Advent - Christmas - Catholic Archdiocese of Adelaide

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Spring 2012/Summer2013 Newsletter Supplement
Advent - Christmas
To you, O Lord,
I lift up my soul.
O my God,
in you I trust;
Make me to know
your ways, O Lord;
teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth,
and teach me,
for you are the God of
my salvation;
for you I wait all day
long. Ps 25:1-2,4-5
Iveron Mother of God, Mt Athos
CONTENTS:
Advent and Christmas Resources:
Books, CDs DVDs and websites
Teaching Advent and Christmas
Prayer and meditation for Advent and Christmas
CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY DATES:
CLOSED:
20 December 2012 – 20th January 2013
th
REOPENING:
Monday 21st January 2013
Annotated Bibliography of selected Advent
and Christmas Resources held at CRIS
Daybreaks: Daily reflections for Advent and Christmas by Ronald
Rolheiser (Liguori Press) 2005. 242.33/ROL
Daybreaks is a journey through the seasons of Advent and
Christmas. Ronald Rolheiser guides the journey with searching
insights and daily reflections on the mystery of the Incarnation. He
notes that the season of Advent is a time to get in touch with our
longing, and desire in this waiting for the coming of Christ.
Rolheiser says we spend 98 per cent of our lives waiting for
something else to happen to us and
rarely do we find ourselves in what
Henri Nouwen called a fully pregnant moment where we are
happy where we are right now.
This small book of daily reflections starting on the first Sunday of
Advent and finishing with Epiphany presents us with a wealth of
anecdotes for reflection and meditation.
Ron Rolheiser, OMI Speaker, Columnist, Author
The first Christmas: What the Gospels really teach about Jesus’s
birth by Marcus J Borg & John Dominic Crossan (HarperOne Press)
2007. 232.921/BOR
Marcus Borg and John Crossan set the nativity stories and their
meanings in their first century context historically and, secondly,
focus their meanings for Christians in the light of contemporary
theology and understanding. The book is divided into three parts.
Part I entitled Parable, Overture and Context looks at the stories of
the First Christmas, parables and the context of the Christmas
stories. Part II focuses on the Genealogy, Conception and Birth and
outlines genealogy as destiny, the visit of Gabriel to Mary and David’s city of Bethlehem.
Part III entitled Light, Fulfilment and Joy explores light against darkness, Jesus as the
fulfilment of prophecy and joy to the world.
Borg and Crossan acknowledge that the stories of the first Christmas are both personal and
political. They challenge the status quo of most times and places. They note that they are
not concerned with the factuality of the birth stories but rather what did and do these
stories mean? The stories of the first Christmas contain the gospel in miniature. The authors
note that they are parabolic overtures to Matthew and Luke and run parallel to the stories
of Christ’s last week- Holy Week, Good Friday and Easter. Here just as darkness sought to
extinguish the light in Herod’s plot to kill Jesus, so they do at the end of his life with his
execution. But their success is superficial for his crucifixion is followed by Easter glory. The
first Christmas adds to our understanding of Jesus, the meaning of his birth and life what it
meant for the early church and what it means for us today.
Watch for the Light: Readings for Advent and Christmas by various
authors including Aquinas, Bonhoeffer, Rahner, Merton, Romero,
Underhill, Eckhart, Nouwen and others (Plough Pub House) 2001.
242.33/WAT
This book offers reflections from the 24 November through to 7
January, the day after Epiphany . The introduction states that “the
essence of Advent is expectancy [and] it is also readiness for action –
watchful for every opening and willingness to risk everything for
freedom and a new beginning”. The contributors of this book offer us
a guide for reflection, gratitude and readiness for action.
Conversing with God in Advent and Christmas: Praying the Sunday
Mass readings with lectio divina by Stephen Binz
(The Word Among Us Press) 2012. 242.33/BIN
Stephen Binz writes “If you often feel like your December calendar is
more of a frenzied list of details to accomplish rather than an Advent
calendar of holy anticipation, you might consider taking up the
practice of lectio divina during these days. If the pre-Christmas rush is
not balanced by the sacred waiting of Advent, you may find yourself
physically and emotionally exhausted and spiritually empty by the
time Christmas arrives. Make time to pray and listen to God and his
word. As he changes your heart, you will experience the peaceful joy of the Incarnation.”
This book provides practical ways for us to treasure within our hearts the word of God
proclaimed in Advent and Christmas, and be transformed into people of joyful expectation.
Advent and Christmas: Wisdom from St Vincent De Paul: daily
Scripture and prayers together with Saint Vincent de Paul’s own
words compiled by John Rybolt (Liguori Press) 2012. 242.33/RYB
In this book each day’s passage begins with the words of Saint
Vincent de Paul. Next is a related excerpt from Scripture which is
followed by a prayer built on the ideas from the two preceding
passages. Finally, an Advent or Christmas action suggests ways to
apply the messages to daily life. Because the length of Advent varies,
this book includes material for twenty-eight days. The daily readings
make up Part I of the book. Part II begins with Christmas Day and
contains materials for twelve days of the Christmas season. Part III proposes two optional
formats for using each day as a part of a longer liturgical observance similar to Night Prayer
combined with a version of the Office of Readings. The books offers ways to enrich the
Advent/Christmas/Epiphany season of the liturgical year and set up a means by which
individuals, families or groups can observe the true meaning of the season.
