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‘A good conscience is a continual Christmas,’ said Benjamin Franklin. Charles Dickens said: ‘I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.’
These two quotes point out to me that Christmas is ‘so much more’. But 2 Corinthians 9:15 says it best: ‘Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!’
So, if you are looking for gifts this Christmas to highlight the truth of God’s salvation, look at these:
Wonders of His Love (ISBN 978 1 645 071 570) by Champ Thornton. Isaiah’s wonderful imagery brings to life the true meaning of Christmas. In this book we see God pointing His people to the future. Jesus would deliver His people from sin and sorrow forever. An excellent advent devotional for busy families, with stories, questions, crafts and games.
It’s good to see a trusted name writing for children and Vaughan Roberts’ great little resource Christmas in Three Words (ISBN 978 1 905 564 804) focuses on the words Historical, Essential and Joyful. The endorsements on the publisher’s website indicate that this is a good evangelistic publication for friends, family and the unchurched.
The Christmas Story by Carine Mackenzie (ISBN 978 1 781 914 335) is a Biblical retelling of Christ’s birth. Endorsed by Amy Orr Ewing who said: ‘In this beautifully illustrated book, Carine writes with imagination and clarity.’
An advent idea
Here’s an idea – before advent wrap up 25 Christ-centred kids’ titles from your own library and add a couple of new ones. Then take out a title to unwrap and read each day.
Try these. For older children: The History of Christmas (ISBN 978 1 527 103 344) by Heather Lefebvre. Afterwards I Knew (ISBN 978 1 845 505 639) Christine Farenhorst – the chapter called The Child.
For younger children: The Christmas Promise (ISBN 978 1 910 307 113) by Alison Mitchell. Jesus Came For Me (ISBN 978 1 645 070 498) by Jared Kennedy. The Very First Christmas (ISBN 978 1 781 916 087) and I Spy at Christmas (ISBN 978 1 527 101 173) both by C. Mackenzie.
How about researching the true story of St Nicholas. There are some interesting legends, but look up how he contributed to the Council of Nicea. You will find sources online, but he is mentioned in the Athanasius chapter of the book Redemption (ISBN 978 1 527 108 004) by Luke Davis. A good alternative to the fictionalised St Nicholas we see so much of at this time of year.
