Usually when we think of the Advent story, Mary, Joseph, and the angel Gabriel come to mind. Okoro approaches Advent a little differently, inviting us to sit for a while with Zechariah and Elizabeth and the story of how they came to bear their only son, John. "The Advent story we so often associate with the joy of Christmas actually begins with deep sorrow and longing. But thankfully, in the kingdom of God, there is always more to the story than meets the eye," Enuma Okoro writes. Zechariah ...

Do you dread growing old? The Last Third of life, from age 60 on up, doesn't have to be feared. When viewed from a Christian perspective, this season of life can be meaningful, endurable, and even joyful, say authors Jane Thibault and Richard Morgan. Thibault and Morgan suggest approaching the Last Third as a pilgrimage—a journey full of purpose, ripe with opportunities for spiritual growth. The authors, ages 65 and 82, dig deeply into the realities of their lives and give you 7 ways to open ...

Soon after the angel Gabriel announced to Mary the astonishing news that she would bear the long-awaited Messiah, Mary went to visit her cousin Elizabeth, who was also expecting a child. As Mary greeted Elizabeth, the child in Elizabeth's womb (John the Baptist) leaped inside her. Elizabeth exclaimed to Mary, "God has blessed you among all women. Why do I have this honor, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" Mary responded by singing a song of praise to God, commonly known as the Ma...

What kind of fruit are you bearing for Christ? The apostle Paul uses the term "fruit of the Spirit" to describe traits of the Holy Spirit that should be evident in every Christian. The fruit we bear indicates how much we resemble Jesus, our model and mentor. The fruit of the Spirit, listed in Galatians 5:22-23, include: love joy peace patience kindness goodness gentleness self-control The fruit of the Spirit should characterize each Emmaus or Chrysalis team, Board of Directors or standing...

"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,the courage to change the things I can,and the wisdom to know the difference." Countless people around the world have prayed this prayer, and it has helped them find peace in the midst of their harried lives. Did you know that the above words are just the beginning of a longer prayer? In this book, beloved pastor and teacher Trevor Hudson explores the entire Serenity Prayer, giving insights into each phrase and making the prayer...

My Story, My Song is the heartwarming memoir of the late 88-year-old Lucimarian Tolliver Roberts, mother of Good Morning America coanchor Robin Roberts. It details pivotal moments in Mrs. Roberts' life, revealing how faith in God gave her strength and hope to face the challenges of life. Good Morning America viewers came to know and love Lucimarian Tolliver Roberts. For many, the heartfelt connection began the day after Hurricane Katrina blew through the Gulf Coast. They eagerly watched as R...