bestselling Humor for the Heart series, this hilarious book has the power to transform the chaotic holidays into a true celebration. Comedic stories by well-known authors such as Patsy Clairmont, Martha Bolton, Jack Hayford and Tim Wildmon will raise your spirits and add joy to your world!
 IF YOU'RE MISSING BABY JESUS
Jean Gietzen
illustrated by Lila Rose Kennedy
Multnomah
Inspirational
ISBN-10: 1588600246
ISBN-13: 9781588600240
• Buy from Amazon.com.
This true story by author Jean Gietzen will unwrap the warmth of the real meaning of Christmas. Charmingly illustrated by Lila Rose Kennedy, it is a gift to treasure and share and will remind you of the joy of giving, and touch the hearts of all who receive it.
 THE INSPIRATIONAL CHRISTMAS ALMANAC: Heartwarming Tradition, Trivia, Stories, and Recipes for the Holidays
Honor Books/Cook Communications
Christian Living
ISBN-10: 1562927434
ISBN-13: 9781562927431
• Buy from Amazon.com.
This beautifully designed Christmas paperback coffee table book includes lighthearted short pieces such as "A List of the Seven Dogs' Rules for Christmas" and "The Top Ten Things Moms Never Want to Hear Their Kids Say at Christmas." THE INSPIRATIONAL CHRISTMAS ALMANAC also explains holiday traditions and recipes from around the world and includes a traditional Irish Christmas blessing, recipes from other countries, Christmas crafts, history and trivia.
 LOOKING FORWARD TO THE NATIVITY: A Family Christmas Devotional
Jon Farrar
Tyndale House Publishers
Devotional
ISBN-10: 1414315023
ISBN-13: 9781414315027
• Buy from Amazon.com.
LOOKING FORWARD TO THE NATIVITY features 25 short daily readings, with a reflection followed by a Bible verse, a prayer and a family activity that will reinforce the message. This seasonal devotional is designed for every family member to understand and enjoy reading together each day.
 A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS
Catherine Palmer and Jilian Hart
Steeple Hill Books
Fiction
ISBN-10: 0373785712
ISBN-13: 9780373785711
• Buy from Amazon.com.
In this anthology featuring two seasonal love stories by bestselling authors, Christmas brings romance. "Unto Us a Child…" by Christy Award-winning author Catherine Palmer is the story of two very different people who team up to help the less fortunate during the holiday season and are rewarded with a love of a lifetime. In "Christmas, Don't Be Late," a reclusive millionaire makes Christmas wishes come true for a single mother and her two adorable children --- and finds love in the process.
 MORE STORIES BEHIND THE BEST-LOVED SONGS OF CHRISTMAS
Ace Collins
Zondervan
Spirituality/Music
ISBN-10: 031026314X
ISBN-13: 9780310263142
• Buy from Amazon.com.
Ace Collins helps you uncover the background of 32 favorite Christmas songs. Learn the surprising tale of how each song was created. Explore specific times and places that gave birth to each message. Hear these familiar melodies with new understanding as their stories find their way into your heart.
 THE NATIVITY STORY: A Gift Book
Tyndale House Publishers
Inspiration
ISBN-10: 1414314639
ISBN-13: 9781414314631
• Buy from Amazon.com.
Exclusive photos taken on the set of The Nativity Story (in theaters December 1st) by photographer Jaimie Trueblood, together with scripture from the New Living Translation, present the story of Jesus's birth in vivid detail. Similar to The Passion, this gift book presents the most memorable and magical scenes from the film. Driven by powerful moving images and told through the Scriptures, this book will enhance the movie experience.
 THE NATIVITY STORY: A Novelization
Angela Hunt
Tyndale House Publishers
Historical Fiction
ISBN-10: 1414314620
ISBN-13: 9781414314624
• Buy from Amazon.com.
Angela Hunt brings the story of Christ's birth to life with remarkable attention to detail and a painstaking commitment to historical accuracy. Developed from Mike Rich's screenplay for The Nativity Story, the book also features a full-color insert with 22 exclusive photographs from the production of the film.
 O COME, EMMANUEL: Daily Reflections of Hymns and Carols for Advent and Christmas
Gordon Giles
Paraclete Press
Devotional
ISBN-10: 1557255156
ISBN-13: 9781557255150
• Buy from Amazon.com.
Make Christmas special this year by exploring the legends, message and theology behind some of your favorite carols and hymns. This book of daily devotions will take you from December 1 to January 6, from the first days of Advent, through Christmas, ending at Epiphany. Each day, Gordon Giles invites you to draw closer to God through spiritual and historical explorations of beloved, familiar music.
 ORNAMENTS OF CHRISTMAS JOY: Meditations to Draw You Nearer to the Miracle in the Manger
Mary Grace Birkhead
Integrity
Christian Living/Devotional
ISBN-10: 1591455472
ISBN-13: 9781591455479
• Buy from Amazon.com.
ORNAMENTS OF CHRISTMAS JOY combines exquisite photography of classic and contemporary Christmas ornaments with beautiful scriptural reminders of the joy that can be discovered only through the miracle in the manger. Readers will experience comfort and peace during the all too often hectic Christmas season.
 THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFT: Gigi, God's Little Princess
Sheila Walsh
Tommy Nelson
Fiction
ISBN-10: 1400308011
ISBN-13: 9781400308019
• Buy from Amazon.com.
As Christmas nears, little princess Gigi is just bursting with anticipation. And when her parents give her a hint about her big gift, "white with a touch of pink," she is absolutely certain she is getting her crown! After days of endless agony, Christmas morning finally arrives, and Gigi searches for a crown-sized box. But there isn't one. Instead, Gigi receives a gift more wonderful than she ever could imagine.
 THE RED GLOVES COLLECTION
Karen Kingsbury
FaithWords
Fiction
ISBN-10: 0446579629
ISBN-13: 9780446579629
• Buy from Amazon.com.
Karen Kingsbury's Red Gloves stories have been a bit hit. Now, GIDEON'S GIFT, SARAH'S SONG, MAGGIE'S MIRACLE and HANNAH'S HOPE are compiled in one volume of timeless holiday tales, through which readers will meet four inspirational women who embody the Christmas spirit.
 A STOCKING FULL OF CHRISTMAS: The Ultimate A-Z of Festive Gems
Mark Stibbe
Monarch Books/Kregel
Christian Living
ISBN-10: 0825460891
ISBN-13: 9780825460890
• Buy from Amazon.com.
A STOCKING FULL OF CHRISTMAS is a new and timely collection of Christmas material for every need from one of the world's leading sources of resource compilations. The perfect book for anyone wishing to capture or recapture the wonder of the season, author Mark Stibbe describes it as "a treasure chest of twenty years of lovingly accumulated wit and wonder to do with the Christmas story."
 WHY THE NATIVITY?
David Jeremiah
Tyndale House Publishers
Christian Living/Spiritual Growth
ISBN-10: 141431504X
ISBN-13: 9781414315041
• Buy from Amazon.com.
To equip individuals, families and organizations to respond to questions raised by the upcoming film The Nativity Story, Dr. David Jeremiah has developed WHY THE NATIVITY? to explain the historical and biblical context of the events surrounding Jesus's birth.
--- Compiled and written by Marisa Emralino
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