Everybody knows the story of Santa Claus, the red–suited figure who lives at the North Pole and distributes gifts to good children every Christmas eve. But is there any historical evidence on which this jolly old character is based? Was there a real Santa Claus? To answer that question, host Mark Wilson, a distinguished historian and archeologist travels not to the North Pole but to modern day Turkey and Italy. There he uncovers clues that lead to the truth about the man behind the legend.
A History of Christian Worship: Ancient Ways, Future Paths is a six-part series that explores centuries of worship practices, as seen through the eyes of Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox churches. From scripture, sermons and creeds to baptism and the Eucharist, from art and music to drama and media, from prayer and contemplation to service and ministry, viewers will discover the significant people and events that have shaped history and learn how modern worship practices are rooted in the earliest foundations of the Christian faith.
This episode explores baptism and explains the history behind the various methods and traditions associated with the practice in Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox churches.
The third in the History of Christian Worship series. The Feast explores the significance of the Lord's Supper or Eucharist in worship.
The fifth in the History of Christian Worship series, The Expression explores how visual art, drama and media have been used in various times and places in Christian worship for the creative expression of the faith.
A History of Christian Worship: Ancient Ways, Future Paths is a six-part series that explores centuries of worship practices, as seen through the eyes of Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox churches. From scripture, sermons and creeds to baptism and the Eucharist, from art and music to drama and media, from prayer and contemplation to service and ministry, viewers will discover the significant people and events that have shaped history and learn how modern worship practices are rooted in the earliest foundations of the Christian faith.
This moving historical documentary explores the remarkable spirit and faith of the Volga German people. These German nationals emigrated to the Volga region of Russia during the time of Catherine the Great in pursuit of a dream… the promise of freedom and local self-government in their newly adopted homeland.
Ever wonder why we celebrate Christmas the way we do. Why do we give gifts, hang mistletoe, decorate Christmas trees? How did Santa, Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer, and The Nutcracker become Christmas traditions? Learn the origins of these and many other Christmas traditions on this single DVD the whole family will enjoy.
This Christmas experience the music and majesty of the season as seen through the heart of a child.
Ashes to Glory: An Easter Devotional on DVD takes viewers on a devotional journey from the remembrance of Ash Wednesday to the celebration of Resurrection Sunday. Each day contains a brief devotion (2-3 minutes) that reflects on a treasured song, poem, tradition, Scripture, character of the Passion story, or work of art that enhances the meaning of the season.
During the Second World War, racist laws in Italy forced thousands of Jews to flee their cities in search of safe haven. A few hundred of these refugees, facing dangerous obstacles along the way, reached Assisi, the city of St. Francis.
Since Khmer Rouge genocide of the late 1970's where up to 3 million people were brutally murdered in a season of Cambodian history that mirrored the atrocities of the Nazi's Final Solution, the nation of Cambodia has struggled to regain stability. This tragic time period left the nation in social and economic shambles, compounding hopelessness and poverty in a world without the knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Beyond Torture documents the persecution of Romanians under the communist regime. You'll hear firsthand stories of the persecution of Romanians under Stalinist communism.
Set in a courtroom, The Bible On Trial: Beyond a Reasonable Doubt examines the contributions of biblical analysis, ancient historical voices, archaeology and the testimony of first-century followers of Jesus Christ in its quest to determine the reliability and accuracy of the Bible’s message.
The true story of Nicoleta Valery Grossu's amazing survival in a Romanian Communist prison camp and how faith in the Lord strengthened her.
Join Rainer Wälde as he sets out on a fascinating journey through Europe on the trail of the Celtic saints. Discover the origins of Christianity in Ireland and journey with the Irish monks as they embark on their great adventure through France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy.
Zizka took a handful of peasants, outfitted them with farm implements, and defeated more than 100,000 of the finest knights in the world. He revived military techniques not used since the Romans and developed a forerunner of the modern tank and by the way Jan Zizka was blind.
The heroic Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who rebelled against the evil of Nazi Germany and vehemently opposed Hitler during World War 2, could have kept his peace and saved his life on several occasions but instead paid the ultimate price for his convictions.
THE AMISH: From the outside they all look the same, and yet each Amish person has their own story. Discover their stories.
John Calvin, Ulrich Zwingli, and Brother Klaus (Niklaus von Flüe) were three very different men who shaped the Christian faith in Switzerland. With this docu-drama, award-winning filmmaker Rainer Wälde celebrates the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation and the 600th anniversary of the birth of Brother Klaus, Switzerland’s most famous saint.
Carry Me Home is a short film set following the true story of Maria Ennals (Lindsey Grimble) and her family in the Antebellum South in the cold winter of 1860. Maria is a young mother trapped in slavery who seizes the opportunity to escape with her family when she encounters HARRIET TUBMAN (Karen Abercrombie, War Room). Harriet leads the young family through a number of trials on the Underground Railroad, causing them all to question whether or not freedom is worth the price they must pay to obtain it.
Bright, young Augustine thinks his mother’s religion is foolishness. When he finds himself in an important position as “The Voice of the Emperor,” Augustine must choose whom he will serve.
In the days of the Early Church, Perpetua, an affluent young mother, is charged with converting to Christianity and is sent to prison. But Perpetua's freedom can be secured easily. All Perpetua has to do is offer one pinch of incense in honor to the Roman gods. With this simple act of devotion and loyalty to the Roman Empire Perpetua can regain her freedom and return to her son and a life of comfort.
Why do we celebrate Christmas on December 25? How did Saint Nicholas become Santa Claus? Why do we have Christmas trees? Charting Christmas provides answers to these questions and many more as it explores the history of Christmas.