Story Warren

Kindling Imagination for Kingdom Anticipation

The Warren & The World Vol 11, Issue 42

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Merry Christmas! I mean, yeah, there are a few more days until the event, but I won’t see you again until after that, so Merry Christmas it is. Have a wonderful holiday, spending time with your family and celebrating the first coming of Jesus.

Around the Web

How to Rejoice at Christmas When Family Feels Tender

Christmas isn’t always easy. Here’s a word for you if that’s the case.

  • On Gaudete Sunday, that third Sunday of Advent when the world lights the joy candle — Gaudete meaning “rejoice” in Latin — it’s our third son, Levi, who stands at the front of the church to preach the Christmas sermon wearing a thrifted flannel plaid shirt and a pair of faded jeans with an old leather belt. 
    Rejoicing is only sustainable if you can find joy in a story you’d rather get rid of. 
    Read more

Daughter of Arden Trilogy by Loren Warnemuende

Betsy at Redeemed Reader reviews a fantasy trilogy for your teen readers (or for you!)

  • The Daughter of Arden Trilogy is an epic retelling of an older fairy tale; in its new version, strong echoes of Christian faith mingle with a romance, a war, and a quest.
    Read more

Two Classic Poems for Christmas from Eliot and Chesterton

Take a few moments this holiday to read these classics together.

  • Christmas is nearly here. Find some time this week to make a cup of tea, put on the Advent playlist, and read these two classic poems from canonical Rabbit Room writers.
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Mooses with Bazookas by S. D. Smith

Betsy at Redeemed Reader had fun with S.D. Smith’s new book.

  • Mooses with Bazookas is a light-hearted, funny romp through humorous letters and stories; they remind us not to take ourselves too seriously!
    Read more

Around the Warren

The Whirlwind and the Weeping: Advent with Simeon and Anna

Jeanne Whitlock points us to the beauty of Anna and Simeon’s stories as we seek the quiet of Advent in the whirlwind of December.

  • Mary and Joseph watched uncertainly as a grizzled grandpa hobbled across the courtyard towards them.
    For a long time he stared at their baby. The wrinkles at the corners of his eyes filled with the tears of those who have waited decades without any proof beyond their God’s love. Slowly, tenderly, Simeon reached for the baby boy, cradling him like a long-sought treasure.
    “O, Lord! You can let me go now. I have lived to see you keep your promise at last!”
    Read more

Review: Reading for the Long Run

Christine Norvell writes a review of a book for those with struggling readers.

  • In Reading for the Long Run: Leading Struggling Students into the Reading Life, Sara Osborne explores the riches and beauty of a deep reading life, most especially the unspoken experience of acquiring virtue through story, ‘A compelling vision of the goodness of goodness,’ as Vigen Guroian says. Reading can shape who we become, which as it turns out, is every advantage to readers who struggle.
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The Cemetery Next Door

Erica Robertson considers life and death and eternal hope with her children.

  • “Do you have any more questions about heaven before I turn the music on?”
    One child piped in, “No, I just can’t wait to get there.”
    Another added, “Me either. I can’t wait!”
    Driving out of our neighborhood and into our day, my children began our trip with questions about the return of Christ and what heaven will be like. I quietly thanked God for turning our hearts to him that morning and reminding us of our eternal hope.
    Read more

Review: Arthur Christmas

E. G. Runyan reviews a delightful Christmas movie.

  • If you’re like me, you’re probably disappointed with kids films these days. They’re generally cliche, cheesy, and not very well thought out, which I don’t think is fair. Kids deserve good, truthful stories that both bless and challenge them. In the past few decades the film department has been pretty lacking in this area, so when last Christmas I sat down to watch the animated film Arthur Christmas with my siblings, I wasn’t expecting much. I thought it would have a poor plot and be full of the not-very-funny kids comedy we’ve grown used to seeing.
    Read more

Something to Do with Your Kids

Do gingerbread houses meant too much candy in your house? Try making these cardboard ones—less sweet, but no less fun!

Something to Watch

Minnesota got a new state flag this week, and C. G. P. Grey would be proud. Their old flag he graded as the “worst flag in the union.”

Thanks for reading. We’re on your side. 

–The Story Warren Team

Carolyn Clare Givens
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