Meditation Books

I received this book last Christmas and found it to be a treasure.

I bought this book on sale for several people, and I didn't know exactly what to expect. When I received it, I started reading and couldn't stop. I got to the point of tears (good ones) several times! So I am keeping one for myself and ordering an extra. This is just a wonderful book about the true meaning of Christmas - the salvation, power, and love of God for mankind. Each short story or reflection is true as well as touching, and the illustrations are warm and inviting. I am giving this book as a gift to several friends who have been Christians for a long time, and also to a friend who is a new Christian. It will be meaningful for all of them, so it really is a great gift. I look forward to pulling this book out each Christmas and enjoying the stories over and over again.

This is a gift worth giving. It gives your spirit a well deserved uplifting, and those to whom you give it, will rejoice with you.

Not a "New Age" perspective at all, Max Lucado and Chuck Colson have done an exciting job of collecting writings on the western world's biggest holiday. From a Christian, Evangelical, Biblical viewpoint you will have the information needed to get away from the commercialism and back to what was intended when the angels told the shepherds outside Bethlehem "Peace on earth, good will to men."

This book is so wonderful that I have given it as a gift to several friends who also treasure it. The writings are the very best of Swindoll, Lucado and Colson and should be read many times.

This book has truly touched my heart. I open it every morning when I wake up for inspiration and before I go to bed to help me reconnect with my creator. Thank you Susie Levan for bringing these spiritual truths to the world! God bless you.

This book is a guidebook about being spirtual. Each channeled message is a lesson in few but powerful words. A must-read for metaphysicians.

Can you imagine what it is like to be abducted at gunpoint...stuffed in an automobile trunk with your six-year old daughter by thugs intent on using you to rob a bank? Being kept there for six hours? Can anything good come from such a horrific experience? In her new and wonderful book, Susie Levan shares the revelation and transformation she's experienced from this near-death experience. This book shows how Ms. Levan found God and how to look to the light, forgive and love unconditionally. GOD HAS YOUR BEST INTEREST AT THIS TIME is filled with the wisdom learned, wisdom of enablement that caused her to look inward and find direction in her life's journey.

Among the many insights in this delightful book of discovey, we learn "Invite God into your life every day and you will never be disappointed. God has great plans for you, keep a daily connection with him. God is with you always...All Ways. Find the time to every day connect with God."

GOD HAS YOU! R BEST INTEREST AT THIS TIME is a glorious book of hope and direction. It is available with a fine companion audio tape "Meditations For A Peaceful Heart." Susie Levan has provided us with a floodlight that illuminates the path to faith, love and light. And that is the road to heaven on Earth!

Susie Levan believes a miracle not only saved her life, but also gave her a special psychic gift, and a revelation of a new purpose in life. Formerly a successful businesswoman, Susie has now dedicated her life to working for God and helping others discover the world of the unseen. The author observes that the higher consciousness achieved during meditation will provide connection with individuals who are doing the work. The book highlights the proposition that God has every individual in his heart and those who connect with God through meditation will be given direct messages about earth changes. Here is book that combines spiritual values with homilies to guide troubled minds toward the realization that God keeps his word, giving inspiring direction to meditators searching for physical and mental renewal. GOD HAS YOUR BEST INTEREST AT THIS TIME is an amazing work of discovery.

It's not often that one gets to know an author first-hand. Usually we see them briefly at book-signings or catch a glimpse of them on a TV talk show. But rarely do we ever get to interact with them on a personal level and see them outside of their PR-mode.

I consider myself lucky in this respect because I have not only met but also spent time with Susie Levan, a truly remarkable woman with a truly remarkable story to tell. I, myself, am a writer of sorts and work for a daily newspaper. So, when I first heard Susie's tale of being kidnapped for ransom and left to die, naturally, I verified the facts.

While her book, "God Has Your Best Interest at this Time," only briefly touches on the catalyst for Susie's transformation, it is never far from conscious thought when the book is in hand. Her profound experience clearly demonstrates that even in our darkest, most terrifying moments, we still have a choice. Susie chose to see with angelic perception and now shares many universal truths and intuitive messages about individual lives, relationships and the future of Earth with all who will listen.

In metaphysical circles, it is commonly accepted that if prayer is "talking to God," then meditation is "listening to God." Susie explained to me how she received the messages included in this book through her meditative work with a pendulum. One by one, it began to spell out, letter by letter, complete sentences, phrases and complex ideas that were obviously not coming from Susie's psyche but from Spirit. Later, as she progressed in her daily meditations, deepening and strengthening her energy level, the messages began to come through via "automatic writing."

