The Leaven of Laughter for Advent and Christmas

About the Book

The Leaven of Laughter for Advent and Christmas contains hundreds of stimulating humorous quotes and provocative anecdotes which the busy church professional or volunteer can quickly find and use as leaven for oneÕs preaching, speaking, teaching, writing, or devotional reading.

The material is organized around 45 themes, which are used extensively, though not exclusively, during the Advent and Christmas Seasons. The reader will find the material useful throughout the year.

Everyone should be intrigued not only by the sheer delight of laughter, but by its versatility. All of us have seen people who were being "talked to death" come back to life with a laugh. We have observed hostile people disarmed by a funny story. We have watched total strangers bond through laughter. We have witnessed people tear down economic and social barriers and begin to trust one another because they laughed together. We have marveled as laughter exposed new and vital truth to a skeptic. We have been glad to see the Gospel take root in peopleÕs lives through a joyous laugh. Someone said, "When people are laughing, they are listening and one can talk about anything."

It gives me joy to share The Leaven of Laughter for Advent and Christmas with all those who will, in turn, share its treasures with others as they tell GodÕs Good News with a twinkle in their eye.

About the Author

Jim Atwood is a retired Presbyterian Minister who was born in Detroit, Michigan, but lived most of his life in the South. He has been a son, an athlete, a pastor to three congregations, a missionary and student worker in Japan, and an activist for peace and justice. He is a grateful husband, proud father, doting grandfather, minister's spouse, and is addicted to sports and travel. He graduated in physical education from Florida State University, and holds Masters degrees from Union and Princeton Theological Seminaries, and a Doctor of Ministry Degree from McCormick Theological Seminary. He serves on the National Boards of The Presbyterian Peace Fellowship and The Coalition to Stop Gun Violence.

His wife, Roxana, is also a retired Presbyterian Pastor. They have two children, Mebane and David, and four grandchildren. All of the above experiences, interests, avocations and relationships furnish grist for Jim's humor mill.