The Birth of Jesus according to the Gospels by Joseph Kelly (Liturgical
Press) 2008. 232.92/KEL
This book focuses on a very limited area of the Scriptures – a total of
four chapters from all of the New Testament, two each from two
Gospels (Matt 1-2 and Luke 1-2). Both of these four valuable chapters
contain the only accounts of Jesus’ birth and scholars call them the
infancy narratives. Thanks to the feast of Christmas, they are the most
widely known of all New Testament passages. Kelly’s book highlights
the issues facing the early Christians as the gospels were being
written, shows the difference between Matthew’s approach to an audience of Jewish
converts and Luke’s writing for a primarily Gentile audience and offers an invitation to meet
Jesus Christ arrived to fulfil God’s plan on earth for all people.
The Christmas Story from the Gospels of Matthew and Luke Pictures
from the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Abrams Books for young
readers) 2009. 755.56074/CHR
This picture book offers illustrations from The Metropolitan Museum
of Art. It is interesting to note that artists from the period often
portrayed members of the Holy Family and other important biblical
figures in European dress of the time. This helped make their works
of art immediately accessible to contemporary audiences.
Plates include the Madonna and Child from the workshop of Giovanni Bellini, the
Annunciation to the Shepherds by the Limbourg Brothers, The Annunciation attributed to
Petrus Christus, The Arrival in Bethlehem attributed to Master I.C. among other beautiful
pieces.
NEW!! Exploring Advent with Luke :
Four questions for spiritual growth
by Timothy Clayton 2012/ 263.91 CLA
NEW!! Rediscover Advent
by Matthew Kelly 2011/ 242.332 KEL
NEW!!
Holding Jesus : Reflections on Mary the Mother of God
by Alfred McBride, 2012/ 232.91 MCB
Advent Storybook : 24 Stories to share before Christmas
by Antonie Schneider, 2005/263.91
Books for Advent
Title
A coming Christ in Advent : essays on the gospel
narratives preparing for the Birth of Jesus
A shoot from the stock of Jesse : Meditations for Advent
Advent & Lent activities for children: camels, carols,
crosses and crowns
Advent and Christmas Wisdom from St Benedict
Advent and Christmas Wisdom from St. Thomas Aquinas
Advent and Christmas Wisdom from Henri J M Nouwen
Advent and Christmas with Thomas Merton
Advent and Lent activities for children : camels, carols,
crosses and crowns
Advent is for children : Stories, activities, prayers
Advent Readings from Iona
Advent Services
Advent Storybook : 24 Stories to share before Christmas
Before and after Christmas : activities and ideas for
Advent and Epiphany
Celebrating Advent & Christmas liturgies with young
children
Child of the Light : walking through Advent & Christmas
Classroom prayer services for the days of Advent and
Lent
Cloth for the cradle : worship resources and readings for
Advent, Christmas & Epiphany
Cloth for the cradle : worship resources and readings for
Advent, Christmas & Epiphany
Colourful Advent : A new way to pray when words are
inadequate
Conversing with God in Advent and Christmas : Praying
the Sunday
Daybreaks : Daily reflections for Advent and Christmas
Expecting the Unexpected : An Advent devotional guide
Exploring Advent with Luke: questions for spiritual growth
Jesus among us : daily advent prayers for families
Liturgies for Advent weekdays
My favourite Advent & Christmas activity book
Rediscover Advent
Sacred celebrations for Advent and Christmas Year C :
Live the dream
The Advent - Christmas book
The gospel day by day through Advent
The Jesse tree : an advent activity book
The tallest candle : a story for Christmas
Welcome the Word : celebrating the liturgy of the Word
with children. Volume one. Advent - Trinity Sunday
Author
Brown, Raymond
Call No.