To someone familiar with the works of Ruth Montgomery or Edgar Cayce, the manner in which Susie received the material for her book is not unusual. To a novice, however, or even a sympathetic skeptic, it might sound a little too far-fetched. It is to those "skeptics" in the reading audience to whom I address this review of Susie's book. My advice is this: First -- You don't need to accept or believe in anything paranormal to appreciate the information contained within.

Secondly, this is not a novel or dramatic work of non-fiction. It is really a tool that is meant to be more of a daily oracle than a work that you sit down and read from cover to cover. I keep my copy on the nightstand beside my bed. When I awake in the morning, I reach over and bring the book close to my heart before opening it. I take a deep breath and ask for guidance, which can be from the Holy Spirit, Ala, Buddha, Mohammed, your Guardian Angel or whomever it is you call upon.

After "energizing" the book for a brief moment and quieting my mind, I open it randomly to the page I know will have special meaning for me on that particular day. It becomes a daily reminder of my connection to God, an affirmation that many people other than Susie have been given the same messages and that perhaps it's time we started paying more attention to them.

As I watch the evening news, I recall some of the numerous references the book makes to the coming "Earth Changes." And I realize that whether we categorize those who deliver such messages as soothsayer, prophet or just an "extraordinary woman," the result is still the same: God is asking us to listen to Him for a change! -- MLP

This book brings a refreshing view to not only the 23rd Psalm, but life in general. It is one of the best spiritual books I have ever read with a keen sense of informing the reader of how the Christian journey evolves through a lifetime. Mr. Lively does an excellent job of equating personal experiences with the meaning of the 23rd Psalm, and how most of us get it wrong initially but need the shepherd to continually guide us. I highly recommend reading this book.

Robert Lively brings the 23rd Psalm to life with stunning clarity, fresh ideas, and a common-sense approach for everyone to enjoy. He reveals some of his own encounters with God, family, friends, and even those who seem to bring him torment and turmoil. This is a book you buy to enjoy, and you KEEP - to enjoy again, and again. Buy this book!

With candor, Bob Lively writes as a gifted pastoral counselor. He weaves the best of theology, psychology and recovery from a pastor's heart. Dr. Lively's life and gift of writing bring hope along with God's 'goodness and mercy.'

To read Bob Lively's books to to hear him as he writes as he talks. Although this Psalm has always been a favorite of mine I never studied its meaning, I just merely enjoyed it. This book taught me more about this Psalm than the many sermons I have heard about it. His stories wrapped around this Psalm is worth the money and the time to read it.

I had the priviledge of reading this book before it was published nationally. Before reading it, Psalm 23 was a very familiar verse but had no real meaning for me - more like a comforting Christmas carol than anything applicable to daily life. After reading this book, I developed a whole new dimension in my faith and understanding of God's love for us. Bob Lively takes Psalm 23 line by line and relates it to his own profound experience of discovery. With his humble style and genuine story, he makes Psalm 23 tangible and meaningful. What once was a mysterious prayer is now something personal which guides and strengthens me daily. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the concept of grace and experiencing the profound realization that they are loved unconditionally.

The secret to a successful Christian life is spelled out very clearly and practically in this book. A life of meditation on God's word and obedience to the revealed message, gives us God's guarantee of success. I enjoyed the book tremendously. I am looking for more copies to pass around to all the people in my life that I would like to see living successfully for Christ.

The key sentence in the book is "meditation is the closest we can come today to a face to face encounter with the risen Lord Jesus". If you desire this type of a relationship then this book is for you!

Doug McIntosh has written a book that every Christian, who wants to grow closer to the God he serves, should read. Biblical meditation is the subject, and Doug's practical advice on how to focus in on God's revelation through the Holy Scriptures is deep, but extremely easy to read.

The book essentially covers a technique for truly understanding God and the Bible. This is NOT New Age Yoga!. Dr. McIntosh explains the Biblical principles of meditation -- and its importance for those who wish to read the Bible, study the Bible, and then really, really go deep into the Word of God. Dr. McIntosh's perspective is that of a conservative, evangelical Christian teacher. The book is organized into a series of lessons and applications.

This book is one of those rare books which deals with meditation on God's Word in a Biblical mannner. In this age of self promoters, many pseudo-Christian teachers use human reason, pump-ups, charisma and empty words to promote themselves. The author instead focuses on the teaching of God's Word about this critical topic--meditation on the living Word in a thorough, fair manner. This is a true gem--a classic. Buy it now! I guarantee it will change your life.

