“Noel” by J.R.R. Tolkien Poem Summary J.R.R. Tolkien is best known for his long works of epic fantasy, The Hobbit and The Lord or the Rings. In these books he showed his skill in both narrative storytelling and poetry. In each of his books, he included many short works of song and poetry. Tolkien’s devout…
Children's Stories
"A Child of the Snows" A Christmas Poem by G. K. Chesterton (Summary and Discussion Questions)
“A Child of the Snows” Poem Summary G. K. Chesterton was a prolific writer of essays, novels, short stories, and poems. His Catholic faith and love of literature permeated through all his works. This poem is a perfect meditation on Advent and Christmas. Chesterton begins by appealing to the lengthening darkness and worsening weather in…
Thomas Merton's Advent Poem with Reflection Questions
Thomas Merton was a Trappist monk in the United States during the 20th century. He is one of the best known Catholic spiritual writers of the last century. He was a lover of literature and a poet in his own right. He wrote many poems about Advent, the Annunciation, and Christmas. This particular poem is…
Angels Visit the Shepherds: A Christmas Bible Story for Kids
This story is featured in Prepare the Way: Advent and Christmas Bible Stories for Kids. Luke 2:8–20 The very first people to meet the Lord Jesus Christ, newborn King of the Jews, were simple shepherds, not great leaders. It was a miraculous event, and yet some of the poorest people in the land were the first…
The Nativity: A Bible Story for Kids
This story is featured in Prepare the Way: Advent and Christmas Bible Stories for Kids. Luke 2:1–7 The prophets in the Old Testament said that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, a city of David, but Mary and Joseph lived in Nazareth. Here is the story of how Jesus came to be born in Bethlehem,…
