Christmas Library 2021: Treasures From The Library

In researching the history of Bible Storytelling Media, I have come across many unique books, movies and other comics about Christmas, specifically the birth of Christ. They make for wonderful gifts and keepsakes.

It is impossible to read or view them all in one holiday season. The Christmas Library theme is a way to share some of these findings. In the image above I have VHS tapes of Christian Christmas Specials, books, a mini Nativity, an Al Hartley Spire Comic book and a rare set of cards on behalf of the Orphan Children of Bethlehem with artifacts from the Middle East.

My beautiful wife is Shavon is a doll collector. An extra special treasure from her collection are these dolls of Jesus and little children. 

May God Bless You and Yours This Christmas Day, and in the Days to Come.

- James

Christmas Library 2021: Sharing The Word and Christmas Treasures on Pinterest

Above image was found on Pinterest from a Weebly account. Original artist unknown.

It is not a secret that there is a "Family Bible Storytelling Media" page on Pinterest, but it is a resource that I have neglected to share on this blog.

https://pin.it/7rIjt20

Being on Pinterest makes it easy to select and share wonderful examples of devotionals, Bible studies, hymn lyrics, cartoons, stunning artwork and so much more that creatively teaches the Bible.

At Christmas time, Pinterest has an abundance of wonderful visuals on scripture and devotionals that give glory and honor to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I have shared some of these, and will continue to do so on this Pinterest account.

Christmas Library 2021: Songs to Sing Unto The Lord

"Sing Unto The Lord", an art marker illustration card made
for a 2021 "Operation Christmas Child" Box

Every Christmas season music fills the air about bells, gifts, snowmen, and good times. However, the truest and most endearing songs are those about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Below is a list of widely known songs about the First Coming of Christ. There are too many to list from many languages and nations. The earliest date to antiquity, (actually the praises of the angels heard by the shepherds would be the first Christmas hymn). What is your favorite Christmas hymn? Is your favorite missing from this list?

The First Noel (1823)

It Came Upon The Midnight Clear (1849)

O, Little Town of Bethlehem (1867)

O, Holy Night (1847)

Hark The Herald Angel's Sing (1739)

Jesus The Light of The World (Wesley Version)

The Little Drummer Boy (1941)

We Three Kings of Orient Are (1863)

Away In A Manger (*1882)

Joy To The World (1719)

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (*1760)

Go Tell It On The Mountain (*1865)

Silent Night (1818)

O Come All Ye Faithful (*1600s - 1744)

Mary, Did You Know? (1984)

Angels We Have Heard (1862)

Do You Hear What I Hear (1962)

* - indicates one version of the song, or earliest known date. 

Christmas Library 2021: Jesus, The Light Of The World

 

A drawing given to child as part of "Operation Christmas Child"

A favorite, but overlooked, hymn about the birth of Christ is "Jesus, The Light of the World".

One version with stanzas by Charles Wesley and a refrain George Elderkin has a first stanza that ties it to Christmas.

Hark! the herald angels sing. 

Jesus, the light of the world.

Glory to the newborn King, 

Jesus, the light of the world

The lyrics posted below come from hymntime.com. This version was written by a Mrs. James V. Coombs in 1898 and edited by William E. M. Hackleman. The first stanza is different.

 All ye saints of light proclaim,

Jesus, the light of the world;
Life and mercy in His name,
Jesus, the light of the world.

Refrain

We’ll walk in the light, beautiful light,
Come where the dew-drops of mercy are bright;
Shine all around us by day and by night,
Jesus, the light of the world.

Hear the Savior’s earnest call,
Jesus, the light of the world;
Send the Gospel truth to all,
Jesus, the light of the world.

Refrain

Why not seek Him then today,
Jesus, the light of the world;
Go with truth the narrow way,
Jesus, the light of the world.

Refrain

Come, confess Him as your king,
Jesus, the light of the world;
Then the bells of Heav’n will ring,
Jesus, the light of the world.