My husband and I are reading through these Advent meditations and they are rich and beautiful. Of course we're only half way through, so I can't review for the entire book, but we've shared excerpts with friends and family, and very much enjoyed these readings.

This book guides readers through the four weeks of advent with short devotionals and prayers that lead one into new and wonderful contemplations of the Incarnation. It also includes histories of feast days and every other page is illustrated with a breathtaking sacred masterpiece. I would highly recommend it as a rich pre-Christmas gift for any deep-thinking, art-loving individual.

One quote in particular by Neuhaus struck me with awe:

"God who is the fullness of Being infiltrated our world of beings in order that we might fully be. Christmas is about incarnation, and incarnation is God's becoming what he is not, in order that we might become what he is."

I was looking for a way to focus my attention during Advent this year and heard about this book from the journal Image. As promised, the book has beautiful reproductions of art to go with each daily reading during Advent. There are also scripture passages each day and a short reflection written by one of the six contributors. Information and reflections on feast days are included, and I really like the fact that the book continues until Epiphany. I've been able to keep up so far and have been challenged and encouraged by the readings to remember Jesus in the midst of what can be a very distracting time of year. This book will make a great gift for my friends and family for next year's Advent season.

I discovered this book while doing some last minute shopping on Christmas Eve day. I was experiencing that familiar feeling of "missing" Christmas again this year. I found it again in this book. It has inspired me to celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas for the first time. The readings are timely, thought provoking, prayer inspiring, and quite simply BEAUTIFUL! I'm already looking for copies to give as gifts for next year. I hope the authors are planning on a similiar collection for Lent and Easter. I would order it sight unseen.

Every Christmas my wife and I think, "O my, we've done it again - Christmas is here and we've allowed the busy-ness of the season to keep us from preparing our hearts and our home for the coming of the Christ child." We started using this book at the recommendation of a friend and whole-heartedly recommend it to you. We are being prepared this Advent and this book has much to do with it. The paintings, Scripture verses, discussions and prayers have been a great help to us and those in our small group as well.

Typical Pema Chodron. I have learned so much from this woman and her beautiful soul. She makes difficult subjects so very palatible. I could learn anything from her. When really stressed out, hearing her voice on any of her cds just brings me right back to center and allows me to focus and learn and "stay in the moment". A truly talented voice for the Buddhist way of life. Finding her was a turning point in my spiritual journey.

I first was introduced to Pema Chodron through the audio program "Awakening Compassion" - another great work. I then picked up a few books and "Good Medicine". The audio adds a fuller dimension to the message. You get a sense for how sincere and down to earth she is and this lends validity to the practice that you don't /can't pick up on from the books alone. This audio program is highly recommended! In contrast to "Awakining Compassion", I think the quality of the recording is much better - although the message and entertainment are excellent in both.

Pema Chödrön believes we learn true compassion when we open our hearts and minds to a relationship with our own pain. This opens a doorway for compassion to be shown to others and can foster conflict resolution in situations that seemed impossible before learning "Tonglen."

"Difficulty as a way to achieve enlightenment" sounds quite correct and pain in life is almost inescapable. There are ways to lessen the pain of life when learning lessons and the faster we learn, the less emotional pain we may experience.

What is it that people truly learn from meditation? In this CD set we learn to make friends with ourselves, in order to learn true happiness. As we realize transitory elements of life do not bring long-term satisfaction, we enter a place where we transmute pain into love. Many artists find this healing and you can also learn to take negative experiences and mold them into a spiritually healing experience. It depends on how you look at your life in general.

The CD Set includes discussions about breathing techniques, meditation, tonglen practice, compassion, open-heartedness and the practice of mindfulness. An interesting discussion on "maitri" as the root of happiness is enlightening. The second CD guides you through a tonglen session and explores true stories of how tonglen helped people in everyday life.

Pema Chödrön shows you how to use your experiences to learn compassion towards others. She has a delicate and humorous repoire with her audience, making this CD set very enjoyable to listen to as she teaches you principles for enhancing your life with Tonglen Meditation.