226.206
Campbell, Michael
Kielly, Sheila
242.33
263.9
Sutera, Judith
Wisdom, Andrew Carl
Nouwen, Henri J M
Merton, Thomas
Kielly, Sheila
242.2
242.33
242.33
263.91
263.9
Kelemen, Julie
Woodcock, Brian
Rogne, David G
Schneider, Antonie
O’Neal, Debbie Trafton
263.91
264.0272
264
263.91
263.91
Hopper, Barbara Mary
264.0272
Richardson, Beth A
Costello, Gwen
263.91
264.020083
Wild Goose Worship
Group
Iona Community
264.0272
Merryweather, Sheila
Julian
Binz, Stephen J
263.91
D'Arcy, Paula
Meeks, Blair Gilmer
Clayton, Timothy
Costello, Gwen
McCarthy, Flor
Erickson, Jenny
Kelly, Matthew
Wintour, Rina
263.91
263.91
263.91
263.91
264.0272
263.91
242.332
263.91
Arbogast, Joan Marie
Moore, Brian
Thompson, Katie
Broadbent, Lynne
Brown, Joan
263.91
263.91
242.33
232.921
264.02
263.91
242.33
Teaching Advent
Title
A Jesse Tree for Advent : Complete assemblies for
juniors
Advent and Christmas : Wisdom from St Francis of Assisi
Advent and Christmas Activities for Families with Young
Children
Advent and Christmas with Fulton J Sheen
Advent Angels : a host of stories, crafts, puzzles and
things to do for the day of Advent
Advent Posters
Author
Nicholls, Rachel
Advent Reflections : Come, Lord Jesus
Candles & conifers : resources for All Saints' and Advent
Disturbing complacency : Preparing for Christmas
First Festivals : Christmas
Hear my cry : a daily prayer book for Advent
Learning Centers for Advent and Lent
Learning links to Christmas : Teacher resources for the
religion class
Lighted windows : an Advent calendar for a world in
waiting
Mission : Christmas : Youth programs & ideas for Advent
My Catholic Advent and Christmas activity book
Redeemer of the Nations, Come : An Advent Lessons &
Carols
The Advent Alphabet : a Christmas storybook with crafts
to make for every day of Advent
The Advent Jesse Tree : devotions for children and
adults to prepare for the coming of the Christ child at
Christmas
The complete guide to Godly play (Vol 3)
The Jesse Tree : daily readings for Advent
The Vigil : keeping watch in the season of Advent
What do you want for Christmas? An advent study for
adults
BK
Call No.
242.33
Kruse, John V
BK
Rainone, Colleen D. BK
263.91
263.91
Bauer, Judy
Doggett, Sue
BK
BK
263.91
263.91
POS
263.91
Dolan, Timothy
Burgess, Ruth
Bodenheim, Lisa
Rock, Lois
Burgess, Ruth
Murphy, Doris
BK
BK
BK
BK
BK
BK
263.91
263.91
263.91
263.91
263.91
263.91
Silf, Margaret
BK
263.91
Brooks, Bryan
Galvin, Jennifer
Schola Cantorum of
St. Peter the Apostle
Faulkner, Anne
BK
BK
CD
263.91
263.91
783.65
BK
263.91
Lambert, Dean
Meador
BK
242.33
Berryman, Jerome
Shuman, Thom
Wright, Wendy
Moore, James
BK
BK
BK
BK
268.432
263.91
263.91
263.91
Advent and Christmas Meditations
Title
Daybreaks : daily reflections for Advent and Christmas
God is in the manger : Reflections on Advent and
Christmas
Igniting sparks of reconciliation and compassion : prayer
and ritual for staff gatherings in Catholic schools today
Joyous expectation : journeying through Advent with Mary
Prepare the Way : daily meditations for Advent and Lent
Preparing for Christmas with Richard Rohr : Daily
meditations for Advent
Shine on, star of Bethlehem : a worship resource for
Advent, Christmas and Epiphany
The essential Advent and Christmas handbook : a daily
companion with a glossary of key terms
Watch for the Light : readings for Advent and Christmas
Author
Rolheiser, Ron
Bonhoeffer,
Dietrich
Abbott, Margaret
BK
BK
Call No.
242.33
242.33
BK
264.02013
BK
BK
242.332
242.332
BK
263.91
Duncan, Geoffrey BK
242.33
BK
242.33
BK
242.33
BK
242.33
BK
242.33
BK
242.332
Frisk, M Jean
Liebenow, R.
Mark
Rohr, Richard
When day is done : night time prayers through the Church Boyer, Mark G
year
With grateful hearts : Spiritual reflections for everyday
living
Yards of purple : stories for Advent
Foulger, Sarah
Advent and Christmas CDs and music
Title
A Festive Baroque Christmas [CD]
CD
Call No.
783.65
BK
783.65
Catholic Christmas Classics Vol VIII [CD]
CD
783.65
Celebrating Good News : full colour images from Turvey
Abbey [CD]
Christmas Music from Medieval Hungary [CD]
Christmas rhymes & carols
Christmas Star : carols for the Christmas Season [CD]
CD
231.3
CD
BK
CD
783.65
232.921
782.281723
CDK
CD
BK
CD
782.281723
783.65
782.28
783.9
Best-Loved Carols.