Refrain

Below is one rendition of the song from Gaither Music TV.

Christmas Library 2021 - Christmas Lights In The Darkness

 

Christmas is celebrated each year with an uncountable number of lights, flickering candles, luminarias, and even fireworks. Christmas to me is the world's largest birthday party. It is amazing that more lights are lit in the darkest nights of the year than in any other season. He is light in the darkness. The lights of Christmas can be a strong reminder that Jesus Christ is The Light Of The World.......and we are to let our light shine in a dark world. Collectively, the body of Christ can glow like a giant strand of Christmas lights.

Please feel free to share these devotional flyers this Christmas Season.

2021 Christmas Library!

For the 4th year in a row the Family Bible Storytelling Media blog will feature posts from the "Christmas Library". There will be classic stories, quotes, scriptures, links to videos and much more all December long. The actual "Christmas Library" page will be updated by December 1st.

Al Hartley Centennial

This week mark's what would have been the 100th birthday of Christian comics legend Allan "Al" Hartley. Just as I did in 2016 for the centennial birthday of Jack Hamm, I plan to create a page of resources for more information about Al Hartley's work. Return to this page for updates and a look at my growing Al Hartley Collection.

Gospel Dynamite c. 1940s - C. O. Baptista Christian Animated Classic

 

"Gospel Dynamite" is a unique animated short from C.O. Baptista Film Mission of Wheaton, Illinois. Venezuelan-born Charles Octavio Baptista (1895-1964) was a pioneer in the production of Christian Missionary Films. His film used animation, visual stills, live-action, and symbolic imagery to convey the truth of the Gospel. Films and papers on C. O. Baptista are held at Wheaton College and Regent University.

A 1970s Broadman Press Media Cataloging Book

An essential part of Church or Christian Librarianship is cataloging. A recent find in my research on Christian media is this copy of "How to Classify and Catalog Media: Technical Processes 2" (1978) from Broadman Press by Jacqueline Anderson

This resource gives a 1970s window into the complex world of organizing analog  film and audio formats on all topics. I am hoping that this old guide can help me learn more vintage Christian audio visuals.

Classic E. J. Pace Cartoon - "The Way Out Of The Woods"

 

"The Way Out of the Woods" is an allegorical comic panel by Dr. E. J. Pace that teaches the way to salvation by comparing it to being delivered from being lost in the thick and dark woods. 

The first scripture comes from I Corinthians 15:3, 

For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

The verses is Isaiah 55:7 which states:

"Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon."

"Classic E. J. Pace Cartoon" - "Dying For Want of Water"

 

"Dying For Want of Water" is one of several images published in E. J. Pace's 1922 book "Christian Cartoons". Many of us can personally relate to a garden that wilts for lack of water. We begin to grow thirsty when our souls are not quenched with the living water of Christ from the Bible. 

A Cathedral Films Easter with the "Living Christ" Series

Cathedral Films was the audiovisual ministry of the Rev. James K. Friedrich a pioneering of Christian filmmaking. The ministry's filmmaking peaked in the 1950s with the production of the "Living Christ" series, a 12 episode dramatization of the life of Christ that aired on television in 1951. According to some sources, it was the first miniseries produced for television. This series may have aired for years on television since it was produced in color. 

10 of the 12 episodes starred Robert Holton a minister's son (sometimes credited as Robert Wilson) as Christ with many reliable Hollywood supporting actors in the cast like Tyler McVey as Simon Peter, silent film veteran Gayne Whitman as Judas Iscariot, Jeanne Bates as Mary (sister of Lazurus) and Mel Marshall as John the Disciple. 

Posted below are the final 3 chapters for Easter Sunday.

Here is Chapter 10 "Retreat and Decision"

Chapter 11 is called "Triumph and Defeat"

The 12th and final chapter is called "Crucifixion and Resurrection".