Download or read book The Gift of the Magi written by O. Henry and published by Amila Jay. This book was released on 2021-12-22 with total page 11 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "The Gift of the Magi" is a short story by O. Henry first published in 1905. The story tells of a young husband and wife and how they deal with the challenge of buying secret Christmas gifts for each other with very little money. As a sentimental story with a moral lesson about gift-giving, it has been popular for adaptation, especially for presentation at Christmas time.

Download or read book Mystery of the Magi written by Dwight Longenecker and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2017-11-06 with total page 225 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "The perfect Christmas gift for anyone interested in the historical background behind the birth of Jesus of Nazareth." — Robert J. Hutchinson, author of The Politically Incorrect Guide to the Bible, The Dawn of Christianity, and Searching for Jesus. "Utterly refreshing and encouraging." — Eric Metaxas, New York Times bestselling author of Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy and Martin Luther "The best book I know about the Magi." — Sir Colin John Humphreys, Ph.D., author of The Mystery of the Last Supper Modern biblical scholars tend to dismiss the Christmas story of the “wise men from the East” as pious legend. Matthew’s gospel offers few details, but imaginative Christians filled out the story early on, giving us the three kings guided by a magical star who join the adoring shepherds in every Christmas crèche. For many scholars, then, there is no reason to take the gospel story seriously. But are they right? Are the wise men no more than a poetic fancy? In an astonishing feat of detective work, Dwight Longenecker makes a powerful case that the visit of the Magi to Bethlehem really happened. Piecing together the evidence from biblical studies, history, archeology, and astronomy, he goes further, uncovering where they came from, why they came, and what might have happened to them after eluding the murderous King Herod. In the process, he provides a new and fascinating view of the time and place in which Jesus Christ chose to enter the world. The evidence is clear and compelling. The mysterious Magi from the East were in all likelihood astrologers and counselors from the court of the Nabatean king at Petra, where the Hebrew messianic prophecies were well known. The “star” that inspired their journey was a particular planetary alignment—confirmed by computer models—that in the astrological lore of the time portended the birth of a Jewish king. The visitors whose arrival troubled Herod “and all Jerusalem with him” may not have been the turbaned oriental kings of the Christmas carol, but they were real, and by demonstrating that the wise men were no fairy tale, Mystery of the Magi demands a new level of respect for the historical claims of the gospel.

Download or read book The Mystery of the Magi written by Daniel Kolenda and published by CFAN Publications. This book was released on 2017-11-21 with total page 62 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Revelation of the Magi written by Brent Landau and published by Zondervan. This book was released on 2010-11-02 with total page 180 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Each Christmas, adults and children alike delight at the story of the kings from the East who followed the star to Bethlehem to offer gifts to the newborn Christ. While this familiar tale is recorded in the Gospel of Matthew, another little-known version later emerged that claimed to be the eyewitness account of the wise men. This ancient manuscript has lain hidden for centuries in the vaults of the Vatican Library, but through the determined persistence of a young scholar, Brent Landau, this astonishing discovery has been translated into English for the very first time as the Revelation of the Magi. Everything we know about the wise men is based on only a few verses from the Bible. With the Revelation of the Magi, we can now read the story from the Magi's perspective. Readers will learn of the Magi's prophecies of God's incarnation from the beginning of time, their startling visitation in the form of a star, the teachings they receive from the baby Jesus, and the wise men's joyous return to their homeland to spread the good news. This ancient version of the Christmas story is guaranteed to astonish and delight. It will also raise larger questions of the significance and meaning of Christ's birth, and the mission to spread the good news to every corner of the globe. All the drama and intrigue of the brief description of Jesus's birth in the Bible is filled out in greater, more colorful detail, offering for the first time the complete story of these beloved characters.

Download or read book The Gospel According to Matthew written by and published by Canongate U.S.. This book was released on 1999 with total page 100 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The publication of the King James version of the Bible, translated between 1603 and 1611, coincided with an extraordinary flowering of English literature and is universally acknowledged as the greatest influence on English-language literature in history. Now, world-class literary writers introduce the book of the King James Bible in a series of beautifully designed, small-format volumes. The introducers' passionate, provocative, and personal engagements with the spirituality and the language of the text make the Bible come alive as a stunning work of literature and remind us of its overwhelming contemporary relevance.