Author
Tebbs, Philip and
Victoria
Anonymous 4
ROCK, Lois
Cambridge Singers
and Orchestra
How far to Bethlehem? [CD kit]
Light from Light Vol 2 [CD]
My very first Christmas Carols [CD included]
O Come Rejoicing : music for Advent and Christmas [CD]
KEARNEY, Peter
KENDZIA, Tom
ROCK, Lois
Prince of Peace : music for Advent and Christmas [CD kit]
Redeemer of the Nations, Come : An Advent Lessons &
Carols [CD]
Rituals & reflections : Advent & Christmas : Year C [CD]
Southern Star : a ceremony of carols [CD]
Schutte, Dan
Wintour, Rina
CD
CD
263.91
782.28
Ten more little fingers of Christmas [CD]
Under your star [CD ]
Hooty Toots
Chinn, Andrew
CD
CD
783.65
232.9
CDK 783.65
Schola Cantorum of CD 783.65
St. Peter the Apostle
Christmas Books
Title
Author
A Christmas story
Wildsmith, Brian
A gift for the Christ Child: a Christmas folktale.
Schlafer, Linda
Away in a Manger : The Christmas Story
Mackinnon,
Debbie
Before and after Christmas : activities and ideas for Advent Oneal, Debbie
and Epiphany
Trafton
Behind the scenes Christmas
Box, Su
Caspar and the Star.
Bosca, Francesca
Catholic Christmas
Carroll, Kathleen
Celebrating Advent & Christmas liturgies with young children Hopper, Barbara
Mary
Child of the Light : walking through Advent & Christmas
Richardson, Beth
A
Christmas
Chandler,Clare
Christmas fun : My first Bible activity book
Lane, Leena
Christmas rhymes & carols
Rock, Lois
Christmas story : a sparkling nativity play
Call No.
PBK 232.921
PBK 394.268282
BK 232.921
Cloth for the cradle : worship resources and readings for
Advent, Christmas & Epiphany
Come and see : a Christmas story
Elijah's Angel [Picture book]
Emma's Gift
Franciscan Christmas
Granny goes to Bethlehem
I can make starry things for Christmas
I can make things for Christmas
Iona Community
BK 263.91
Mayper, Monica
Rosen, Michael J
Idle, Molly Schaar
Carroll, Kathleen
Weston, Kathy
Miller, Jocelyn
Goodings,
Christina
Pasquali, Elena
Krenzer, Rolf
Hill, Susan
Rock, Lois
Wangerin, Walter
Rock, Lois
Erickson, Jenny
[Big Book]
Holder, Mig
PBK 232.92
PBK 263.91
BK 394.2
BK 263.915
PBK 232.921
PBK 745.5
PBK 745.5
Eddy, Corbin
BK 264.02
Carlstrom, Nancy
Arbogast, Joan
Marie
Papa, Carrie
Bevan, Clare
Rowlands, Avril
PBK 232.921
BK 263.91
Ituku's Christmas journey
Jesus is born
King of Kings
Lion Christmas favourites for the very young [Picture book]
Mary's first Christmas [Picture book]
My book of Christmas
My favorite Advent & Christmas activity book
My very first Big Christmas tales : Good King Wencelas
Papa Panov's Special Day : a classic folk tale adapted by
Leo Tolstoy
Preparing the liturgical year 2 : Lent - Easter and Advent Christmas
Ten Christmas Sheep
The Advent - Christmas book
The Brightest star of all : Christmas stories for the family
The Christmas Play
The Christmas Sheep and other stories.
BK 263.91
BK
BK
BK
BK
232.921
232.921
263.915
264.0272
BK 263.91
BK
BK
BK
BK
394.268282
263.91
232.921
232.921
PBK 394.2
PBK 232.921
PBK 232.921
PBK 263.91
PBK 232.921
PBK 232.921
BK 263.91
PBK 263.91
PBK 394.2
BK 242.335
PBK 246.7
PBK 232.921
Title
The Christmas story
The Christmas Story from the Gospels of Matthew and Luke
The Christmas Story : a touch and feel Christmas
Treasure Book
The Christmas story with press out nativity play set
The Christmas visitor.
The First Christmas
The First Christmas
The First Christmas
The first Christmas : Coloring and activity book
The Jesse tree : an advent activity book
The Journey to Bethlehem.
The Lion Storyteller Christmas book.
The Little Donkey: a Christmas story.
The Not - So - Wise Man
The riches and charm of Christmas
The Road to Bethlehem
The story of Christmas
The tallest candle : a story for Christmas
The Wonder of Christmas [Picture book]
Three Wise Women
Welcome the word : celebrating the liturgy of the Word with
children. Volume one. Advent - Trinity Sunday
Author
Rock, Lois
Call No.
