Spiritual beings populate the stories of Scripture. Angels singing. Demons infecting. Heavenly hosts fighting . . . Ignore the armies of God and Satan and you ignore the heart of Scripture. Ever since the snake tempted Eve in Eden, we've known: there is more to this world than meets the eye.

In this classic Christmas novella, best-selling author Max Lucado imagines the spiritual conflict that surrounded the coming of Christ. Surely there was much. If Satan could pre-empt Christ in the cradle, there'd be no Christ on the cross.

Journey back in time to the very throne of God ... and witness firsthand the glory, the wonder, and the battle that took place on the very first Christmas.

A probing but clearly written book, Calendar will find an appreciative audience beyond academia and clergy to the laity of the church: choirs and their directors, worship planners, adult study groups, and others who want to understand better the church's times of preparation and celebration.

Calendar centers largely on theological meaning and parish practice in relation to liturgical time. Deliberately, almost no attention is given to detailed historical development, much of which is exceedingly complex in its origins and technical in its detail. An appendix entitled "Forgetting What You Were Always Taught (Or, This Book in a Nutshell)" aptly describes the radical reordering that Stookey believes occurs when our understanding of time and the story of Jesus takes its bearings from the Incarnation. So, just as the Christian week begins with Sunday, the day of Resurrection, Stookey follows the Christian year beginning with the season of Easter, and only then Lent; Christmas, then Advent. Illuminating discussions of Ordinary and Extraordinary Time, and the Sanctoral Cycle follow.

The magazine that has inspired readers for 65 years shines in this anniversary edition. Loyal readers are drawn to Ideals magazine for its celebration of life's most treasured moments. This anniversary issue, a new installment of the much-collected Christmas volume, serves as a touching reminder of the true meaning of the Christmas holiday and special family traditions.

Heartwarming poetry and prose are joined by beautiful, full-color photographs and fine-art masterpieces. Here, beloved writer Pamela Kennedy reflects on the holiday; poet Eileen Spinelli spins a charming yuletide verse; and the story of the first Christmas, as told in the Holy Bible, is illustrated with fine art depicting the events surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ. We've also included some nostalgic art and text selections from years past.

As a special anniversary gift for our readers, each copy will be packaged together with Ideals Christmas Recipes, a 16-page collection of holiday recipes sure to please the palate. As the beauty of the Christmas season unfolds, readers will be eager to invite Christmas Ideals into their homes once more.