Is Christ in Your Christmas?: A Letter from Our Publisher

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For many adults and children alike, Christmas truly is “the most wonderful time of the year.” Families come together, gifts are exchanged, and plenty of food is eaten. But with so much going on, we can find ourselves so wrapped up in the business and blur of the season that we miss what Christmas is all about. We become so enveloped in trying to find the perfect Christmas tree, sing the perfect Christmas songs, and find that perfect gift for loved ones that we forget that these minor things are not the true meaning of Christmas. It is so important for us to realize that we need to slow down and be reminded of our Savior’s birth and the story of the first Christmas.
 Author Karen Straszheim shares her experience and thoughts about Christmas in her book A Sanctuary in Our Midst. She walks readers through that first Christmas night, shares of the events leading up to it, and explores what it means to us today. She reminds us not to get caught up or strung out in the midst of the holiday madness and rush. Her book helps place the focus where it should be during the busy Christmas season: on Jesus.

“People in the Bible were glad for what they learned about God from prophecy. At Christmas, we also can be glad for what we learn about God from Scripture. One day, we will enter heaven with everlasting joy. For now, we can enter Christmas with singing, gladness, and joy. He came so we can know Him.”

“If God had not loved and protected Joseph, Mary, and Jesus, what would have been the outcome for them? In Matthew, it says that “Herod gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under.” There was heard among the people “weeping and great mourning . . . Parents weeping for their children . . . because they [were] no more” (Matt. 2:16,18). But Joseph and Mary returned to Israel with their child still living. God’s love was shown to them through the protection of their child’s life.

“Some people feel unloved or abandoned throughout the year and these feelings are noticed even more in the Christmas season. Our culture says this is a time to be with family. But for some, the people they’d like to be with are absent. A parent hasn’t been there for them as a child or an adult. For others, an important person has left, quit, walked out or died, leaving them feeling deserted, cast off, or rejected. A person who has been abandoned can feel lonely, forgotten, forlorn, or sometimes hopeless.
”God, however, says, ‘I will live among the [people] and won’t abandon my people’ (1 Kings 6:13). Jesus had a Father who loved Him and didn’t abandon Him to permanent death. We have the same Father who gives the same love and care to us He gave to His son Jesus (John 17:23, 26). We have hope in a love that is unfailing (Ps. 147:11). He shows us His love with the forgiveness He of­fers us. His compassions are new every morning (Lam. 3:22-23). He is merciful and faithful to us (Heb. 2:17). God is a parent who is there for His children. He listens to us attentively: ‘ . . . You will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart’ (Jer. 29:12-13).

“If you are feeling lonely or forgotten this Christmas, call on your heav­enly Father. A Sanctuary in Our MidstPray and let Him know how you are and what you need. He will be there for you.”
“God is both supremely above us and with us. Jesus, He who saves, is also Immanuel, God with us. He is a king who is a servant to His people (John 13:1-16). God gave me a banquet of knowledge about Himself and then proclaimed a holiday. He “distributed gifts with royal liberality,” which included the gift of rest (Esther 2:18). This idea changed my thinking about Christmas.

“Christmas, for me, now isn’t the usual, a time to be busy. It has become a time for understanding what rest is: rest from sin and rest from work; a time for having joy in who Jesus is and what He came to do. Ezekiel 37:28 says, “The nations will know that I the LORD make Israel holy when my sanctuary is among them forever.” As a sanctuary, God shelters His people. He watches over us and takes care of us. He is in our midst to help us in the ways we need. This Christmas, may you, too, find Him doing the unexpected in your life in ways that show you He is a sanctuary.”

To learn more about Straszheim and A Sanctuary in Our Midst, visit HERE.

Christmas Books for the Whole Family

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It’s December! The lights are up. The trees are decorated. Christmas music is playing. The cookies are baking.

What’s missing? A good book, or two, or a dozen!

If you’re still looking for Christmas books this year, we have you covered.

