A Surprising God: Advent Devotions for an Uncertain Time
Thomas G. Long and Donyelle C. McCray
Westminster John Knox, 112 pages | August 24, 2021
These Advent devotions follow a typical format – Scripture, reflection, closing prayer – but seek to offer something new this season. Long and McCray, both preaching professors at respected divinity schools, recognize that the world Jesus will burst into this December is an uncertain one.
What does it mean to be people of faith during a pandemic marked by isolation, illness and political division? Their daily devotions seek to respond to these questions with Bible favorites, of course, but also with stories of real people’s struggles and joys, ultimately offering good news of great joy.
Beyond the Tinsel: Short Stories for Christmas Eve
Dan Schomer
Resource Publications, 138 pages | May 13, 2021
As pastors must, Schomer set out each Christmas Eve to bring the story of Jesus’ birth to life in fresh and compelling ways. His labor of love was to craft and share a story during his church’s candlelight service. “Beyond the Tinsel” is the compilation of these stories, and Schomer offers it for personal devotion or for preachers to share with their congregations.
Many stories envision characters on the periphery of Jesus’ birth, shedding light on the holy family and imagining the first Christmas. Others offer a contemporary take on the Christmas message and how it still resonates. With warmth and an old-fashioned approach that is sweet (but not saccharine), Schomer offers some much-needed good news.