~The Rebecca Review

This two cassette tape series of the Tibetan Buddhist teaching of Tonglen is a wonderful companion to the various other tapes and books by Ane Pema Chodron. Her delightful manner creates a welcomed ease for the student when listening to and working with the depth of her teachings and the honored Tibetan lineage she so effortlessly expesses. Having a "beginner's mind," I have enjoyed using these particular tapes to begin my own Tonglen practice as part of my daily commute into San Francisco by bus. All of Pema Chodron's tapes are great personal journeys,each the gift of an individual and self-paced retreat. This series is similar to her Noble Heart series in terms of pacing and format, but gently focusses on the singular practice of Tonglen. This practice has changed me in ways I am only beginning to understand. Until I can run away to Gampo Abbey to study, I will ride my bus in the early morning and breathe in and out.

This is an excellent book that talks above all about unconditional friendship towards one's self as the basis of compassion for authors. In a Christian context, this comes across in the words of Jesus, "love you neighbor AS yourself." What this offers beyond this fine piece of advice are the techniques to get you there.

While this book is presented in a Buddhist context, it could be used by anyone whether you are a Buddhist or not. The information is universal and the down-to-earth style of Pema Chodron is easily understandable. She has an excellent sense of humor and positions ideas in a way that is easily digestible for a Westerner.

Technically, Pema Chodron is a Tibetan Buddhist nun, but this recording and many of her others have a very practical focus for the average person. It is difficult for me to believe that her tips, insights and these exercises won't be useful for anyone who wants a deeper connection to their heart.

The overall idea behind this audio is that growth lies in the direction of fully participating in each moment with as much awareness as possible. This means seeing pain or other difficult states as an invitation to what is called soul in the West. By "showing up" in each moment, we develop a deep compassion toward ourselves and a felt sense of our connection to others.

In a more technical sense, the focus of this audio is on Tonglen meditation and related practices. While it is presented in a Buddhist context, much of the esoteric or unusual cultural trappings have been removed from around the essentail points and teachings.

These practices really are effective and as someone who works with people struggling with all kinds of problems, I find that these are effective techniques. I also teach meditation and have reviewed many resources on these kinds of topics. In fact, you can see more on my profile.

While Tonglen in its most complex form is an advanced practice, this CD is a good start in that direction. I would suggest learning minfulness and metta meditation first, but you don't necessarily have to. This is also an encouraging CD for those in pain.

If you are specifically interested in Tibetan Buddhism and are just getting started, I would also recommend Fundamentals of Tibetan Buddhism and Buddhism: A Concise Introduction. These will provide just enough context to make this CD even more meaningful. The The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living and Destructive Emotions: A Scientific Dialogue with the Dalai Lama are also complimentary resources.

GRAVITY AND GRACE by Simone Weil. With an Introduction by Gustave Thibon. Translated from the French by Emma Craufurd. London: Routledge and Kegan Paul, 1972 (1952) ISBN 071002262X.

'Gravity and Grace' is a slim book of (in my edition) just 160 pages which holds within itself the quintessence of the greatest spiritual genius of the 20th century. The book is a compilation of brief extracts from Simone Weil's Notebooks and was assembled by Gustav Thibon, who has also added a valuable Introduction of 30 pages, the purpose of which is simply to provide readers with some necessary background, for, as he points out, "Simone Weil's writings belong to the category of very great work which can only be weakened and spoilt by a commentary."

M.Thibon has organized these sayings into 38 chapters - Detachment, The Self, Illusions, Idolatry, Love, Evil, Violence, Contradiction, Chance, Beauty, The Great Beast, etc. (The original French edition - LA PESANTEUR ET LA GRACE (Paris: Plon, 1947) - contained an additional chapter on Israel (pp.216-221) which the English publishers, for reasons best known to themselves, have silently omitted from the 1952 English edition. Whether it has since been restored I don't know).

I purchased my own copy of this book (bibliographical details of which are given above) over thirty years ago. Although many hundreds if not thousands of books have passed through my hands since then, it remains one of five or six books I would never ever consider parting with. Simone Weil's thoughts are so truthful and of such power that one never forgets them and her book becomes one that you find yourself returning to again and again. Here are a few of those thoughts selected at random:

"We cannot under any circumstances manufacture something which is better than ourselves" (p.41).

"The only organ of contact with existence is acceptance, love" (p.57).

"Imaginary evil is romantic and varied; real evil is gloomy, monotonous, barren, boring. Imaginary good is boring; real good is always new, marvellous, intoxicating" (p.62).

"Joy is the overflowing consciousness of reality" (p.73).