Download or read book Sufism in the Secret History of Persia written by Milad Milani and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2014-10-14 with total page 227 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Sufism formed one of the cultures of resistance which has existed in the social fabric of Persia since antiquity. Such resistance continues to manifest itself today with many looking to Sufism as a model of cooperation between East and West, between traditional and modern. 'Sufism in the Secret History of Persia' explores the place of Sufi mysticism in Iran's intellectual and spiritual consciousness through traditional and contemporary Sufi thinkers and writers. Sufism in the Secret History of Persia examines the current of spirituality which extends from the old Iranian worship of Mithra to modern Islam. This current always contains elements of gnosis and inner knowing, but has often provided impetus for socio-political resistance. The study describes how these persisting pre-Islamic cultural and socio-religious elements have secretly challenged Muslim orthodoxies and continue to shape the nature and orientation of contemporary Sufism.

Download or read book Magi Society Ephemeris written by Magi Society and published by Hay House. This book was released on 1996 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book The Three Wise Men written by Charles River Charles River Editors and published by . This book was released on 2016-12-09 with total page 58 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: *Includes pictures *Includes Biblical and other accounts of the Magi *Includes a bibliography for further reading In almost every nativity scene today are shown three kings presenting gifts to the newborn baby Jesus, and though everyone is familiar with the Three Wise Men, they are also some of the most mysterious characters from the Bible. According to Scripture, they journeyed from an unnamed land to Bethlehem, bearing gifts for Jesus Christ, and then disappeared. They were the first Christian pilgrims, they later became the patron saints of travelers, and their image is on millions of Christmas cards. Nevertheless, over 2,000 years later, little is known of where they came from and where they went, and most of what people think they know about the Magi does not actually come from the Bible but from assorted myths that have emerged over the millennia. The Bible does not, in fact, say that the three men were kings - this was a detail added later. Most startling of all is that the Bible does not even say that there were three men. Moreover, it seems unlikely that the Magi were actually present on the night that Jesus was born. According to the Book of Luke, Joseph and Mary brought Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem 40 days after Jesus was born, which means they had remained in Bethlehem for some time after his birth: "And when the days for their purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord." In fact, in the course of describing the visit of the Magi, the Bible clearly notes there had been time enough for Joseph and Mary to find a house in Bethlehem: "On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route." These Magi were wealthy and well-educated. They likely came from Persia, but they had been ordered by King Herod to discover the location of Christ, purportedly so that Herod could pay homage to the child, but in all likelihood to murder the newborn threat to his power. Word quickly reached King Herod of the arrival of a new-born "King of the Jews," and since he was understandably unwilling to allow any threat to his own authority, Herod was determined to do away with this child. He sent soldiers to kill all of the boys that were up to two years old in and around Bethlehem - an event known as the "Massacre of the Innocents." It was a tragic event for many families in the city, but Jesus was evidently safe on his way to Egypt with his parents. So what exactly is known of these mysterious figures that lived in the time of Christ? There is still plenty of intrigue and mystery surrounding the Magi's story, but it's apparent they were inextricably linked to that of Herod the Great, who ruled over Judea when Jesus was born and who is to this day reviled as the evil king who tried to kill the Christ child during the slaughter of the innocents. Herod, the king that the Romans had placed on a throne he had no right to, was prone to violent rages and extreme paranoia. He had a fearsome reputation, having already killed his own wife, several sons, and hundreds of political opponents, and is said to have suffered from all kinds of ailments, including chronic kidney disease and gangrene. Yet there was another side to this brutal king; he was the greatest builder in the history of the land, and he left behind magnificent monuments that still dazzle the eye 2,000 years later. Who was Herod the Great - a murderous madman, a brilliant king, or both? The Three Wise Men: The History and Legacy of the Biblical Magi examines the known and unknown about some of the most important figures in the Bible. Along with pictures depicting important people, places, and events, you will learn about the Magi like never befor

Download or read book Unlocking the Miraculous written by Daniel Kolenda and published by CFAN Publications. This book was released on 2016-12-20 with total page 131 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book The Cumulative Book Index written by and published by . This book was released on 1996 with total page 2248 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A world list of books in the English language.