First, for the kiddos…

 

I Want A Water Buffalo For Christmas

 

 Judy DuCharme has done it again and written a clever classic for yet another age group to enjoy. I Want a Water Buffalo for Christmas tells the story of LaGory, a young water buffalo, who brings life to a family in dire need. Circumstances mysteriously fall into place to create the life-giving wonder of giving to those who have less. Children of all ages will learn the true meaning of Christmas in this fun, cleverly written book. An excellent read for families trying to teach the Reason for the Season this Christmas.

 

Oddball Ornaments: The Story of Christmas

 

Next up on the Christmas list is the oddly titled ( we jest!) Oddball Ornaments by Terry Overton tells the adorable story of the ornaments in the attic, excitedly waiting for their time to shine. Except, instead of being pulled down from the attic, the ornaments are replaced with new ornaments. Something isn’t right. Determined to get to the bottom of the matter and discover the true meaning of Christmas, the Nutcracker sets out on an epic quest to climb the Christmas tree and get to Angel. Maybe Angel will be able to proclaim what Christmas is all about – once and for all.

 

Baby Jesus Is Missing

For the older, middle-grade readers on your list, a Christmas detective story! Baby Jesus is Missing, and the small town of Reedy River seems to be having a crime streak. Will sisters, Catherine and Susanna Mae be able to find the baby Jesus figurines in time? Or will their detective case take them down a journey of loss and betrayal this Christmas season? Perfect for the readers who want just a bit more to their Christmas tales.

 

For teens and adults alike!

 

Life’s About Relationships: A Foundation for Good Relationships

Next, everyone knows that the holidays can make relationships difficult, but Dr. Don Woodward argues that, Life’s About Relationships in his new book titled just that. With an easy, conversational style,  Woodard examines the common struggles that relationships of all sorts face, and gives Biblical advice as to how to face them. Perfect for anyone dealing with conflict or new relationships this year!

 

A House Without Walls

For the discerning reader comes Dan Crabtree’s A House Without Walls, a Christian’s perspective on the ethnically divided church and how Christ unites us all. In a sea of conflicting attitudes and division, this book draws the Body of Christ together once more. A must-read for the Christian seeking Biblical systems during this season of upheaval.

And finally, what is Christmas without a miracle?

They Call Me “The Miracle”: The Carmen Rice Story

They Call Me The Miracle is the story of Carmen Rice and her decades-long battle with a brain tumor that should have claimed her life within six months. Instead, Carmen is here with us today, proclaiming her story, the truth of the Gospel, and the miracle that God gave in her. A must-read for those struggling with faith, discouragement, or hardship during this season.

 

We hope these books bring joy and delight to your family, and you draw you closer to Christ this Christmas season.

Merry Christmas from the team at Ambassador International!

 

Thanksgiving Books + Primary Sources for Kids + A Double Author Interview!

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Thanksgiving Books + Primary Sources + Children’s Author Extravaganza 

 

Thanksgiving books for your kids that teach YOU and belong on your bookshelf year ’round? We’ve got them!

Rebekka Parry

Ah, Thanksgiving! There’s nothing like it. But too often, the books we read our children aren’t crafted from the best primary sources, or hewn from the knowledge that we can’t truly know everything in history.

Enter our three favorite Thanksgiving books for kids!

 

The story of Sarah Josepha Hale

 

But wait, there’s more! We’ve added a Zoom interview with two of our Thanksgiving authors so that you can learn about the history of Thanksgiving with all the books and research right at your fingertips!

We know. We know. It’s too good to be true!

Click HERE to check out this incredible interview, gather fun anecdotes for Thanksgiving dinner, and maybe add a book or two to your holiday bookshelf!

 

Five Things: Ruth Ann Ellinger {Author Spotlight)

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Learn more about your favorite Ambassador authors with our “5 Things” series. Ruth Ann Ellinger is the author of the historical fiction novel, The Broken Spear: Reformation Rising, which was released on July 13th! Check out Ruth Ann’s five fast facts below…

1. Despite being legally blind, writing has been an integral part of my life.

2. My children live in the four corners of America: California, Idaho, Pennsylvania, and Florida.

3. My husband and I love restoring historic cottages.

4. I was raised on a farm in Ohio and the farm remains in the family. I can always go home.

5. I am a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and can even trace my ancestry to the 12th century!

 

You can find Ruth Ann on her website, Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, and Amazon! Order Ruth Ann’s newest novel, The Broken Spear: Reformation Rising, here!

