Kids Corner

The holiday season is upon us!  It’s getting colder outside, decorations are going up and Christmas music is waiting for us around every corner. Recently, I realized that we are bombarded by a distorted view of Christmas- the one of stockings, presents and baking cookies for Santa. Not that there’s anything inherently wrong with any of those things. The question I kept asking was - where is Jesus in all of this? What is it that we are really celebrating? 

I compiled a list of my favorite books for children that point them to Jesus being the reason that we celebrate Christmas. (You’d be surprised how hard they are to find!) The thing I love about these books is they tell the nativity story from different angles. In addition, you can find most of these at the library: 

A Baby Born in Bethlehem by Martha Whitmore Hickman. This book is a wonderfully illustrated retelling of the Christmas story, from Mary and Joseph seeking a place to stay to Jesus’ birth. It’s a great book that includes the whole story.

Jesus Storybook Bible (He’s Here! The Nativity) by Sally Lloyd-Jones. The reason I put this on the list is because this version of the nativity story shows an excitement and anticipation of a coming messiah. “The moment God had been waiting for was here at last!”

Who is Coming to Our House? by Joseph Slate. This is a great story told from the point of view from the animals in the manger.

Waiting for Christmas by Kathleen Long Bostrom. This book describes how some of the Advent traditions began. 

My prayer is that you will be able to spend quality time with your family during this holiday season and that by reading these books, you will have many opportunities to share Jesus’ love with your children! 

Want additional ideas and activities for Advent? Check out the blog! We’ll be posting more ideas and activities throughout the entire month of December.