Christmas Books!

2011 will be the first Christmas that Shyla actually kind of understands. She is excited. She knows who Santa is and that we will leave cookies for him and carrots for his reindeer. She knows that presents get wrapped and that the ones under the tree are not for her. We have been singing lots of off-key Christmas songs. She helped pick-out and decorate the tree.

But does she know what Christmas is all about? Not a clue.

Aside from the nativity scene, we have done a pretty poor job of keeping Christ in Christmas.

And so, the arrival of 4 new books that I am super psyched about! They are all by Crystal Bowman, formatted as board books, and written in rhyming couplets. And they all carry the message that although we celebrate Christmas with trees and gifts, the reason for Christmas is Jesus.

I think my favorite might be My Christmas Gift and I was thinking it would be nice to read it aloud prior to opening any gifts (perhaps a new tradition?)

I'd like to share just a couple of my favorite verses from these new books:

"My Christmas tree story is simple but true, for all those who seek him, will find Jesus too." -from Jesus, Me, and My Christmas Tree

"So next time you look at the stars shining bright, remember the star that glowed in the night, To let the world know of our dear Savior's birth, when God sent His Son down from heaven to earth." -from A Star for Jesus

"It's fun to find presents under the tree, and give Christmas gifts to your family. But the very best gift comes from above- it's Jesus the Savior, wrapped in God's love." -from My Christmas Gift