Download or read book The Santa s Great Treasure Chest 450 Christmas Novels Tales Carols Legends written by Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson and published by Good Press. This book was released on 2023-12-10 with total page 8230 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Santa's Great Treasure Chest: 450+ Christmas Novels, Tales, Carols & Legends represents an unparalleled assemblage of literary jewels, carefully curated to capture the essence and breadth of Christmas literature. Spanning centuries and encompassing a wide range of genres from poetry and carols to legends and novels this anthology celebrates the multifaceted nature of Christmas storytelling. The collection weaves together the traditional and the contemporary, the celebratory and the reflective, encapsulating the spirit of Christmas in its myriad forms. Standout pieces traverse the emotional landscape of the season, offering readers a panoramic view of Christmas through the ages and across cultures. The contributing authors and editors, hailing from diverse backgrounds and periods, bring a rich tapestry of voices to the anthology. From Dickens' quintessential Victorian Christmas to Andersen's poignant fairy tales, and from the reverent compositions of Isaac Watts to the pioneering realist narratives of Tolstoy and Chekhov, the collection underscores significant historical and cultural movements. It reflects the evolution of Christmas literature, showcasing how each era's social, political, and religious contexts have shaped storytelling traditions. This confluence of perspectives creates a unique narrative harmony, deepening our understanding of Christmas and its impact on the literary canon. For readers seeking to explore the depth and diversity of Christmas literature, The Santa's Great Treasure Chest offers an unrivaled opportunity. This anthology not only provides a compendium of festive stories but also serves as a lens through which the evolution of the holiday and its literature can be viewed. It invites readers to embark on a scholarly journey through the snow-draped landscapes of literary history, uncovering the myriad ways in which Christmas has inspired some of the greatest writers across time. Engrossing, enlightening, and profoundly moving, this collection is a must-have for anyone wishing to delve into the heart of Christmas storytelling.

Download or read book My Utmost for His Highest written by Oswald Chambers and published by Christian Classics Reproductions. This book was released on 2022-04-26 with total page 326 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: My Utmost for His Highest has been a proven, best-selling devotional for many years. Over the past century, Oswald Chambers’s writings have inspired countless people to drink deeply from the biblical truths that he so passionately championed. His words are simultaneously penetrating and invigorating, and they trigger something in your soul leaving you forever changed. The biblical thoughts and themes that Chambers delivers in this updated-language edition will resonate with you as you seek to grow your faith. We have also included the topical section

Download or read book The Santa s Great Treasure Chest 450 Christmas Novels Tales Carols Legends written by Louisa May Alcott and published by e-artnow. This book was released on 2019-11-26 with total page 8311 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This winter, we are offering to you our own Christmas box – filled up to the top with the best Christmas novels, classics to read during holidays, magical Christmas tales, legends, most famous carols and the unique poetry of the giants of literature dedicated to this one and only holiday: The Gift of the Magi (O. Henry) The Holy Night (Selma Lagerlöf) A Merry Christmas & Other Christmas Stories (Louisa May Alcott) A Letter from Santa Claus (Mark Twain) Silent Night The Night After Christmas The Child Born at Bethlehem The Adoration of the Shepherds The Visit of the Wise Men As Joseph Was A-Walking The Tale of Peter Rabbit (Beatrix Potter) Where Love Is, God Is (Leo Tolstoy) The Three Kings (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow) A Christmas Carol (Samuel Taylor Coleridge) Life and Adventures of Santa Claus (L. Frank Baum) Christmas At Sea (Robert Louis Stevenson) The Savior Must Have Been A Docile Gentleman (Emily Dickinson) The Heavenly Christmas Tree (Fyodor Dostoevsky) The Little City of Hope (F. Marion Crawford) The First Christmas Of New England (Harriet Beecher Stowe) Christmas in the Olden Time (Walter Scott) Christmas In India (Rudyard Kipling) A Christmas Carol (Charles Dickens) The Twelve Days of Christmas The Wonderful Wizard of OZ (L. Frank Baum) Ring Out, Wild Bells (Alfred Lord Tennyson) Little Lord Fauntleroy (Frances Hodgson Burnett) Black Beauty (Anna Sewell) The Christmas Child (Hesba Stretton) Granny's Wonderful Chair (Frances Browne) The Romance of a Christmas Card (Kate Douglas Wiggin) Wind in the Willows (Kenneth Grahame) The Wonderful Life - Story of the life and death of our Lord (Hesba Stretton) The Christmas Angel (A. Brown) Christmas at Thompson Hall (Anthony Trollope) Christmas Every Day (William Dean Howells) The Lost Word (Henry van Dyke) The Nutcracker and the Mouse King (E. T. A. Hoffmann) The Little Match Girl The Elves and the Shoemaker Mother Holle The Star Talers Snow-White The Christmas Hirelings The Blue Carbuncle An Exciting Christmas Eve The Spirit of Christmas…

