Time to think about Christmas gifts — both the ones you might want to give, as well as the ones you’d like to receive. Start dropping those hints now for one of these great reads.
The Catholic Mom’s Prayer Companion
A Book of Daily Reflections
Edited by Lisa M. Hendey and Sarah A. Reinhard
(Ave Maria Press)
This book belongs in every mom’s Christmas stocking: 365 daily reflections by numerous CatholicMom.com writers. Each begins with a striking quotation from Scripture or a saint. This is followed by a mini-essay and a “question to ponder.” You will love the variety of topics. It might be the saint of the day or it could just as easily be something silly such as National Potato Chip Day. But somehow, each one leads to an insight that is both practical and uplifting.
Faith Under Fire
Dramatic Stories of Christian Courage
by Matthew Archbold (Servant)
Catholic Digest contributor Matt Archbold knows how to tell a good story. These 18 true, modern tales show us that Christian courage comes in many forms. Forgiveness. Martyrdom. Adoption of a terminally-ill newborn. Living among hardened criminals to show them the meaning of love. Standing up for one’s faith when it means losing a job. These stories challenge us to be ready for the adventures and the grace that God may someday offer us. A great gift for your favorite young adult.
Mother Angelica’s
Answers, Not Promises
Straightforward Solutions to Life’s Puzzling Problems
with Christine Allison
(EWTN Publishing)
Mother Angelica had plenty to say about everything. Here, collated from her writings and television broadcasts, are answers to hard questions: Why is it so hard to believe? Why do we suffer? What does God want of me? Why won’t God answer my prayers? Mother Angelica answers these and more with both wisdom and her trademark down-to-earth humor.
Works of Love Are Works of Peace
Mother Teresa of Calcutta and the Missionaries of Charity
by Michael Collopy (Ignatius Press)
This photo-documentary is an intimate portrait of St. Teresa of Kolkata and her Missionaries of Charity. Each of these 180 art-quality photos is worth a thousand words as they depict the saint, her sisters, and the poor they serve. An appendix includes two essays by St. Teresa of Kolkata and the Missionaries’ favorite daily prayers. This book will be at home on a coffee table or in an Adoration chapel.