Christmas had become a time of stress for my family with all
the shopping and decorating and giving of token gifts not really needed or
appreciated. It was then that I simplified the holiday season by focusing on
Jesus, God’s greatest gift. Acts of service in His Name gives me a peace and
joy lacking in the secular holiday. Now any gifts I give are made by hand with
love. For eight years, I have volunteered
during Christmas at the Library to read Christmas books to children who come from
all countries to celebrate Jesus’ birth at the Billy Graham Library. One book
was similar to the Christmas Cradle, but I much enjoyed the fact that children
and adults can put “cards” recalling the loving service they performed for
others inside a cradle. The “gifts” placed inside the cradle brings the Christmas
story of Jesus full circle. It reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas, our
gift of Salvation. The book is very colorful and the vivid colors are sure to
attract the attention of young children. The sweet story of celebrating
Christmas in Aunt Jenny’s farm turns into an opportune teaching moment to share
the story of the Christ child born in a stable. Molly forgets about Santa and
elves and reindeer this night and gives her heart to Jesus. Truly a much-needed
reminder for our children to remember why we started celebrating Christmas. Maybe
this could become a book that deserves regular reading at Christmas. The book
was offered for review free of charge by the Hendrickson Rose Publishing.
No comments:
Post a Comment