The Nativity Collection by Robert J.Morgan

The Nativity Collection

The Nativity Collection is a collection of 6 Christmas stories told by Robert J Morgan to his congregation on the Sunday before Christmas. The stories include characters from different walks of life. The nativity in each story effects the characters for the remainders of their lives this is the connecting element for all 6 stories.
The nativity story has always held a special wonder for me. Each of these stories tie a navitity to the main character and reveal miraculous and inspiring endings. Each one is very different and only when the story was finished was I able to understand it in comparision to the other stories. Without it being overstated a nativity takes center stage. This makes for a delightful read and each story leaves that warm feeling that we have come to expect from Christmas stories. I would recommend this book to friends and would consider it a fine gift for those who enjoy sharing stories as part of their Christmas tradition.

One Hand, Two Hands by Max Lucado, Illustrated by Gaby Hansen

This children ‘s book is all about the ways we can use our hands and ultimately how God can use our hands. I feel the book would be appropriate for toddlers learning to use their hands for a variety of tasks as well as for children with basic reading skills. The story features a little girl but would also be appropriate for little boys.

The whimsical illustrations show various examples of how to use our hands. Hands are described as helping, kind, and loving and the story not only addresses how we use hands for ourselves but also how we can use our hands for God’s service. I would recommend this book for parents of young children that want a way to teach children a practical application of service to God.

Outlive Your Life by Max Lucado

Outlive Your Life is one of Lucado's finest works. It is a work that challenges the reader to service.With lots of examples of those who have been used to reach the world with the gospel, it leaves little excuse for why we cannot serve today, regardless of our circumstances. Even a small kindness can mean the world to the one receiving it.
I was challenged from the first chapter to consider what more I can do help others to know the truth. Lucado has a way of writing that does not offend yet exposes your heart. It also gives you validation that your service is important to God. The book is written in an easily understood manner and helps the reader identify with characters in the book, whether they be history's disciples or today's homeless. The usual study guide includes action plans to motivate and inspire the reader with practical applications of how they may put their faith to work to impact their community and their world.