SEASONS ARE A SEASON FOR A REASON
"Why can't it be Christmas all year long?" is the common cry of children who love this time of year. While that may sound like a nightmare to parents who are exhausted from decorating, shopping, and event hopping, we understand that Christmas is a time that is special precisely because it is a season and not "life as usual."

Life is full of seasons - some joyful, some painful, some we hope never to forget, some we wish we could - but through them all, Jesus is there. While the celebration of His birth may only be for a season, we CAN carry into the new year the reason He came. So celebrate His birth this month, but take the new birth and new life Jesus came to offer into the New Year with you!

Everyone at Kidology would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas! We thank God for the opportunity to equip and encourage you in your children's ministry and look forward to serving Jesus with you again next year! We pray that in the midst of the craziness of December, you and your family will enjoy the peace and happiness that comes only from hangin' out in the stable with Jesus!

Because Jesus Loves Children,
Karl D. Bastian - a.k.a. "The Kidologist"

MOVIE REVIEW: THE GOLDEN COMPASS
"I'm not going to tell you whether or not you should see this movie," writes CP Team member Brett Richmond in his review of The Golden Compass. "This review is geared to assist parents, pastors, and teachers in interacting with children and adults that have seen the film."

With Kidology's unique movie reviews, you can use this film as a teaching tool, as we provide an overview, areas of concern, teachable themes with scripture, and discussion questions!

» Read the Review
» Discuss the film in the Network Forums!

COMMENTARY: A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY
"As often happens when the world infringes our assumption that the world ought to be Christian – Christians turn on each other and miss a golden opportunity to get a glimpse into the hearts and minds of those we are trying to reach."

So says Karl Bastian, the Kidologist, in a commentary about all the buzz over The Golden Compass. Agree or disagree? Share your thoughts in the Kidology Network Forums!

» Read the Commentary
» Discuss in the Network Forums!

CHRISTMAS-THEMED ORDER OF THE ANCIENT STORY
The adventures found in Karl Bastian's Order of the Ancient novel continue with this Christmas-inspired short story: Josiah and the Mysterious Child!

Ideal for both fans of the novel as well as new readers, this 12-page Order of the Ancient Short Story takes place one year after the original novel plotline, continuing the Chronicles of the Remnant with familiar characters, Brent and Amy, discovering the greatest gift ever.

Also included: Discussion questions for parents and teachers!

Available for immediate download as a PDF:
» Single Copy or Unlimited Group License
» Discuss this short story in the Network Forums!

BE A KIDOLOGY CHAMPION
A Champion is defined as "an ardent defender or supporter of a cause or team. A person who fights for or defends a person or cause. To support, defend, protect and maintain a cause." We'd like to invite you to be a Kidology Champion.

Would you consider signing up for an e-mail list that will keep you informed with timely and informative ways you can pray for the ministry of Kidology? This newsletter will always be written personally by Karl Bastian, the founder of Kidology, and is ONLY for providing updates of how you can pray, what Kidology's needs are, and what we're up to.

» Learn more about being a Kidology Champion

PHIL & MIKE Q&A TRANSCRIPT NOW LIVE!
Remember our Kidology Forum Q&A Series discussion with Phil Vischer and Mike Nawrocki? Whether you were part of the event or missed the excitement, we're happy to announce that the full transcript from the Q&A is now online!

During this Q&A, Kidology members got to ask Phil and Mike questions about VeggieTales, and more specifically, The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: A VeggieTales Movie, which hits theaters January 11.

» Read the transcript!
» Learn more about The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything

DO YOU HAVE "VISIONARY LEADERSHIP"?
Kidology Online Training presents our latest Leadership Lab, Visionary Leadership. This face-to-face learning experience with instructor Karl Bastian enables you to learn how to get perspective about the tasks that fill your days, while at the same time receive encouragement as you explore vision.

» Start the Lab online
» Continue your study with the Download Kit

Kidology Online Training is exclusive to Professional and Group Members.
Want to access free online training videos and more? Upgrade today!

MOVIE REVIEW: AUGUST RUSH
"This movie is quite child-friendly, although not geared towards a child audience," notes CP Team member Matt McDaniels in his review of August Rush. "The bottom line is I'd recommend this movie to almost anyone."

Includes overview, areas of concern, teachable themes with scripture, and discussion questions!

» Read the Review
» Discuss the film in the Network Forums!

A TOYBOX TALES CHRISTMAS
Make sure you pick up a copy of A ToyBox Tales Christmas on DVD. This five-part performance acts out the story of the first Christmas (using Playmobile characters) and a Bonus Tale. That's 6 Tales in all! A fun way to celebrate the story of the season. Don't miss out!

» Order your copy today!

YOSEMITE SUMMIT: JUST 5 SPOTS LEFT!
"Which are you? A valley dweller or a mountain climber?" Challenge your spiritual life by attending Yosemite Summit: A Kidology Retreat, a 5-day personal sabbatical for male children's pastors. It all takes place May 18-22, 2008. Don't miss "The Unconference for Children's Pastors!"

» Learn more about the Unconference!
» YosemiteSummit.org: "Why Climb?"

» Deck your brain with boughs of holly?