Todd Outcalt

This Blue Christmas

Fri, 03 Jun 2022 15:04:23 GMT

The Gospel of John reminds us, "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it" (John 1:5). In this season that feels dark to many, as people of faith we have the promise of enduring light. But we'll need to look for it! What difficulty will the season of Advent hold for you this year? Separation from family? Financial distress? Isolation? The distress of living with the deep unknown? In the midst of the darkness, there is light!

The Upper Room invites you to join us this Advent as we seek the Light in a season of darkness. Together, we will spend daily time reflecting on the light of the season and engage in times of prayer and reflection on scripture.

Featuring Todd Outcalt's book Blue Christmas, our online experience will include:

Daily devotional readings from Blue Christmas: Devotions of Light in a Season of Darkness.
Guided prayer and scripture readings (audio recordings).
Space for comments and interaction with other eCourse registrants.

Blue Christmas: Devotions of Light in a Season of Darkness is an honest Advent devotional that meets people where they are?in their hurts, fears, and disappointments?and offers them hope through the birth of Jesus Christ. In our online experience, we'll gather around this devotional guide to experience scripture, meditation, and prayer, and we will be moved to action together.

Let Us Go Now to Bethlehem

Sat, 14 May 2022 04:13:11 GMT

This charming devotional book takes readers on an inward journey to the miracle of Christ's birth in the little town of Bethlehem. Many who will read this book probably haven't actually traveled to Bethlehem. "But that is of little consequence to the adventure of arriving there, to the adventure of discovery that awaits the mystery and wonder in the birth of Jesus," Todd Outcalt writes. The devotions are both personal and challenging. "I hope readers can discover something new that they may have overlooked in the old, old story," says Outcalt.

It's important to stay alert on the pilgrimage to Bethlehem, Outcalt reminds readers, for they may encounter Jesus in unexpected moments and surprising people or when they are most tired or confused. "The way to Bethlehem is saturated with stops and starts, with both darkness and light, with angels and the common touch of shepherds," writes Outcalt.

Let Us Go Now to Bethlehem contains devotions for the 28 days of Advent, the 12 days of Christmas, and the day of Epiphany. For small-group leaders, the book includes a 6-week study guide with weekly questions for reflection and conversation, a suggested scripture passage for each week, and an invitation to ponder the happenings of that week. As the Gospel of Luke attests, Let Us Go Now to Bethlehem is both an expectant declaration filled with mystery and a declaration of faith. Each day can offer these same expectations and wonders for readers if they open themselves to awe and joy.

Blue Christmas

Sat, 14 May 2022 01:38:36 GMT

The Advent and Christmas season is often associated with joy, love, generosity, and unity. But for many people, this time of year magnifies loneliness, anxiety, grief, and despair. While others are enjoying celebrations with their friends and families, those who are hurting often feel even more lost, abandoned, and alone than ever.

"Not all Christmases are white; some are blue," Todd Outcalt writes. Blue Christmas is a devotional book for the 28 days of Advent and Christmas Day. Each devotion includes a scripture selection, meditation, prayer, and suggested Advent action. The book also features additional prayers, a "Blue Christmas" worship service, and reflection questions.

In these honest devotions, readers will find their fears and realities named and brought into the light of God's love. They will be led to sit with their experiences, acknowledge their losses, and remember Jesus' promise "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."

Blue Christmas reminds us that all of our Christmases, even the darkest ones, can be filled with honesty and hope if we are first willing to sit in silence and bring our deepest fears to God.

Praying through Cancer

Sat, 14 May 2022 01:16:20 GMT

Our first reaction when the doctor says it's cancer: Why me?

Receiving a cancer diagnosis is traumatic, both for the person diagnosed and family and friends. Todd Outcalt writes from the perspective of a husband who has accompanied his wife, a breast cancer survivor, through her cancer journey.

Praying Through Cancer is a practical guide for anyone seeking strength, support, and hope for coping with cancer. This personal book addresses the raw emotions and deep questions evoked by cancer. Each devotion helps the reader encounter God through comforting scriptures, insightful reflections, and heartfelt prayers.

Daily readings provide an uplifting connection with God to help readers face their situation with faith and hope.
Reflection questions for family conversation or group discussion (especially cancer support groups).
The author shares wisdom from his pastoral counseling, plus his personal experience of supporting his wife as she lived with breast cancer.

The 28 Days of Prayer Series

Depending on who you ask, it takes 21-28 days to create a habit. The point is to commit for a consecutive number of days. This series follows the same concept. Each book is designed to cover a specific topic and help you develop a daily prayer practice that hopefully continues beyond the 28 days.

Let Us Go Now to Bethlehem

Thu, 05 May 2022 20:36:54 GMT

Praying through Cancer

Thu, 05 May 2022 20:26:34 GMT

Our first reaction when the doctor says it's cancer: Why me?

Daily readings provide an uplifting connection with God to help readers face their situation with faith and hope.
Reflection questions for family conversation or group discussion (especially cancer support groups).
The author shares wisdom from his pastoral counseling, plus his personal experience of supporting his wife as she lived with breast cancer.

The 28 Days of Prayer Series