Simple Message of Christmas

I’ve been savoring the Christmas story in Luke and Matthew’s gospels and enjoying the simple message of Christmas. Seeing events in my imagination as the Angel Gabriel greets Zechariah and then Mary, and speaks to Joseph in a dream. Digging into the details to see how old Mary might have been, and the distance they traveled to Bethlehem from Nazareth. Each piece of the story builds an intricate stage set by the God of the universe for when the time was right for the Messiah.

Mankind was unable to reach God, so He came to us instead as an infant king. The simple story of redemption began from the beginning and was brought forth that first Christmas.

Mankind was unable to reach God, so He came to us instead as an infant king. #SimpleMessageOfChristmas Click To Tweet

My Christmas preparations have also been simplified to intentionally focus on Jesus. Simple decorations—Simple gifts—and acts of kindness.

A fun way to do this was reading children’s books about the Christmas story. They have a way of trimming the extraneous messages of the world and keeping Jesus in the center. Here are a few I discovered:

Jacob’s Gift by Max Lucado; Illustrated by Robert Hunt

I found this book in our church library and brought it home. I brewed a cup of tea and read this sweet story about a young carpenter who often lost himself in his work—his teacher explained this as a special gift. I loved this story. I enjoyed hearing through a child’s words that God gives each of us a special gift to share with others; and in doing so, we share it with God. The illustrations are stunning too.

One Wintery Night by Ruth Bell Graham; Illustrated by Richard Jesse Watson

Wife of Billy Graham and writer of several books for adults, Ruth wrote her first children’s book. It has marvelous illustrations with short chapters that and will capture the imagination as a read-aloud or for an older child reading on their own. One Wintery Night tells a modern day tale of a young boy caught in a storm, taking refuge in a cabin, and weaves in the story of creation and redemption. I thoroughly enjoyed Ruth’s storytelling voice coupled with the incredible artwork.

Mouse’s Christmas Gift by Mindy Baker; Illustrated by Dow Phumiruk

This is a sweet story about a mouse living in the church who suddenly realizes that nothing is ready for the Christmas services. He prepares the missing pieces and brings the townspeople together for a night of giving and sharing the gift of Christmas. This book also has a download available with ideas to implement the story with children.

Children’s books about the Christmas story have a way of trimming the extraneous messages of the world and keeping Jesus in the center. #SimpleChristmas Click To Tweet

Itsy Bitsy Christmas by Max Lucado; Illustrated by Bruno Merz

Itsy and Bitsy are little mice who discover that the message of the Messiah’s coming is meant even for the smallest creatures. This is a sweet board book with plenty of story text—not just for the youngest listeners. The message we all need to hear is that Jesus came for you and for me—no matter how small or insignificant we feel.

I Love Children’s stories and Simple Ways to Tell Them

I am discovering (though have known it for a while) how much I love children’s books and the way they simplify stories for the littlest of people. And, reading all about the first Christmas through the eyes of a child has helped me to simplify the message of His coming to us.

It is often the simplest message, the shortest sermon, the clear object lesson, that we remember most. Their impact is life changing and memorable.

So, that’s how I spent the last couple of weeks, steeped in children’s literature and loving the simple message of Christmas shared by these talented authors. It’s helped me to simplify December and the Advent season. It’s cleared the clutter of the chaos so I can enjoy the joy of Jesus and His message of hope.

A New Christmas Tradition?

I plan to read these Christmas stories tonight (via Skype) with my two grandsons who don’t live nearby. What a wonderful idea for a Christmas Night tradition with them. Put the cocoa on to heat and snuggle up…Lao Lao (grandma) is going to read the bedtime stories tonight…

May we all see Christmas like a child, simple and clear.

Jeanne

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