Book Suggestions for Advent and Christmas

An Aboriginal Carol.  A wonderful new interpretation of The Huron Carol which is a collaboration between Metis poet David Bouchard who reworks the lyrics,  Aboriginal artist Moses Beaver, and Inuit singer Susan Aglukark who interprets it musically. Hard-cover book and CD  $24.95

Fireside Al's Treasury of Christmas Stories as told by Alan Maitland.  A new presentation of  the  CBC broadcasters favourite Christmas stories for all ages.  Includes CD with Maitland's warm  voice. Illustrations by Alan Daniel.  Hardcover $29.95

The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey with CD read by James Earl Jones.  A new presentation of this modern classic.  Only $18.00 in hardcover including the CD.

Pippin the Christmas Pig by Jean Little.  An award winner by the beloved Canadian children's author about the animals in the barn who remember how their great-great-great-grandparents helped one special child in a stable.....$8.99 paperback

A Season for Miracles.  Twelve Tales of Christmas from Canada. For ages 8-12.  $14.99

The Christmas Story.  A simple retelling for young children published by Usborne, a favourite children's publisher. $6.95

The Stable Where Jesus Was Born.  Another good version for younger children.  $11.99 Hardcover

The Nativity.  An Usborne "touchy-feely" book for little ones.  $19.95

The Very First Christmas.  Large format book with lovely illustrations and simply retold.  $19.95 hardcover

Angela and The Baby Jesus by Frank McCourt.  A tender Christmas story by the author of Angela's Ashes.  For all ages.  $19.99 Hardcover.

    * The Handmaid and the Carpenter:  A novel by Elizabeth Berg. An imaginative interpretation of the romance between Mary and Joseph.  Their humanity and trust shine through this charming small novel of the Nativity.  $23.95

    * Lighted Windows:  Advent Reflections for a World in Waiting by Margaret Silf. Popular spiritual writer Silf guides you on a 37 day pilgrimage through Advent and Epiphany.  Each daily meditation includes a scripture reading, a commentary, spiritual exercise and closing prayer.  $ 17.50.

    * Living the Days of Advent 2005.  The popular daily guide with a reading and thought for the day.  $5.95
    * Word Made Flesh.  Daily Reflections for Advent 2005.  An annual collection of readings from diverse writers including James Conlon, Esther deWaal, and Jean Vanier.  $2.25.

    * Watch for The Light:  Readings for Advent and Christmas.  A popular collection every year.  If you haven't got it already, you might want to consider for your Advent journey.  $21.95.

   * The Midwife's Story:  Meditations for Advent Times by Nancy Reeves.  A lovely little book of reflections on the theme of waiting.  $18.00 Hardcover.  Also appropriate for pregnant women.

    * Advent and Christmas with Thomas Merton.  Selections from Merton's writings.  $15.95.

    * Advent and Christmas with the Saints. $14.95.  Features writings from different saints.

    * Advent and Christmas with Henri Nouwen.  $14.95.  Selections appropriate to the season from Nouwen's writings.

    * Christmas Pathways 2005.  It's a time to hope.  An artistically presented small book for adults and older teens.  $4.95.

    * Joyful Promise.  A Children's Way to Christmas 2005.  Activities and stories for young children.  $3.95.

    * Advent Stories and Activities.  Meeting JEsus Through the Jesse Tree.A resource for children's ministry.  $20.95.

    * Mission: Christmas. Youth Programs and Ideas for Advent.  For youth ministry.  $21.99

   SPIRITUALITY OF WINE by Tom Harpur.  A glorious celebration of the magic and mystery of wine. $45.00.  Hardcover with colour photography.

Mary:  A Flesh and Blood Biography of The Virgin Mother by Lesley Hazleton.  Grounds Mary's life as a brown-skinned, struggling peasant girl.  Draws on a range of sources, some suppressed,  to paint a  convincing picture of Mary.  $34.95

Winter's Gift.  Written and illustrated by Jane Monroe Donovan. This new seasonal picture book is a story of comfort and hope. With soft, evocative paintings.  $22.95.

Knitting into the Mystery:  A Guide to the Shawl-Knitting Ministry.  A perfect gift for knitters.  $25.95.

