This beautiful and thoughtful companion to the season of Advent and Christmas encourages readers to explore the true meaning of the festive season through a combination of reflections, quotations and classic images. The chapters focus on objects and activities we all associate with Christmas - such as making lists, decorations, gifts, Christmas trees, music, food and family - as well as special days such as Christmas Eve and Epiphany. In each section, the author brings together personal experience, Christmas traditions, spiritual reflection and quotations from scripture and other writings through the ages. The result is an imaginative and stimulating exploration of the riches of this season - illustrated throughout with colour reproductions of classic Christmas-themed paintings.

Christmas shines with many facets. There are quiet moments, celebratory moments, moments of extraordinary happiness, festive merriment, and simple joy. There is preparation and planning, surprises to keep, and wishes to make true. And there are memories to be made that will shine and bring joy for years to come. At a time when there is so much to do and so much to celebrate, take time to savor the season and connect with all the things that make it so bright. This book is filled with thoughts to keep you close to the heart of the season. Read one reflection each day from December 1st to Christmas Day, like an advent calendar or choose the reflection that's right for the moment. Read one before a meal, when you wake, over tea, or at the end of a busy day. You'll find your own way to connect with these thoughts and to kindle a renewed appreciation for everything that Christmas means to you.

Benedictions - spoken blessings at the end of church services and gatherings - can be nuggets of gospel gold to cherish to as we part from each other for another week. Here Derek W. H. Thomas has selected benedictions spoken by his colleague and friend, Dale Ralph Davis, to encourage and inspire the reader. Best known for his Old Testament expositions, Davis knows the value of remembering and clinging to God's promises.

Dale Ralph Davis retired from his post as Minister in Residence at First Presbyterian Church in Columbia, South Carolina in Spring 2018, and was presented with this book to mark the occasion. Before coming to First Presbyterian Church he and his wife Barbara lived in Mississippi, Ralph having previously been pastor of Woodland Presbyterian Church, Hattiesburg, Mississippi and Professor of Old Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, Mississippi, as well as writing a number of popular books.

'Benedictions are gospel words. They remind us at the end of the service that we receive the blessings of God's covenant because Christ received its curses. After every service of worship, we conclude with a reminder that, as Christians, we live under the shade of the Almighty, taking refuge beneath His wings because, wonder of wonders, we are free from the condemnation of sin.' - Derek W. H. Thomas

'But as the final hymn comes to an end, there is one last word of gospel grace as he pronounces the benediction Ralph Davis is as much preaching God's word to you now as he was in the sermon. He is not only praying for you; he is announcing to you all that is yours by faith in Christ. What a way to end the Lord's Day and to begin the week.' - Sinclair B. Ferguson

This beautiful volume shows how the women of the Bible have been variously portrayed in art and literature throughout the centuries. Besides the biblical texts themselves, exquisite art reproductions and first-rate historical commentary provide a sweeping survey of how biblical heroines have been depicted by artists and writers from the ancient, medieval, and modern periods. This splendid, large-format book is an artistic and literary treasure.