Shine Families is part of a monthly series focusing on the “Six Practices that Grow Faith at Home.”
December 2025
Advent/Christmas Pinterest page by Shine
Guide to Advent from The Bible Project
Children’s Songs for Advent and Christmas
From Songs for the Season music album:
Arranged, Produced, Mixed, and Mastered by Hannah Rand and Gary Rand, www.themanyarehere.com. Adult Vocals: Hannah Rand, Darren Calhoun, Leslie Michele. Children Vocals: Maggie Johnson, Isaiah Swanson. Instrumentalists: Gary Rand, Hannah Rand.
Click the bar to play the song; click DOWNLOAD to download to your device.
“Great Big Love”
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Words: Lenora Rand. Music: Hannah Rand. © 2020 Plural Guild Music. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
“On the Way”
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Words: Lenora Rand. Music: Gary Rand. © 2020 Plural Guild Music. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
“The Way of Peace”
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Words: Lenora Rand. Music: Hannah Rand. © 2020 Plural Guild Music. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
Children’s Books for Advent and Christmas
Illustrations by Gabhor Utomo
25 Days to Jesus written by Christy Waltersdorf and illustrated by Mitch Miller is an Advent devotional for children ages 3–8. Meet those whose lives were changed by the birth of Jesus. Through a daily scripture, story, and prayer, begin a Christmas tradition the whole family can share.
Amazing Peace written by Maya Angelou and illustrated by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher. Let the words of Maya Angelou inspire you and your family with the hope that Christmas brings to a hurting and conflicted world. This poem was first read by Angelou at the National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony on December 1, 2005 at the White House.
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey written by Susan Wojciechowski and illustrated by P. J. Lynch. Grieving the loss of his wife and child, Jonathan Toomey becomes a recluse interested only in his woodcarving. A simple request and kindness shown by a small boy softens the man’s heart, bringing hope and joy into his life once more.
Three Wise Women written by Mary Hoffman and illustrated by Lynne Russell. Elementary. For children ages 4 to 8, this book tells of three women who travel from across the world to see baby Jesus. Rather than material gifts, these women share simple gifts from the heart that Jesus will remember and carry into his ministry.
Shine Families . . .
Introduction
October 2025
Shine Families Talk
November 2025
Shine Families Celebrate
December 2025
Shine Families Learn
January 2026
Shine Families Serve
February 2026
Shine Families Pray
March 2026
Shine Families Worship
April 2026