This year has given me the opportunity to review some very special religious gifts that can fill the Christmas season with “The Spirit” for family and friends. This year’s top Christmas picks include two great DVDs – one produced by Steve McEveety (The Passion of the Christ, Bella, The Stoning of Soraya M), and the other by the Hollywood based ministry, Family Theater Productions – and a very clever flashdrive Bible for those on the go. All have received a Five Star Rating.

Steve McEveety’s “The Star of Bethlehem” Documentary (DVD)

Steve McEveety’s MPower Productions has produced a magnificent documentary on DVD, “The Star of Bethlehem,” uncovering one of the great mysteries of the last 2000 years – was the Star of Bethlehem a myth of the early Church or was it a real event? This film details the journey of Frederick Larsen from his first moment of curiosity to his extraordinary findings – the coming and passing of Christ were both announced by the heavens.

Using Starry Software, first century manuscripts, and the Bible, Larsen was able to ascertain the critical date of King Herod’s death, a date that eluded previous investigators including Johannes Kepler; the nine characteristics of “The Star”; and information on the blood moon which was mentioned by St. Peter at the Pentecost. Larsen carefully shares his evidence and makes an excellent case on how the heavens announce the birth of the Messiah, mark the arrival of the Magi for the first Christmas, and mark His passing with a lunar eclipse (the Blood Moon) on the day of his crucifixion. The DVD also includes a short segment on the eclipse as seen from the moon - a solar eclipse - and its profound implications.  

While “The Star of Bethlehem” makes a great gift anytime of the year for Christians and non-Christians, it will be especially well received at Christmas or at Easter.

This DVD runs 65 minutes and can be purchased for $11.49 at www.Amazon.com 

Family Theater Production’s “The Rosary Stars”

Family Theater Productions, in the tradition of its founder, Fr. Patrick Peyton, “The Rosary Priest,” and the author of the phrase “The Family that Prays Together Stays Together” has produced an excellent DVD, “Rosary Stars” makes an excellent gift for Christmas. Named in honor of “the Rose,” the Virgin Mary, the rosary is a powerful meditative prayer of Gospels recognizable by its prayer beads. It is an excellent prayer for individuals, families, and groups.

The DVD provides a recitation of the rosary by 21 athletes, recording stars, actors and actresses including Jeff Suppan (2006 World Series Champion), Mike Sweeney (five-time MLB All Star), Chris Horn (NFL), Matthew Marsden (“Transformers,” “Black Hawk Down”), Lauren Bauer (2001 US National Softball Team), Immaculee Ilibragiza (“Left to Tell”), Omar Castro (“CSI”), Alejandro Monteverde (Bella), Eduardo Verastegui (“Bella), and Ali Landry (Miss USA). It also includes two additional sections – one on how to pray the rosary, and the other on the history of the prayer’s evolution.

The rosary, while a most powerful prayer, is misunderstood by non-Catholics and Catholics alike. “Rosary Stars” not only informs, but also inspires. This is a great Christmas gift for a friend or a family, Catholic or not…a gift that is timeless and will keep on giving. 

$19.95 at www.Ignatius.com 

“God-on-the-Go” – The Complete Bible Anywhere, Anytime, on a Flash Drive

“God-on-the-Go” is the creation of a technology professional that left a ten year career after being inspired to do something more meaningful with his life. The result - a marvelous innovation that provides Catholics who are laptop (or desktop) computer users with the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible anywhere, anytime - all on a USB flash drive. “God-on-the-Go” was designed with multiple features to meet the diverse needs of all who study or refer to the Word of God. It comes with a topic index (anger, joy, etc.), book marking capability for passages of great personal interest, and daily readings from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. You must see it to believe it. All who have seen this “5-Gram Source for Spiritual Strength” have ordered several, one for themselves and others as gifts. In addition, the complete bible with all its features only uses 10% of the 1 GB flash drive, leaving plenty of room for files, music, and videos. This is a perfect gift for students, teachers, ministers, parents, brothers or sisters, and parents for use at home and work’

$30.00 at the Catholic Business Journal Amazon Store! 

Thomas M. Loarie . Danville, CA . November 15, 2009

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