CHRISTIAN GIFTS FOR CHRISTMAS

With the recent ballyhoo about taking Christ out of Christmas, what better way for Christians to hold their ground than to give a Christian gift? Here are 10 items that are turning heads at local Christian bookstores and other retailers. From devotionals to autobiographies to angel statues to Bible games, we've got you covered for the holiday - oops! - the Christmas season.

WILLOW TREE RELIGIOUS FIGURINES

Artist Susan Lordi makes figurines, angels, ornaments and Nativity scenes from various materials in an effort to convey spiritual aspiration and emotions such as empathy, love and sorrow. Lordi's work has an artistic quality not always found in religious-themed figurines and dioramas. Price:. Items range from $10 to $70. Where available:. Family Christian Stores and Mardel Christian & Education Supply, 5964 Barnes Road.

ST. JOSEPH RATTLE BOARD BOOKS
(Catholic Book Publishing Corp.) This book series helps Catholic parents get their kids involved in the faith in an early and fun way. The four titles - "Let's Go to Mass," "Thank You Prayers," "Saints Teach Us," and "Angels Surround Us"- use simple language and vivid color illustrations to impart their message, and they come with a built-in rattle to boot! Price:. $4.95 Where available:. The Fountain, 123 E. Boulder St., and other Catholic bookstores.

"THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA:. PRINCE CASPIAN" DVD
What a great way to occupy the children during the holidays, while also conveying to them a wholesome message of good triumphing over evil. Many reviewers have said that "Prince Caspian" is better than the first "Chronicles" installment. Price:. $29.99 Where available:. Most retailers.

THE BIBLEMAN ADVENTURE BOARD GAME
Setting out to defeat villains who have kidnapped children, players use biblical virtues such as faith, love, patience and forgiveness. The BibleMan is actually two games: One is recommended for ages 3 to 6; the other is more advanced and recommended for ages 7 and up. BibleMan is loosely based on the adventures of Batman, most notably in that both wear form-fitting black costumes and have a cave as their superhero lair. Price:. $24.99 Where to buy:. Various retailers, including Family Christian Stores, 687 N. Academy Blvd. and 7560 N. Academy Blvd.

"HOW WOMEN HELP MEN FIND GOD"
By David Murrow OK, all you Christian women, don't deny it. You have men in your lives - perhaps a husband, a boss, a friend - who don't go to church or read the Bible, even though they profess to be Christians. Murrow's book talks about how women can talk to these men about going deeper into their faith, without resorting to manipulation or heavyhanded evangelism. Price:. $14.99 Where available:. Most bookstores

"STILL GROWING: AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY"
By Kirk Cameron In the 1980s, Kirk Cameron was a teenage heartthrob as a star of the TV sitcom "Growing Pains." As an adult he found Christ and has appeared in the "Left Behind" films and "Fireproof." In "Still Growing," Cameron writes about how becoming a Christian gave him a new perspective. "Faith allows me to see Hollywood in its true state, with all the jewels pulled off," Cameron writes. Price:. $22.99 Where available:. Most bookstores

"CHURCH FATHERS:. FROM CLEMENT OF ROME TO AUGUSTINE"
By Pope Benedict XVI Many Christians aspire to understand what their faith was like in the first centuries. In a series of lectures given over the past couple of years and now printed in this book, Pope Benedict XVI offers the essence of how the church fathers thought. Those covered include Origen of Alexandria, St. Basil, St. Gregory of Nyssa and St. Jerome. Price:. $14.95 Where available:. The Fountain, 123 E. Boulder St., and many other bookstores

"HEAVEN"
By Randy Alcorn Often heaven is described in intangible ways that make it seem like a place of disembodied spirits with no relationship to life on Earth. Alcorn, founder of Eternal Perspective Ministries, says that's not so. He writes that in heaven people have jobs, families and hobbies; the difference is that everyone lives deeply in the presence of God. He takes biblical passages about heaven literally. Price:. $24.99 Where available:. Most bookstores

"THE ONE YEAR WALK WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL"
By Chris Tiegreen It's easy for people to forget about God in their busy lives. This devotional helps believers live in God's presence daily by offering a Bible lesson 365 days a year. Price:. $24.99 Where available:. Most bookstores

THE GIFTS
The following merchants provided the items pictured: Mardel, Family Christian Stores and The Fountain.