We've been using a couple of devotional books by Ann Hibbard for three years now. Not my bloggy friend Ann Hibbard, a different one! I think I've mentioned the Christmas book before. She's written others (Easter, etc.) but I just have these two.
IMHO... we like these. They're not deep, theological study, but a brief look into the lives of saints, martyrs, church fathers, and missionaries who have gone before us. We'll spend ten to twenty minutes reading through the lesson, talking about the questions, and looking up the scriptures. There is a small craft you can include and a hymn to sing, as well. (We always sing the Christmas carols, but aren't familiar with all the hymns in this book, so often we just read the words.)
Each book includes two years' worth of devotions related to each holiday - in this case, for the ten days leading up to Reformation/All Saints' Day and Thanksgiving Day. We start a little earlier, since we do them along with homeschool, and not on the weekends. Preschoolers will be interested - especially if you include the craft - but I'd say they're intended for elementary and middle school age kids, with some extra questions to extend the lesson to adults and older kids. We're on our third year, and after twice through we'll definitely move on to something else, but a bit of repetition is a good thing :D
The Reformation/All Saints' Day devotions focus on church fathers and martyrs (first year) and great missionaries (second year), while the Thanksgiving devotions look at Elijah and Elisha (first year) and our spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus (second year). So this year we'll read about Polycarp, Perpetua, Athanasius, Ambrose, John Chrysostom, Augustine of Hippo, Martin Luther, John Calvin, John and Charles Wesley, and John Knox.
She also includes ideas for an All Saints' Day party (alternative to Halloween) and family worship to include in your Thanksgiving celebration.
Again, not a deep, theological study, right? But a good resource of ideas to turn our thoughts toward God, and to be encouraged by the lives and examples of those who have gone before us. And very inexpensive on Amazon :D
3 comments:
We have the Easter book and have enjoyed using it for years. I think our friend Ann Hibbard could have written it, she's a great writer!
Sounds great! I think I will see about getting her Advent one! Thank you for sharing!
Blessings!
Deborah
FWIW, I like the Christmas one best.. but that may be just all wrapped up with how much I love Christmas :D
Julie
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