So What’s the Big Deal with Halloween? A Collective Series

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Leaves are falling and chocolate peanut butter cups line the shelves. It must be October. This October, Ambassador International hosted a five-part series titled: So What’s the Big Deal with Halloween.

We’re going to include snippets of each post and a link to them for your reading leisure! Our goal is to provide resources for you so that you feel empowered to make the right decisions for your family. 

From Allen Steadham​If one is celebrating Halloween in any form, it is giving silent acceptance to all of Halloween, including the harmful and evil representations. Presently, many people do not believe in spirits — or anything they can’t identify with their five senses.

Read the rest of Allen’s article HERE!

 

From Malinda FugateAll holidays are an opportunity to learn history. We find that our modern celebrations have grown from a blend of multiple cultures and periods.
Halloween is no exception; pagan roots mingle with the church’s observation of All Hallows Eve and All Saints Day. This presents us with an opportunity to choose what we’d like to keep and what we reject. In fact, our version of a holiday doesn’t have to look like our neighbor’s, and we can personalize our traditions to remember the past and start something meaningful and new.

Read the rest of Malinda’s article HERE!

 

From Katie Cruice SmithPeople are searching for something during Christmas and Easter, and the Church has the opportunity to show them the One they need. But Halloween does not draw people closer to Christ. The “fun” is shrouded in darkness, with strangers being begged to give candy to our kids. Our children are encouraged to be mischievous for the evening because “it’s all in good fun.”

Read the rest of Katie’s article HERE!

 

From Jake TysonWhile the origins of the holiday may lie in some way with occult practices, that is hardly its state today. While a few practitioners of occult religion might continue to hold those traditions, it is hardly the prevalent theme of the holiday as celebrated by the majority of Americans. When we think of Halloween now, we think of candy, fun costumes, and childhood. For the vast majority, the devil and demons never enter into that framework.

Read the rest of Jake’s article HERE!

 

From Daphne SelfAs I said, I experienced the occult. Not just a brush with it but was involved in it until Christ saved me from that life. But the stain of what I know and seen and experienced stays with me. And it pains me to see fellow Christians defend, or even partake in, such an evil. And I will stress again, it is evil. It is not of God, therefore anything not of God is not good

Read the rest of Daphne’s article HERE!

 

Eternal Healing: A Letter from Our Publisher

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Brooke Bartz

While September may feature pumpkins, football, and the start of fall, it also highlights and is recognized as Pain Awareness Month. At some point in life, we all experience pain on some level, whether it is physical, emotional, or spiritual. It is the one thing in life that cannot be avoided no matter how hard we may try. There are many individuals who battle pain on a daily basis due to chronic illness, and they fight every day to live a normal life.

Author Brooke Bartz discovered she had rheumatoid arthritis and gastroparesis early in her life. But she didn’t let her illness stop her from sharing the love of God with those around her. In her book, Chronic Love, Brooke points out that suffering is inescapable in this world, but the pain of our trials are not the end. She gives readers the Biblical encouragement that is needed to help overcome the daily battles many face while living with a chronic illness.

“To My New Friends,

In the following pages, you’ll discover an open book of carefully chosen words, penned in the quiet nooks of my heart’s journal and now, putting pen to paper, offered as hope-filled letters to you. If you’re a woman with a disease or disability, or if you’re a caregiver of one with disease, please know you’re not alone.

The disease or disability you’re enduring is God’s chosen will for you, and it may be gone tomorrow, or you may carry it with you for the rest of your life. I find comfort in the apostle Paul’s divinely, inspired words, “…in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Like me, your life may be enmeshed with disease or disability – but your life doesn’t abound in it. If you’re a believer in our Lord, Jesus Christ, then experiencing a disease doesn’t ever change the fact that you’re an heir to the King and kept by the merciful and consuming affection of a Father who cares for you. He doesn’t turn His head in disgust or ignorance or dismiss your disease and the trials you face; but He has ordained it.”