PBK 232.921
PBK 232.91
PBK 232.921
Apperley, Dawn
Lussert, Anneliese
Nolan, Allia
Williams, Marcia
Amery, Heather
Richards, Virginia
Thompson, Katie
Molan, Chris
Hartman, Bob
Scheidl, Gerda
Macdonald, Alan
Scibiorski, Alice
Emma
Wildsmith, Brian
French, Vivian
Broadbent, Lynne
Mackall, Dandi
Daley
Hoffman, Mary
Brown, Joan
PBK 232.921
PBK 232.921
PBK 263.91
PBK 232.921
PBK 232.921
Bk 232.921
BK 242.33
PBK 232.921
PBK 394.268282
PBK 232.921
PBK 232.91
BK 263.915
PBK 263.91
PBK 232.921
PBK 232.921
PBK 232.921
PBK 232.921
BK 264.02
Christmas stories, customs,
craft, poetry and drama
Title
A long wait for a Messiah and 5 other dramas for tweens
A stocking for Jesus
Author
Lee, Nate
Arruda, Suzanne
Middendorf
Advent & Christmas Activities for Families with Young Children Rainone, Colleen
Approaching Christmas
Williams, Jane
Baboushka: A traditional Russian folk tale.
Scholey, Arthur
Celebrations make & do : craft ideas which bring the festivals Chapman, Gillian
to life
Christmas Celebrations
Wintour, Rina
Christmas Keepsake : a treasury of best- loved stories and
more
Christmas Make & Do : craft ideas inspired by the story of the Chapman, Gillian
first Christmas
Christmas nativities and stories : the Christmas story told in a Van Mullekommost unusual way with nativity scenes, poems and stories from Cserep
all over the world
Call No.
BK 246.7
PBK 394.2
BK
BK
PBK
BK
263.91
263.91
394.2
745.5
BK 246.7
PBK 394.2
BK
263.91
BK
232.92
Title
Christmas promise : easy dramas, speeches and reflections
for children
Christmas wrapped up!
Clueless Christmas : drama 7 puppet plays for the Christmas
season
Don't miss the bus and 5 other dramas for tweens
Easy ways to Christmas plays
First Festivals : Christmas
Hay & stardust : resources for Christmas to Candlemas
I can make Angel things for Christmas
I can make starry things for Christmas
I can make things for Christmas
Learning links to Christmas : Teacher resources for the religion
classroom
Lectionary-based Gospel dramas for Advent, Christmas, and
Epiphany
Light the lamps
Lion Christmas favourites : stories and prayers for the festive
season
Michael Foreman's Christmas Treasury
My Catholic Advent and Christmas activity book
My very first Christmas : Christmas stories for the very young
My very first Christmas playtime [Picture book]
Oh no, not the Nativity! : sketches through the church year
Practical ways to Christmas plays
Prayers & plays for Christmas and Holy Week
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey
The Christmas Star : Easy Christmas dramas, speeches, and
recitations for children
The greatest gift : the story of the other wise man
The Huron Carol
The Jesse Tree
The Lion Storyteller Christmas book : Traditional tales from
around the world
The Magic Saddle
The Shine Man : A Christmas story
The Star : a musical play
The story of the other Wise man
The tale of Three Trees
The twelve days of Christmas
Author
Clark, Paul
BK
Call No.
263.91
BK
263.91
BK
822.4
Lee, Nate
BK
Howie, Vicki
BK
Rock, Lois
BK
Burgess, Ruth
BK
Miller, Jocelyn
BK
Miller, Jocelyn
BK
Goodings, Christina BK
Ryan, Maurice
BK
246.7
246.7
263.91
263.91
745.5
745.5
745.5
263.91
O’ConnellRoussell, Sheila
Wild, Margaret
Rock, Lois
BK
246.72
Foreman, Michael
Galvin, Jennifer
Rock, Lois
Rock, Lois
Brandon, Andrew
Jeffs, Stephanie
Smith, Elizabeth J
Wojciechowski,
Susan
PBK
BK
PBK
PBK
BK
BK
BK
PBK
PBK 823.3
BK 394.2
394.2
263.91
263.91
263.91
246.7
246.7
246.7
394.2
PBK 246.7
Summers, Susan
De Brebeuf, Jean
McCaughrean,
Geraldine
Hartman, Bob
BK 263.91
PBK 394.2
BK 263.91
Mattingley,
Christobel
Quattlebaum, Mary
Frawley-Mangan,
Anne
Van Dyke, Henry
Hunt, Angela Elwell
Wildsmith, Brian
BK
PBK 394.2
394.2
PBK 394.2
PBK 246.7
PBK 394.2
PBK 813
PBK 394.2
Advent & Christmas DVDs
Title
Contents
Children's Heroes Of The
7 programs: Jesus birth and Youth. Jesus teaches and calls disciples. Jesus
Bible : The New Testament heals and works miracles. Jesus struggles and opponents. Jesus suffering,
death and resurrection. The Apostles and the early church. Paul's ministry
and trials
Discover The Church Year: This resource explains the Christian understanding of time, why we celebrate
DVD 1:
the Church Year, the concept of memorial, and how our celebrations relate to
Introducing Sacred Time
our human experiences. (15 min. 2006)
The Church marks time as sacred by celebrating the Church Year. Christians
re-live and enter the events of Jesus, celebrated and made present in the
DVD 2:
liturgy and sacraments. The Church Year sets up a series of times with the
A Year With The Lord
Lord. We know there are set days, moments, occasions when he expects
us.The sacred cycle of the church Year is a sign of God's time, and this time
is his offer of grace to us. From Advent to Pentecost - Ordinary Time - Saint
days - Colours - the origin and meaning are clearly explained. (15 min. 2006)
Go Look In The Manger
Based on a true story. Set in 1966 8 year old Ricky tries to impress his
classmates. He makes then breaks a promise to his mother. Ricky discovers
his mother's forgiveness.
