On the Shelf
By Ian McKnight
E-mail | Facebook: Regional Media Center | RMC Website
Here are two great titles to incorporate into your holiday season.
D2009: A Thrill of Hope
A good choice for Advent! Featuring beautiful artwork by John August Swanson plus commentary by premier Bible scholars (e.g., Thomas Long, Carol Newsome), here are six brief reflections on passages from Matthew and Luke: a visit; the nativity; the shepherds; epiphany; presentation in the temple; and flight into Egypt. This is a beautiful, artful way to celebrate the birth of our Lord.
D4510: Advent Conspiracy
This year, take a stand! Join the growing groundswell of Christ-followers who are choosing to make Christmas what it should be – a joyous celebration of Jesus’ birth, not a retail circus. In four compelling sessions, Advent Conspiracy invites individuals, families, groups, and entire churches to substitute compassion for consumerism by practicing four simple but powerful, countercultural concepts:
Worship Fully – because Christmas begins and ends with Jesus
Spend Less – and free your resources for things that truly matter.
Give More – of your presence: your hands, your words, your time, your heart.
Love All – the poor, the forgotten, the marginalized, the sick, in ways that make a difference.
And for those of you who are in with the early bird crowd, a great resource to get you thinking about Holy Week and Easter!
D2028: What Wondrous Love: Holy Week in Word and Art
Look ahead to Holy Week, and prepare with this series. Again featuring the artwork and masterpiece illustrations of John August Swanson, Holy Week and Easter come alive in these challenging video commentaries by academic luminaries. This 41-minute DVD presents key scripture passages and events in the biblical story of Holy Week – the last days of Jesus’ ministry, his death and his resurrection. Each biblical text is illustrated and interpreted by the beautiful artwork of John August Swanson and also receives scholarly commentary from members of the faculty at Candler School of Theology at Emory University. The folk hymn “What Wondrous Love is This?” which serves as the accompanying musical theme, is sung by award-winning Celtic vocalist Connie Dover.