Download or read book Map of Bones written by James Rollins and published by Harper Collins. This book was released on 2009-10-13 with total page 400 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In this heart-stopping novel by #1 New York Times bestselling author James Rollins, an elite team of ex-Special Forces soldiers turned scientific specialists must uncover a secret society and the treasure that could destroy the world. When a group of parishioners are burned to death in a German cathedral, the U.S. sends in the Sigma force. The tragedy is more than a case of arson; someone has stolen the priceless treasure stored in the cathedral’s golden reliquary: the bones of the Biblical Magi, the legendary Three Kings. Commander Logan Pierce, new to Sigma, will lead a team on the hunt for the Royal Dragon Court, a clandestine aristocratic fraternity of alchemists dating back to the Middle Ages, who seek to establish a New World Order using the mystical bones. The Sigma team will follow a labyrinth of clues leading from Europe’s gothic cathedrals, through the remnants of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world, to a mystical place where science and religion will unite to unleash a threat not seen since the beginning of time itself.

Download or read book The Book of the Sacred Magic of Abramelin the Mage written by Samuel L MacGregor Mathers and published by Cosimo, Inc.. This book was released on 2010-01-01 with total page 322 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Book of the Sacred Magic of Abramelin the Mage-originally published in 1900, translated by Samuel Mathers from a 15th-century French document-was purportedly written by Abraham for his son Lamech. Within this volume are three books. The first book is Abraham's autobiography in which he speaks to his son. The second book is an explanation of the purification rituals necessary to bring the magician's personal demon under his control. And the third book details what feats can be accomplished once the practitioner is able to use a form of magic controlled and directed through sigils of magic words written on a grid. Anyone with an interest in the occult will find this an interesting, though perhaps impractical, guide for exploring mystic arts.

Download or read book Magical Herbalism written by Scott Cunningham and published by Llewellyn Worldwide. This book was released on 1986 with total page 183 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Practice an ancient magic that is both natural and beautiful - the magic of amulets and charms, sachets and herbal pillows, incenses and scented oils. This practical and poetic guidebook by SCott CUnningham has introduced over 100,000 readers to the practice of herbal magic. Magical Herbalism will teach you how to identify, gather, grow, dry and store herbs and use them for protection, divination, healing and love. Also included are: the magical names of herbs, flowers, trees and roots; a Witch's herbal; Herbal redes; a list of baneful herbs and flying ointments.

Download or read book Mysterious Stranger written by David Blaine and published by . This book was released on 2003 with total page 214 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: David Blaine, downtown hipster and extraordinary illusionist, offers an exploration of the mysteries and history of the ancient art of magic. Mysterious Stranger brings Blaine's magic directly to his audience. In the book you'll find: mind-bending tricks you can learn to do yourself; interactive magic effects; mind-reading and psychic techniques; David Blaine's unique perspective on the art of magic; a copiously illustrated history of the art; and autobiographical background and an insight into David's private world.