Greatest Heroes and
Legends of the Bible :
The Nativity
An animated story of the Nativity with an introduction by Charlton Heston.
In God's Time :
DVD Contents: Six reflections incorporating melodies. Accompanying booklet
contains suggestions for use in schools and parishes for each reflection.
1. Harvest Thanks
2. We remember
3. Advent - Waiting to welcome
4. Lenten reflection - Change your heart
5. Seven Last words
6. The Bells of the Angelus
A Celebration of The
Liturgical Year
Little Shepherd
In the dark of night the fields around Bethlehem are alive with expectation.
Wolves have been spotted and every shepherd is nervous, including young
Joel and his family. Yet what is about to happen is not expected at all. As Joel
embarks upon the journey of becoming a shepherd, he is afraid of the
dangers that lie ahead. But he is about to discover that he need not face
these dangers alone. An unexpected surprise will lead to the revelation that
God provides the answer to every fear. The timeless story of Christmas with a
twist. Duration 25 mins.
Red Boots for Christmas
Alone in his shop, with no family and few friends, Hans the shoemaker has
never learned the true meaning of Christmas. While he mocks the
townspeople's merry preparations, Hans is visited by an angel who promises
a very special gift. Hans crafts a gift to give in return - the finest pair of Red
Boots ever make. Hans learns the joys of sharing and fellowship and the spirit
of Christmas as he receives the ultimate gift - a gift from God.
The Animated Stories of
The New Testament :
The King Is Born
Interactive DVD. Uses King James and New International Versions. Includes
Adventure Quiz with 3 skill levels. "Beginning with Gabriel announcing God's
blessed plan for Mary, this DVD brings all the elements of this timeless story
to life. Journey with Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem and witness the humble
birth of our Saviour together with the shepherds. The cunning plan of King
Herod does not deceive the devoted wise men, but ultimately it is the Angel
who intercedes to warn Joseph and Mary to flee into Egypt."
The Candy Maker's
Christmas
August the candy maker is certain that he has made the perfect Christmas
present for the royal family, but an encounter teaches him that the perfect
present is the gift of Jesus. August learns a lesson in love and humility as his
candy can becomes a popular Christmas reminder for people throughout the
world.
The First Christmas Crib :
A Story of St. Francis of
Assisi
On the eve of Christmas in the year 1223, Francis of Assisi, with the help of
some friends, recreated the scene of Jesus' birth in a cave above Greccio,
Italy. The tradition of nativity dramas was an established practice but Francis'
scene contained no human figures -- just an ox and an ass standing by a hay
filled manger. 12 mins.
The Mouse In The Manger
The story of Oscar the Mouse who becomes angry with his father and leaves
home. In his adventures he feels a deep sense of loneliness. He enters into
self-discovery within the stories of those he meets. Oscar returns home with a
better understanding of himself and those around him. A story of friendship
and service.
The Nativity Story
Rating PG, (violence). Includes film study guide.
Her child would change the world. The Nativity Story chronicles the arduous
journey of two people, Mary and Joseph, a miraculous pregnancy, and the
history-defining birth of Jesus. This dramatic and compelling story comes to
life in a major motion picture. Keisha Castle-Hughes as Mary and Oscarnominee Shoreh Aghdashloo and Oscar Isaac in supporting roles.
102 mins., 2006.
The nativity story : a film study guide for Catholics by Rose Pacatte .
The Promise of Advent
Advent…the beginning of the Church Year. A time to prepare for the coming
of Jesus.
The Promise of Advent - the love of God who became a child in Bethlehem
and who continues to come into our hearts year after year.
God's love - the basis for the world's hope and joy. Advent a sacred time of
customs and traditions, bringing us together, making memories and
connecting us with our faith.
(15 min. each. Year: 200?)
DVD 1: Hope & Joy
DVD 2: Making Memories
The Star of Christmas
Big Idea's Veggie Tales.
Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber appear as Cavis and Millward -based loosely on Gilbert and Sullivan. Set in 1880s London, they've written a
musical to open on Christmas Eve. Cavis thinks it will "teach London how to
love". But children at St. Bart's are planning a nativity play for the same
evening, and they plan to feature the Star of Christmas, a religious artifact
unseen by the public for decades. The Post Gazette writes a story about the
nativity play and the Star, and Cavis and Millward hatch a plan to make their
musical better than the children's play. In the end, they learn the true
meaning of Christmas. the greatest love of all when Jesus was born!.
