The Handel's Messiah Family Advent Reader
by Donna W. Payne and Fran Lenzo
Review by Martha Robinson
The Handel's Messiah Family Advent Reader by Donna W. Payne and Fran Lenzo. Hardcover book and music CD set $19.99. Published by Moody Publishing. Please support HomeschoolChristian.com by buying this book using our Amazon affiliate link.
The Handel's Messiah Family Advent Reader combines some of the most inspiring music of all time with fascinating details of history that are shown to relate to Christ's life and purpose. Beautiful classic artwork and portions of the score of The Messiah illustrate the text.
The book includes twenty-eight days of devotionals and a "Read More About It" section. Each day's passage begins with the words from a section of The Messiah. Then follows a two to three page mini-sermon on far-ranging topics that are brought around to relate some point of Christ's mission. For example, Charles Dickens' childhood is recounted along with a discussion of his books and characters, ending with Tiny Tim's reminder of Jesus' gift of healing. On other days subjects include the care of sheep, uses for reindeer, Moravian missionary work, and the story of Silent Night. While acknowledging the Pagan influence, the authors relate the Christmas tree to a positive aspect -- the miracle of life from "God who is the giver of life." The final devotional in the book, Christmas Eve, is entitled "Why the King Stood Up" and leaves us with the message that we should "bow our heads, bend our knees, and rejoice."
In "Read More About It" the authors offer additional information for each day of devotionals. "Details, Details" provides extra facts that support the story, and "Meanings" gives translations of foreign words, primarily Latin, Greek, and Hebrew. More reading opportunities are shown in "Find It in the Bible" and "Dig Deeper."
In "Read More About It" the authors offer additional information for each day of devotionals." "Details, Details" provides extra facts that support the story, and "Meanings" gives translations of foreign words, primarily Latin, Greek, and Hebrew. More reading opportunities are shown in "Find It in the Bible" and "Dig Deeper."
Recommendation: The Handel's Messiah Family Advent Reader is a feast for the mind and the soul. The educational information makes this book a unique experience for the homeschooling family, providing history, geography, music and art appreciation, and science lessons at the same time as Christian inspiration. At all times positive, The Handel's Messiah Family Advent Reader is sure to energize you with the true meaning of Christmas.
Our Experience: We have used this book during several Advent seasons and never cease to enjoy it. It is meaningful and interesting!
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