Hi ladies!

Now we’ve entered into December, you are probably all well-advanced in your Christmas shopping for your family and friends.

But, just in case you are still looking for a few more things to add to your children’s stocking to bless them, then today I want to make a few suggestions for books and music that would make great Christmas gifts.

All these suggestions come vigorously road-tested by our kid, hope they help!

Sammy & His Shepherd by Susan Hunt

In Sammy and His Shepherd, Susan Hunt offers families a delightful story, built around the Twenty-third Psalm, that will help children grow in their understanding of what it is to live among a community of redeemed people guided by a loving Lord.

Sammy the sheep lives a happy life as part of a flock that is well cared for by a kind and good shepherd. But when he strikes up a friendship with a sheep in the next pasture, he begins to understand that not all shepherds are so loving. Eventually, Sammy’s kind shepherd purchases Sammy’s friend for himself, and from that point Sammy takes delight in helping his new “sister” sheep get to know their shepherd and his ways.

Delightful illustrations engage and hold the attention of young readers while the eleven brief chapters unfold the Twenty-third Psalm phrase by phrase. Discussion questions and activities help parents guide their children into a deeper understanding of the biblical text.

Fool Moon Rising by Kristi Fluharty & T. Lively Fluharty

Through this illustrated tale about the moon stealing the sun’s glory, children learn about the importance of humility and the dangers of pride.

This rhyming, rollicking tale tells of a crime of cosmic proportions: the moon, blinded by pride, fails to see the true source of his abilities—the light provided by the sun. He boasts of his ability to shine, to change shape throughout each month, and to swell the tides. One day, overwhelmed by a piercing ray of sunshine, the moon repents of his pride and changes his ways, and from that point on he is happy to reflect the sun’s light.

This beautifully illustrated book introduces the concept of humility to children. Readers will be reminded that everything we have, including our gifts and talents, is from God. Just as the moon learns to boast only of the sun, children—and their parents—learn that to boast of anything other than the Son is utter foolishness.

This is No Fairytale by Dale Tolmasoff & Corbert Gauthier

Fairy tales tell about brave princes and beautiful princesses, castles, giants, magic, and other amazing things. But this story doesnt need any of that. That’s because this story is no fairy tale. But it’s still amazing—and it’s true. This book tells the story of Jesus Christ so you will see him for who he is—not a fairy-tale character, but God’s Son and the one true Saviour.

The King Without a Shadow by R.C. Sproul

“Why do we have shadows? Where do they come from?” the little boy asked the Great King.

That started the king wondering about shadows. Could he, the king, escape his shadow? Even his wise men couldn’t tell him how to escape his shadow. There was only one king without a shadow – once so great there was no darkness in Him . . .

Come learn with the king and the little boy about the King without a shadow . . . and you’ll learn about God’s awesome holiness.

The Prince’s Poison Cup by R.C. Sproul

With The Prince’s Poison Cup, Dr. R. C. Sproul continues his series of books designed to present deep biblical truths to children on their own level. In this work, he focuses on the atonement to show that Jesus had to endure the curse of sin in order to redeem His people from their spiritual death.

When Ella gets sick and has to take yucky medicine, she wonders why something that will help her get well has to taste so bad. When she puts the question to Grandpa, he tells her the story of a great King and His subjects who enjoyed wonderful times together – until the people rebelled against the King and drank from a forbidden well. To their horror, they found that the beautiful water in the well made their hearts turn to stone. To reclaim His people, the King asks His Son, the Prince, to drink from a well of horrid poison. The poison will surely kill the Prince – but He is willing to drink it to please His Father and help His people.

Richly illustrated, The Prince’s Poison Cup will help children appreciate the great love of God for His people and the awful price Jesus had to pay because of sin. A “For Parents” section provides assistance in unfolding the biblical elements of the story.

Hero Tales by David Jackson & Neta Jackson

These four-volumes are a family treasury of true stories from the lives of Christian heroes.

Drawn from the lives of fifteen key Christian heroes, each of these four hardbound volume of Hero Tales is a beautifully illustrated treasury of forty-five exciting and educational readings designed to help foster Christian character qualities in families with elementary-age children. These inspiring collections present a short biography and three true stories for each hero.

Whether read together at family devotions or alone, Hero Tales are an ideal way to acquaint children ages six to twelve with historically important Christians while instilling valuable Christian values.

Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan (and C. J. Lovik & Mike Wimmer)

Thirty all-new, full-page, color illustrations and edited text for ease of reading make this the edition of John Bunyan’s classic allegorical tale to own and to give.

For more than three centuries both Christians and non-Christians, young and old, have been fascinated by the characters and story of John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress: From This World to That Which Is to Come-regarded as one of the most significant works of English literature. While keeping the dignity and beauty of Bunyan’s language, editor C. J. Lovik has updated words and phrases for today’s readers.

This deluxe edition of Pilgrim’s Progress, brought to life in thirty all-new, full-page, color illustrations by award-winning illustrator Mike Wimmer, takes readers on a visually stunning journey with protagonist Christian as he seeks the Celestial City. Along the way, readers encounter Evangelist, Mr. Worldly Wisdom, the Interpreter, Hypocrisy, Watchful, Faithful, Talkative, Hopeful, Ignorance, and others. Through word and picture, readers will better understand the obstacles and encouragements they will face as they live out the Christian life this side of heaven.

Deliberate Kids CD by Phil Joel

Hot on the heels of last year’s compelling “the deliberatePeople. album”, Phil Joel returns with deliberateKids – his first children’s album, opening a new chapter in the deliberatePeople movement. Featuring upbeat rockers and sing- a-long lyrics, Deliberate Kids is the most fun you’ll have learning core Spiritual principles and the message of the Gospel. The project was birthed from songs Phil and wife Heather were writing for their church’s children’s programme… so these all-new original songs have been ‘road tested’ and are ready for kids all over the world to experience a boom-chaka-laka rockin’ good time with Phil Joel!

Be Like Jesus CD by Sovereign Grace Music

To Be Like Jesus contains twelve worship songs that teach the fruit of the Spirit in a creative and memorable way. Through these songs kids will learn that Jesus is our perfect example of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness,and self-control. More than that, they’ll discover that we can’t be like Jesus unless we trust in the power of his cross to forgive us and the power of his Spirit to change us.

Did you know that God says your life is supposed to be like a fruit tree?

He’s talking about something much more important than apples, oranges, or bananas. The fruit God wants in our lives is the kind the Holy Spirit produces in us when we know and follow Jesus. It’s the fruit that comes when we turn from our sins and trust that Christ died in our place so we could be forgiven and become like him.

These songs will help you remember what that fruit looks like and how growing in Jesus is the only way to see more of it in your life!

And finally… One lady in the church emailed in to let us know that there is a Holly Fayre at Christchurch Parish Hall, North Street, Downend this coming Saturday 5th December between 10:30am-1:30pm. Great for Christmas gifts and ideas!