If you’re like me, you start planning for Christmas in July. (I’m afraid I’m not kidding. With nine nieces and nephews I like to be prepared.)
Christmas Day, it seems, was invented for children. On the day itself they tend to run amok. In a delightful mix of Dickens and disaster, the sugar-fuelled chaos can be exhausting. But there might be a moment on 25 December when we suddenly realise that this day is actually all about a child – the child in the manger.
Here are some children’s books that remind us of the simple fact that God became man – and that man was once a baby with all that that entails.
God’s Rescuer (ISBN: 978 1 915 705 037). This board book uses simple language and beautiful illustrations to teach the story of Christmas. Ideal for giving away at toddler groups and Sunday School.
Jesus: The Best Baby (ISBN: 978 1 781 919 811). A simple introduction to the story of Jesus – from His birth to His death. Finding out about Jesus is the very best!
Christmas: First Words (ISBN: 978 1 914 966 088). This full retelling of the Nativity adopts a ‘word-a-page’ style that is accessible for early readers.
Jesus: The Promised Child (ISBN: 978 1 857 922 974). Part of the Bible Wise series this retells the birth of Jesus for children aged 7–8.
Other books that are suitable for older children include:
Christmas Unpacked – Three weeks of Bible readings help you focus on what Christmas is really all about (ISBN: 978 1 873 166 888).
My Christmas Activity Book – 25 days to celebrate Jesus’ birth (ISBN: 978 1 781 917 596) – includes puzzles, codes, activities and crafts.
The Christmas Promise: Colouring and Activity book (ISBN: 978 1 784 980 139). 32 pages of colouring, puzzles, mazes and activities for Christmas.
For families:
Tracing Glory: The Christmas Story through the Bible (ISBN: 978 1 915 705 532), a 25-day Advent devotional that starts in Genesis and ends in the book of Revelation, tracing the glory of Jesus Christ from start to finish.
Christmas Devotional Dippers (ISBN: 978 1 915 705 839), a great way to get your whole family looking at the Bible together throughout Advent.