“I know disease can deflate your heart at times. I know the suffering you go through yanks, jerks, and pulls your body like matchstick-thin shoelaces ripping through the loops of beaten up sneakers. Disease is like a stainless-steel faucet pouring out water upon you, cold and relentless, and the resulting tears you cry could fill the infinite ocean. I know your prayers to end this trial could fill a best-selling memoir, and your pain from suffering could overwhelm a skilled and strategic army, yet though you feel vastly outwitted and outnumbered, you have no reason to fear disease or tremble at death if you’re in Christ.

There is no fear in death when we have Christ as our Victor, Christ as our Reward. Death takes us into eternity, either with life and love eternal or with weeping and gnashing of teeth and separation from God. One day we will die, and when we take our last breath, we will either be in Heaven in serene rest or with Satan in eternal torment. As believers, we get to choose to die with knowing Christ as our Lord, our Forever Healer; we will die with confidence in His Truth. As a believer, you choose to live life in the confidence and faith that God is in control and that you can trust Him through the pain. You can choose to live with the choice of goodness and righteousness, being blameless like Christ who chose the Father’s will to be done. You can choose to live for the Father, to be content and wait; even with your earth-bound body in the throes of disease or disability, you can say, ‘Not my will, Lord, but thy will be done.’”

To learn more about Brooke and Chronic Love, visit HERE.

#Throwback Thursday: A Scent of Water + Back to School

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As we reminisce on the over forty years that God has blessed Ambassador International to remain in business, we are highlighting a different #backlistbook each week in a series called #ThrowbackThursday.

It’s back-to-school season!

Autumn will be here sooner than later, but this month and some of the next, kiddos all around the world head back to school. Homeschool, public school, Christian school – we are blessed with so many choices for our children.

In this season of back-to-school pictures and smiling faces with fresh backpacks, we wanted to highlight a book that talks about the Christian school movement, its importance, and its struggles.

One of the surprising benefits of the pandemic was that Christian schools in the USA saw record enrollment. The once-lagging education model was given life and energy for a short period of time.

However, more change is still needed. 

A Scent of Water details what Christian schools desperately need – strong leadership. In addition to the usual requirements of running a school, Christian schools also need leaders who can fundraise, find vision, and motivate parents to invest in the school.

You can add A Scent of Water to your Goodreads HERE and you can learn more and find purchase links HERE. This book is available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook.

For a limited time, you can grab the A Scent of Water ebook for 2.99!

#Throwback Thursday: One Way to Grace

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As we reminisce on the over forty years that God has blessed Ambassador International to remain in business, we are highlighting a different #backlistbook each week in a series called #ThrowbackThursday.

David Daly is a faithful, born-again Christian from Northern Ireland, currently living in England with his wife, Gay. Officially retired, David spends time sharing his testimony, studying Scripture, and staying active in the community with his wife. David’s mission is to use his story to inspire others and glorify God. His book, One Way to Grace: A Memoir Through Scripture, authored with Dawn Merrow, was published by Ambassador International on August 15, 2007.

Addiction and inner struggle haunted David throughout his life. After losing everything, David repented and turned to Jesus for deliverance and to God’s Holy Word for guidance through the Holy Spirit. An eye-opening visit to Israel became a turning point in David’s life, but ongoing challenges continued to test David’s faith.

One Way to Grace covers the span of David’s life experiences, starting with his birth and childhood spent in the tumultuous civil unrest of Northern Ireland and culminating with his transformation into a devout believer.

Follow along as he discovers how to stand strong with his faith in Jesus that saved his life. David’s testimony demonstrates the loving, healing power of an honest walk with Christ.

 

You can add One Way to Grace to your Goodreads HERE and you can learn more and find purchase links HERE. This book is available in paperback and ebook.

 

For a limited time, you can grab the One Way to Grace ebook for 2.99!