Increase your understanding of Advent, Christmas and holidays from other faith traditions with these resources from the Office of Faith Formation and Lay Ecclesial Ministry:
Hope for the Holidays: Finding Light at the Darkest Time of the Year, by Paul Jarzembowski. Too often in books about this time of year, there is an assumption that everyone at Thanksgiving and Christmas is happy, excited and faith-filled. By writing creatively through the lens of A Christmas Carol, this book empathizes with people who feel lost and hopeless at the holidays, helping them find new hope.
A Winter Walk, by Tolbert McCarroll. In this beautifully decorated and illustrated hardcover gift book, the reader is invited to stroll along with Brother Toby through the wintry season of darkness, enjoying a series of reflections that capture a sense of the divine. Each reflection enhances the appreciation of its topic, which includes the Advent wreath, Bodhi Day, Chanukah, Ramadan, Santa Lucia and Epiphany.
Toby Belfer Never Had a Christmas Tree, by Gloria Teles Pushker. A beautifully simple and charming story with an elementary explanation of Hanukkah and Jewish traditions for children of all faiths.Â
To borrow these or other resources, the diocesan library and Office of Faith Formation and Lay Ecclesial Ministry are open for in-person visits and consultations 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. You may also visit https://doylib.follettdestiny.com. Once you make your selections, you can email the request to mhynes@youngstowndiocese.org.
