Jeff Chaves is back with a second edition to his excellent book, A Christian’s Guide to Walt Disney World Resort. Jeff is an ordained minister, and as a result, he has incorporated ways that you can enjoy your Disney vacation while not checking your faith at the door (or leaving it packed in your suitcase).
I was privileged to be able to review his first edition of the book, which was available in a digital format only, and was pleased with being able to keep it on my phone and reference it.
This edition is available in both a paperback or Kindle format, and the paperback version is small enough that it won’t be like trying to carry around the Unofficial guide in your pocket!
I wrote these words in my initial review — but the sentiments are exactly the same now, and I am honored that Jeff chose to include my words in his book:
This book has so many incredible tidbits of information in it, all of which is designed to show you that, even though you are a family on your Walt Disney World vacation, that doesn’t mean that you need to stop, put your Faith and Christianity in a dresser drawer, and forget it until you get back home! Chaves does a great job of doing what so many of us forget to do when we are on vacation — getting us to slow down, examine the wonderful intricacies that is Walt Disney World, and gleaming the wonderful insites that Walt Disney and his Imagineers present to us, all while tying it into wonderful lessons from the Bible.
In the book, there are two devotionals that I truly felt the most connection with. The first was the devotion tailored around the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction at the Magic Kingdom. In it, Jeff shares the Bible truth that can be found in Luke 15:13-24:
God accepts anyone who turns to Him. ~ The story of the Prodigal Son.
This devotion struck me because I, like so many of us, was once that lost son. I did my own thing, I didn’t follow God, for much of my life I didn’t even go to church. That has all changed now, but I remember who I was before I found and accepted Jesus into my life, and this devotional does a great job of reminding me that anyone, even a pirate, can still find God, that there is still time.
The second devotional that I relate with is also tied to a Magic Kingdom attraction, this one being it’s a small world. The Bible truth that Jeff shares with us is a very important one:
Everyone must come to Jesus like a little child.
13 And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. 14But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. 15Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” 16And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them. ~ Mark 10:13-16 (ESV)
I have always loved it’s a small world. I love the song, I love the different scenes, I love the final scene where everyone is gathered and bathed in white clothing. In his devotion for this attraction, Jeff reminds us of Jesus’ words about how we need to receive the Kingdom of God like children — because our children are full of innocence and belief, and far too often when we get older we lose that innocence.
A Christian’s Guide to Walt Disney World Resort is a great read, and worth the $8.99 cost for the paperback (or $5.99 for the Kindle version). If you would like to purchase a copy, just head over to their Amazon page for more details.
In addition, Jeff has given us an extra copy to give away! To enter, just complete the Rafflecopter information below, and good luck!
Very cool idea!
Good luck, Deanna, with the giveaway!
I Love this!! My question: Are these truly devotions or could a whole Sunday School/ Bible Study lesson be built around them?
That’s a great question, Beth! Jeff is checking back periodically to answer all of your questions, so I’ll make sure he sees this and responds when he can. Thanks!
Mike
Hey Beth. They are short and designed as devotionals. Each lesson has discussion questions, so that could take longer for a group. I would say that you could group a few lessons together and make a class out of it.
What a wonderful concept! Last winter our church did an entire sermon series based on Disney and it was amazing!
How did you come up with this idea, Jeff?