The Story of Jesus for
children
Rated G.
This is the story of Jesus as seen through the eyes of children who might
have lived during the time Jesus lived on earth. Footage adapted from the
film: Jesus. NTSC version.
Christ the Savior is born / Dinner at Benjamin's / Fight in the stable .
The Toy That Saved
Christmas
Big Idea's Veggie Tales.
Mr. Nezzer's TV commercials have convinced all of Dinkletown that
"Christmas is when you get stuff!" With the children whining and begging for
more toys, it's sure to be the worst Christmas ever ... until one brave little
Buzz-Saw Louie doll decides to take matters into his own hands! The Toy
That Saved Christmas teaches children that "Christmas isn't about getting, it's
about giving."
Computer animated series for junior and middle primary.
The Wonder of Christmas : Christmas – a time of wonder and hope.
DVD 1:
These joyful films capture the heart and the spirit of Christmas – the story,
The Christmas Story
and the significance, how we celebrate and what it means for us today.
Madeline Powell films.
DVD 2:
The Meaning of Christmas
Three Christmas Classics : Christmas Is (22mins)
An animated classic about Benji, a disappointed little boy who must play the
Christmas Is
second shepherd in the school play-again. Disappointment turns to joy when
a daydream transports him and his lovable pooch, Waldo, back to the first
Christmas. There the second shepherd shares with them the angels'
message--that Jesus is born in Bethlehem! (2002)
The City that forgot about
Christmas
The City that forgot about Christmas (22 mins)
The story of a woodcarver who lived in a village that had forgotten about
Christmas. When he taught the children of the town about the birth of Jesus,
the uncaring village was filled with the joy of Christ. This animated favourite
features the voices of Sebastian Cabot, Charles Nelson Reilly, and Louis
Nye. (2002)
The Stableboy's Christmas The Stableboy's Christmas (27 mins)
This award-winning dramatic special finds 10-year-old Tammy travelling back
in time to the first Christmas in Bethlehem and witnessing the little stableboy's
act of unselfish love when he gives the Christ child his pet lamb. Tammy then
realizes how sharing presents with others is a way of sharing God's love at
Christmas. (2002)
A Child Is Born:
A Christmas Film
A film that celebrates God's great love for us in the gift of Jesus, and the hope
for a better world that comes with the birth of every child, in every corner of
the world. It highlights the importance of every life that is lived as a gift for
others. A John Powell film.
Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem
Websites for Christmas and Advent
Most are suitable for teacher or student background.
 An overview of Advent as a season of preparation
http://www.cptryon.org/prayer/adx/adprep.html
Advent the period of four weeks before Christmas. It is a time of preparation, waiting and
hope. This site explores some of the many Advent customs and offers prayers and weekly
meditations in preparation for Christmas. Contains teaching and learning activities.
Suitable for : K – 6:
 Prayers and Customs of Advent and Christmas
http://www.cptryon.org/prayer/adx/index.html
Christmas and Advent can be a spiritual feast for those who live these seasons spiritually.
And where better to live them spiritually than in our own homes and households? The
purpose of this site is to help families and households celebrate Advent and Christmas in a
Christian way. Contains teaching and learning activities. Suitable for : K – 6:
 The History of Christmas
http://www.holidays.net/christmas/story.htm
A site offering a descriptive history of Christmas traditions, customs and Christian celebration
of Christmas. Suitable for : 5 – 8:
 Christmas in Cyberspace
http://www.njwebworks.net/christmas/
This site is designed to illuminate the true meaning of Christmas. To provide a strictly spiritual
alternative to the commercialisation of one of our faiths most sacred times. Christmas In
CyberSpace provides the Christian perspective that God demonstrated his love for us by
entering our world under the most humble of circumstances. Suitable for : 5 – 6
 Advent prayers for young children
http://www.cptryon.org/prayer/child/adv.html
This site contains a series of simple prayers for Advent prepared by the Passionist Fathers.
Suitable for : K -- 4:
 The Story of Saint Nicholas
http://www.cptryon.org/prayer/child/nick.html
The re-telling of the life of St Nicholas. A very simple little piece, easily accessible. Suitable
for student background. Suitable for : K – 4
 Advent Calendar
http://www.smmp.com/Advent/Advent.htm
This Advent calendar will delight children. It is a cyberversion of the Advent Calendars that
children love. It is constructed in such a way as not to allow any peeking ahead (encouraging
a daily return!). Suitable for student background. Contains teaching and learning activities.