'Gravity and Grace' brings us the truth about the human condition, the truth about ourselves, and much of this truth is far from comforting. As M. Thibon points out, "It is not a question of philosophy here but of life," the life that all of us are at this moment living and that Simone Weil can help us more fully appreciate and understand. Her thoughts weave themselves into the fabric of one's mind and will leave any sensitive reader immeasurably enriched.

I admit that since I am a student of analytic philosophy the axiomatic format made it difficult to follow the author at times. It is just not the kind of writing to which I am accustom. If you like writtings which take a thoroughly explicit and systematic approach to religious questions this book is probably not for you. Still, I think it is impossible to read this book without being moved by the power the author's holiness. I found many of these sayings profoundly beautiful (I am especially enamored with the section on love) and some unsettling but always deeply moving. I believe this is one of those rare books which can change a person's life.

This young lady's writings and personal story blow away most other 20th Century thinkers. These are mainly short blasts. Provocative. Accessible. Yet push you further than you've likely been. Lots of ancient Christian desert hermit influence (St. Theresa, St. John of the Cross, Philokalia) on this revolutionary, radical mind. Timeless. Challenging. Simple. Confounds modernism.

This is a case of Dialectic Materialism approached through a Nietzsche perspective, a woman as an idealist scholar with an extraordinary Jewish background whose brother suffers the loss of his life at the hands of Nazis! Simone Petrement, Simone Weil's biographer and classmate [Ecole Normale et al], clearly presents the defeating struggles with which Ms. Weil must but stealthily reveal! To say she deplored her Jewish background would be to deny her devotion to her parents which could not completely be. Her struggle is not her with Jewism itself but with the affliction of her father, Dr. Bernard Weil (1872-1955) and her mother, the daughter of Mme. Reinherz. Try the perils of the afflicted Russian Jew who no longer finds palatable the mere potatoes which she herself chose. She subtly [quietly]pleaded for her parents' assistance and then rejected their offers through her inner anxiety, a struggle to preserve Humanity amongst those who spoke Omniscient Salvation in other languages but offered moral support to Russian Jews who didn't appreciate the blasphemy of stating "Jesus Christ" over and over again! Thus is the subtle and controversial attitude.

Simone Weil's writings were impenetrable for me in the fifties. Now I have most of her works and I am frequently amazed at how penetrating are her ideas and thoughts, and how contrary to most thinking today. That in itself recommends her. She understands people, life, and suffering, and sees its purpose. She sees through all falseness to the goodness. Simone Weil is the most honest person I know or have heard of. Yet while her classmate, Simone de Beauvoir is famous Simone Weil is relatively unknown. She loves Plato, Buddhism, Geometry, Jesus, working people, her homeland, France, but she rejected the Catholic Church, baptism, and Judaism (her background). She is a saint if there ever was one. I am profoundly grateful for having known something of her, her diamond mind, and her beautiful soul.

This book is well worth reading and studying for those with an interest in the Tibetan Buddhist perpective on Tantra and the higher tantra practices.

Geshe Kelsang Gyatso has written the first complete explanation of the Highest Yoga Tantra practice of Vajrayogini, the female Buddha of wisdom. These precious instructions are the most profound teachings of Highest Yoga Tantra and are the supreme method for purifying our environment, body, and mind.

Geshe Kelsang gives detailed instructions on the eleven yogas of generation stage, which provide us with a special method for transforming all our daily activities into the spiritual path. In Guide to Dakini Land he also clearly explains the completion stage practices of Vajrayogini practice, which lead us to full enlightenment.

There is no other book out there that describes the visualizations, practices, and methods with such clarity and depth. This book contains everything a Vajrayogini practioner needs to embark upon and complete the path to enlightenment. I feel so fortunate to have this book as a resource. I recommend it to all Vajrayogini practitioners who have the wish to deepen their experience of generation stage and completion stage. Geshe Kelsang Gyatso also provides a wealth of information on how to do a qualified Tantric retreat and how to build a strong foundation based upon Buddha's Sutra teachings, so our minds are well-prepared for Tantric initiations and subsequent practice.

If you are a serious student of this teaching, you simply have to own this book. It has everything you need, including theory and details for the daily practices.

This is a must 'do' practice resource manual for followers of Vajrayogini. Clearly written but only fully received when one delves deeply into the practice ~ head readers only will soon tire of this book. Wonderfully detailed yogas of the 11 stages are broken into detailed Rituals that can be worked at one's own pace. Gyatso, no doubt, with this book has singlehandedly exploded out previously secret Tibetan esoteric knowledge in an accessible format for many grateful western readers.

