Alex Gondola says that in our modern culture we sometimes "experience Christmas at its worst: overcommercialized, expensive, exhausting, nearly devoid of spiritual significance." In this collection of twenty cogent and inspiring sermons for Advent and Christmas, he reminds us of the key to putting the season in its proper perspective -- "Don't forget the child " For it is only when we are drawn nearer to the child of Bethlehem, celebrating the simple beauties of the stable, that we can escape from the rush of the season into the divine light of saving grace heralded by the birth of God's Son. This volume is an exceptional source of inspiration for sermon preparation, but it's also excellent for personal devotions exploring the meaning of Advent and Christmas. It's a great Christmas gift
"Alex Gondola has given us a lovely round of Advent and Christmas meditations. They are reflective and delightful. They shine with little gems of human interest stories that can light our path throughout the whole year."
Catherine Clark Kroeger
Editor, "Study Bible for Women" (The New Testament)
"This outstanding collection of Advent/Christmas sermons brings rich insights and new appreciation for the wondrous story of Christ's coming. Whether you are in a pew or in a pulpit on Sundays, you will be grateful for this book."
Dr. William P. Baker
Senior Pastor Emeritus, First Presbyterian Church
Allentown, Pennsylvania
Author of "Everyone in the Bible," "Who's Who in Church History," "A Savior for All Seasons"
"Alex Gondola, a master preacher, in this collection of sermons, with wonderful illustrations, can assist the working preacher expand her or his creative imagination for Advent and Christmas preaching."
Dr. Benjamin Griffin
President and Professor of Liturgics
Andover Newton Theological School
Alex A. Gondola Jr. is senior pastor of Dennis Union Church (United Church of Christ) in Dennis, Massachusetts (located on Cape Cod). He has also served congregations in Springfield, Massachusetts; Rome, New York; and Utica, New York. Gondola is a graduate of Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania (B.A.), Andover Newton Theological School (M.Div.), and Colgate Rochester Divinity School in Rochester, New York (D.Min.), and has also studied at the New College of Divinity of the University of Edinburgh (Scotland). He is the author of "Come As You Are" (CSS), and contributed several stewardship sermons to the CSS anthology" From Every Angle."