Many of you faithfully use one of our Advent Study Packs every year. For those looking for additional or alternative seasonal studies, we have this Editor's Pick study pack for you. You may use these in any order. A mixture of serious and lighter themed topics may be appropriate for various groups in your church.

Seasons of the Church Year. Why is the church decorated in purple during Lent? Why is Christmas always on December 25, but Easter is on different dates all the time? What is Ordinary Time? These and other basic but often unanswered questions in the liturgical life of churches are answered in this one-session study.

Accounts of Jesus' Birth. This two-session study is intended to challenge participants to consider the differences between the birth narratives in Matthew and Luke.

Reclaiming Christmas: Seeking an Alternative. The Christmas season is often a mixed blessing; we are able to spend time with family, but we also stress over the obligations and the many gatherings. But what might an alternative Christmas look like for people of faith? In this study participants will trace the history of Christmas, learn to recognize the secular elements of the Christian holiday, and consider ways their celebration of Christmas might be more spiritually meaningful.

It's a Wonderful Life. In this beloved holiday film, Jimmy Stewart portrays George Bailey, a hardworking, self-sacrificing businessman who eventually becomes dispirited when an unfortunate turn of events threatens to sink his company. The film demonstrates for viewers the power of prayer, the love and strength that exist in relationships we establish and in the community that surrounds us, and the wonderful gift of life that God has bestowed on us all.

Miracle on 34th Street. This brief study presents three scenes in the movie that will help individuals and groups explore questions of faith and doubt. In addition to commenting on the commercialization and secularization of Christmas, the study provides Christians with an opportunity to reflect upon the times that they have doubted their faith in God, Jesus, and the church and the things that have helped them reclaim their faith.

New Year's Resolutions. Is there anything inherently religious about the ways we celebrate New Year's? Should there be? In this one-session study, participants will look at some ways Christians might celebrate New Year's. The Leader's Guide invites participants to reflect on the past and coming year and offers some guided prayer as the new year begins.