A Short History of Progress by Ronald Wright.  The 2004 CBC radio Massey lecture.  A good choice for thinkers!  $18.95

Plan B: One Man's Journey from Tragedy to Triumph by Mike Harcourt.  One of BC's most admired people writes the story of his recovery from a potentially devastating injury.  For those who look for inspiration from a real life and local person. $32.99

From Me to We:  Turning Self-Help on Its Head by Craig & Marc Kielburger.  Inspiration for teens and young adults by two young Canadian leaders.  $19.99

Here I Sit by Rene Fumoleau.  A new second edition of Fumoleau's story poems about the people of Canada's north.  $23.95.  Stunning cover photography by the author.   

Rendezvous with the Wild:  The Boreal Forest.  Edited by James Raffan.  An impassioned celebration of Canada's boreal forest and the rivers that run through it.  For the lover of Canada's wild spaces.  $49.95

* Advent Sourcebook: Thoughtful texts including prose and poetry to help calm things down for the Advent season.  $24.50.

    * Between Two Worlds.  Daily Readings for Advent by Kate Moorehead.  An Episcopal priest and mom reflects on the ambiguity of living faithfully between "here and now" and "there and then".  $14.95.

    * Kneeling in Bethlehem by Ann Weems.  A favourite collection year in and year out.  $26.00.

    * Tracks in the Straw: Tales Spun From The Manger by Ted Loder.  New revised edition.  Creative Advent and Christmas stories by the author of Guerillas of Grace.  $17.50.

    * Living the Days of Advent and the Christmas Season 2004.  The annual page a day for reflection and prayer.  $5.95.

    * Advent Light by Stephen Binz.  A bible study for individuals or groups.  An ideal format for groups covering 6 weeks or individuals for every day.* New $19.95.

    * Advent Readings from Iona $23.95 (subject to availabiity).

CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS BOOKS

    * Who Was Born This Special Day? A beautiful and soothing picture book for little ones.  $10.50.

    * The Nativity by Jane Ray.  A great buy on this classic retelling of the story with a fold out Nativity scene.   $12.95.

    * One Night in a Stable by Guido Visconti tells a tale of hospitality and friendship. $24.95.

    * Home for Christmas by Sally Grindley.  Themes of home and belonging through the experience of a child who witnesses the nativity.  New this year and my personal choice for best of the new Christmas books.  $22.95.

 * The First Christmas by Carol Heyer.  Available again in bright red hardcover.  $21.95.

What Child Is This:  A Seek and Find Book for Advent.  $2.25.  A colourful booklet for children ages 4-10.

Christmas in Canada:  A Celebration of Stories from Past to Present by Rick Book.  A  new collection for all ages which reveals something of the Canadian spirit.  $24.95.

An Orange from Portugal.  Christmas Stories from the Maritimes and Newfoundland by Anne Simpson.  A new anthology of stories for older teens and adults.  $19.95.

The Road to Bethlehem by Brian Wildsmith.  New in paperback this season, this is a delightful story about animal adventures "on the road to Bethlehem" to meet Mary.  Wildsmith's illustrations are typically wonderful.  $13.95.

Nativity by Jane Ray.  $12.95 .  This is a super buy on a special book.

<>Adam and Eve's First Sunset.  God's New Day by Sandy Eisenberg Sasso.  A new book by one of the premier authors of non sectarian religious books for children  - with strong appeal for adults too.  This story recasts the biblical tale of Adam and Eve in the garden for today's sensibilities.  It's a story about trust and  gratitude and becoming people of blessing.  $27.95.

The Christmas Story Book and Mobile.  A simple, cheerfully illustrated telling of the story for young ones.  Added appeal are the four mobiles with scenes from the Nativity.  $14.95.

Silent Night illustrated  by Susan Jeffers.  This year's collectible - stunning illustrations which interpret the Nativity through the favourite carol.  $25.50.

Baby Jesus is Born.  A touch and feel book for little ones.$14.95.

Life the Flap Nativity.  A way to involve young children in the story.  $14.95.

My First Christmas Touch and Feel.  A more secular book for young children with colour and lots of touchy -feely.  $14.99.