Suitable for : K – 6:
 Advent Calendar
http://www.culham.ac.uk/advent2000/index.html
This is another online Advent Calendar. While the heading 'Advent 2000' is confusing it tries
to connect the Christian message to many seasonal activities. This site does not draw
significantly on the scriptural passages for Advent. The music is often more Christmas than
Advent. Suitable for student background. Contains teaching and learning activities. Suitable
for : K – 6:
 The Twelve Days of Christmas : A Catechism Song
http://www.cin.org/twelvday.html
The Twelve Days of Christmas was written in England as one of the catechism songs to help
young Catholics learn the tenets of their faith - a memory aid, when to be caught with
anything in *writing* indicating adherence to the Catholic faith could lead to punishment or
death. Suitable for : 5 – 8:
 A Child is born
http://www.ewtn.com/gallery/exhibit/child/index.htm
This splendid collection of images about the birth of Jesus could be very effectively used, with
a live connection and a data projector, as part of a class liturgy. Suitable for : K – 12:
 Prayers for Advent
http://www.cyberfaith.com/weblinks/ia_advent.html
Some suggestions as to how to go about the inclusion of online material in lessons on Advent
by Dorothy Werner, retired Director of Religious Education, Archdiocese of Washington, DC.
Contains teaching and learning activities. Suitable for : K– 4:
 What Color Is the Season?
http://www.cyberfaith.com/weblinks/ia_seasons.html
In these online activities children are introduced to the seasons of the Church’s liturgical year.
They learn about the significance of each season and the colors used during each season.
Suitable for teacher background. Suitable for student background. Contains teaching and
learning activities. Suitable for : K - 2:
 Come, Lord Jesus, Come (An Advent Activity)
http://www.cyberfaith.com/weblinks/ia_comelordjesus.html
Activities included in this site are:
1. Learning what Advent is;
2. Studying a short history of Advent;
3. Seeing what liturgical colours are used during Advent and learn their significance;
4. Learning about the Advent wreath - the significance of the colors, the candles, the circle,
and the evergreens;
5. Learning about Advent and pre-Christmas customs of different countries;
6. Making a classroom Advent calendar or use an online calendar to count down the days of
Advent. The web-site links are high quality and could be very helpful for teachers and
students. Suitable for teacher and student background. Contains teaching and learning
activities. Suitable for : 3 – 6:
 St Nicholas
http://www.stnicholascenter.org/Brix?pageID=23
This ecumenical site, subtitled - Discovering the truth about Santa Claus - is perhaps the best
resource around for teachers and parents wanting to put the Santa myth in perspective. There
is a lot to be learned here, including the origin of the balls placed on Christmas trees, which
represent the gold given to provide dowries for impoverished maidens. Resources include a
special children's section with stories and interactive media. Rediscovering the real figure of
St Nicholas can be a helpful antidote to the commercialism of the season. Suitable for teacher
and student background. Contains teaching and learning activities. Suitable for : K – 8
 Interactive Advent Calendar http://www.beliefnet.com/index/index_10055.html
This calendar is designed to focus a child's interest on the coming of Christ, culminating in the
story of the Nativity on 25 December. Previews by the teacher before using would ensure that
material is suitable for student use, as some is more appropriate for teacher background. The
opening of the calendar at breakfast each day reveals a story or anecdote associated with the
Christian celebration of Christmas. It includes information about telescopes and cosmology
and an activity to make a Christmas star. The coding behind the calendar prevents users from
peeking at stories from the days ahead. Suitable for teacher and student background.
Contains teaching and learning activities. Suitable for : 5 – 12:
 Advent FAQs
http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/Advent/faqs.asp
Interesting FAQ's such as: What is Advent? Who established Advent? What is the Advent
wreath? Why is the rose-colored candle lit on the third Sunday of Advent? etc. Suitable for
teacher and student background. Suitable for : 5 – 8:
 Christmas FAQs
http://www.americancatholic.org/features/christmas/faqs.asp
Interesting FAQ's such as: Which other saints are celebrated during this time? Was St.
Nicholas real? When are the 12 days of Christmas? What is “Little Christmas”? What are the
names of the three kings? Suitable for teacher and student background. Suitable for : 5 – 8:
 Christmas: a multicultural festival
http://www.cultureandrecreation.gov.au/articles/christmas/
At this site from the Australian Government's Culture and Recreation Portal, you can find out
more about Christmas as a multi-faceted festival in a multicultural society, its origins, its
traditions, and its future and how Australians celebrate Christmas. The site should not be
relied upon for exploring the Christian understanding of Christmas in any depth. The art links
are very good and could form the basis of meaningful classroom discussion and activities.
Suitable for teacher background. Suitable for student background. Suitable for : 5 – 8:
 The History of Christmas - Watch and Listen
http://www.history.com/topics/christmas
The History of Christmas - Watch and Listen - This site contains some videos excerpts from
the history channel about Christmas (so you will need broadband and have some very short
ads). However, it includes a five minute video on the background to the tradition of Christmas,
a clip on the Christmas truce during World War One and Frank Borman's Christmas message
from the moon. The rest of the site is worth looking at as well. Suitable for teacher and
student background. Suitable for : 7– 10:
Blessings and best wishes
Susan and Mary
St. Demiana Coptic Orthodox Church, San Diego.