This highly specialised book would be of no benefit to browsers merely curious about Tibetan Tantra. It is an invaluable source for one already initiated into the highest yoga tantra of Vajra Yogini, particularly any novice seeking an extra commentary. It is clearly written, incisive and extensive. It deals sequentially with the yogas, retreats and rites associated with the principal sadhana of Pabongka and has informative relevant information on ritual objects and gestures as well as clear line drawings of traditional figures.

Guided Meditations, Explorations and Healings by Stephen Levine is an extraordinary book. It has the power to help an individual to work with her or his feelings and comfort her or himself in a variety of situations. Written by a compassionate teacher, this is a book to keep and to share, to use and to recommend. It belongs in every spiritual library and spiritual or healing center. It does not proselytize or partake of any particular spiritual path. Anyone can use it and find comfort within it.

The meditations in this book are very helpful for healing from past traumas. By practicing these exercises, one can attain a greater degree of self-acceptance, forgiveness of those who have hurt us, awareness of the present moment, and love for all sentient beings.

We all need to envelop ourselves in the golden glow of love, to mother the parts of ourselves that have been grievously wounded in the past, and to let go of the pain. These meditations are designed to do that, to help us nurture ourselves and send positive energy back into the universe.

GUIDED MEDITATIONS is an excellent resource for anyone needing to contemplate and experience peace and healing. As a Spiritual Counselor for Hospice, I have used this book to help people who are dying find peace in the midst of one of life's most difficult circumstances. Each meditation is filled with words that guide one's soul through the mind and the emotions until one rests their awareness in the present moment. In the present moment, therein lies, infinity itself. -- Samuel Oliver, author of, WHAT THE DYING TEACH US: LESSONS ON LIVING.

This book is packed with guided meditations, to be read to oneself or others. I read them slowly, with beautiful music playing in the background during a 2 week getaway with friends. Reactions were extremely positive!

This man isn't just a guided imagery specialist, he's a poet and a philosopher king! He understands suffering and he provides the tools to help people get through it in a most beautiful way!!

Well researched and very interesting. Our family highly enjoyed these advent readings this season. Great selections from the Messiah combined with historical and Biblical insights. Great for any family.

We have used "Handel's Family Advent Reader" for a couple years in a row and it is just as wonderful every time we read (and listen to) it. Who can resist the music of Handel's Messiah? Even if my sons pretend they're singing in the opera (lip synching) as they listen to the selections, I know they are still enjoying it and appreciating it. The stories are all very unique and each has a special "Christmas gift" to give the reader. If you enjoy Advent devotions, you'll love this one! It's my favorite Advent devotion so far!

I bought two books, one for my mother as an early Christmas gift and the other to use as a Sunday School lesson helper. Many in my adult class are in the church choir and not only appreciate great music, but need to leave sessions early, or arrive late because of their choir commitment. The various stories, references to current living circumstances and history are great tools for keeping interest high within the class setting and throughout the Advent Season. I get the best of both worlds- the opportunity to read it over and over as I prepare lessons and the CD to listen to those wonderful tunes from the Messiah.

I bought two books, one for my mother as an early Christmas gift and the other to use as a Sunday School lesson helper. Many in my adult class are in the church choir and not only appreciate great music, but need to leave sessions early, or arrive late because of their choir committment. The various stories, references to current living circumstances and history are great tools for keeping interest high within the class setting and throughout the Advent Season. I get the best of both worlds- the opportunity to read it over and over as I prepare lessons and the CD to listen to those wonderful tunes from the Messiah.

If you have never bought a family devotional before, thinking your family would never sit still for it, you're in for a real surprise! This is one thing you will want to add to your family's list of "to do's" over this Christmas season. I have never read a devotional quite like this one. Based on the great Handel's Messiah, this beautiful book is full of stories you most likely will never find anywhere else. Chock full of surprising and very interesting but little known facts. For instance, why do people all stand up when the "haleluia chorus" is played? How about this story intitled "Daughter of Her Son". This is a beautifully written piece about Mary and her relationship with her Savior/Son. Children will love the stories entitled "The Flying Snakes", "The Reindeer People" and "No Christmas allowed". Each story has been carefully researched and well written with beautiful color artwork. There is a story for each day of advent. I guarantee your family will be eager to sit down each evening to hear what story will be read that evening. If you have never had family devotions before, this is a great way to introduce your family to a time of learning, reflection, and what Christmas is truly all about. This is the best book of the Christmas Season. I can't wait to go through it again this year with my loved ones.