<>A Christmas Story by Brian Wildsmith.  A favourite book year after year with Wildsmith's signature vibrant illustrations.  $13.95.

    * The Nativity.  Illustrated by Julie Vivas.  The ever popular whimsical presentation of the Nativity story for all ages. Paperback $8.95
    * Listen, Said the Donkey: Tales of the First Christmas by Jean Little.   A donkey, a lamb, a camel, a dog, and a Pesian cat each tell the tale of being at the birth of the Christ child.  By one of Canada's most cherished and celebrated  children's authors.  $19.99.  Ages 2-8.
    * The Very First Christmas.  Illustrated by Elena Temporin.  A beautifully illustrated simple retelling of the story for younger children. $11.95
    * A Season For Miracles:  Twelve Tales of Christmas.  Twelve of Canada's top writers for young readers tell seasonal tales from Canada's storied past. Ages 8-12. $14.99

 Child of Light:  Walking Through Advent by Beth Richardson.  This year, be joyfully carried through the pre- and post-Christmas pandemonium as a child of the light! Set aside 10 minutes per day during Advent with Child of the Light to find your quiet center amid the stresses, to lift your spirits, and to rediscover the purpose of the season.$15.95.

  * A SONG TO SING, A LIFE TO LIVE: Reflections on Music as Spiritual Practice by Don Saliers and Emily Saliers.  Saliers, a church musician and professor of theology and worship teams up with daughter Emily of the Indigo Girls, to write a personal book about the healing power of music as it "encodes life, most especially shared life." Although Emily's music is labelled "Saturday night" and Don's "Sunday morning," they want readers to have "crossover experiences" in which we find the sacred in all authentic and truth-revealing music, regardless of genre. $31.99

    * In Silence:  Why We Pray by Donald Spoto.  "Faith is the soul's true country, and prayer is its native language" writes Spoto. He regards prayer as an expression of an individual's inner life: asking, needing, desiring, suffering, abandonment, serenity, loving.  Spoto is the author of The Hidden Jesus and Reluctant Saint.  $36.00

Hope in the Wilderness, by David Winter.  Bible readings from Advent to Epiphany.  Paperback $16.95.  Reflections on the Exodus.  Includes group discussion questions.

Advent and Christmas with Thomas Merton. Paperback $15.95 Readings selected from various writings by Merton.

The Truth About Stories: A Native Narrative by Thomas King. CBC Massey lecture.  $18.95.

CHRISTMAS CD's

    * Yuletide Fires.  Chor Leoni.  $19.95.  Award winning album from the popular Vancouver choir.

    * Pastorales de Noel. Vancouver harpist Rita Constanzi.  $9.95.

    * Huron Carol.  Phoenix Chamber Choir.  $19.95.

    * Cambridge Singers Christmas Album.  Directed byJohn Rutter.  Budget priced $15.95.

    * Wolcum Yule:  Celtic and British Songs and Carols by Anonymous 4.  $24.95 (DSD-for those who know what that means!).

    * Budget pricede CDs:  20 Peaceful Christmas Favourites/20 Celtic Christmas Favourites/20 Classical Christmas Favourites.  Only $6.99 each.

    * Tapestry of Carols:  Maddy Prior with The Carnival Band.  $19.95.

    * Christmas Music.  Emma Kirkby.

    * Sometimes Christmas.  Linnea Good. $18.00.

Christmas Carols by the King's College Choir.  ONLY $6.99.

The John Rutter Christmas Album.  The Cambridge Singers directed by Rutter. 2 CD set ONLY $15.95.

Pastorales de Noel by harpist Rita Costanzi.  ONLY $9.99.

Child of Grace by Elektra Women's Choir of Vancouver.  A new collection of mostly Canadian carols and songs.  $19.95.

Yuletide Fires by Chor Leoni.  Also directed by Vancouver's Diane Loomer this collection is mostly quiet and is meant to bring calm to your Christmas season.  $19.95.

Christmas Innocence by Peter Groenhof.  A collection of traditional carols on classical quitar by this year's Vine & Fig Open House musician!    Popular CD every year at a reasonable $17.99.

Night of Silence by Marty Haugen.  Advent and Christmas music. $25.50.

Book Page
Spiritual Resources
Home Page