5 Recommended Christmas Books for Children
Doug
1. The Lightlings by R.C. Sproul
**PERSONAL FAVORITE**
Not everyone is afraid of the dark. Some are afraid of the light. This is a great allegorical tale that weaves together the biblical story of redemption in a memorable way that will fascinate children of all ages. It also includes a discussion guide for parents with Scripture references in the back to get at the deeper meaning of the story. I highly recommend it.
2. One Wintry Night by Ruth Bell Graham
Through his death and resurrection, the baby born that night in Bethlehem had become Lord of all. This is the real meaning of Christmas, the joy and glory of it! As a little boy is caught alone in a snowstorm, he finds safety in an old cabin owned by a woman who cares for his badly swollen ankle as she tells him the Christmas story. In this unique version of the Christmas story, Ruth Graham tells the whole story behind the story starting with creation and concluding with the resurrection.
3. The Pine Tree Parable by Liz Curtis Higgs
After nurturing tiny seedlings into fragrant Christmas trees, a farmer begins selling them–all except the biggest one, which the farmer’s wife sets aside for her own family. But when a penniless young girl sets her sights on that magnificent tree, the farmer’s wife learns the true meaning of Christmas. After 10 years, this endearing parable has touched children everywhere! Recommended for ages 3 to 7.
4. The Legend of the Candy Cane by Lori Walburg
This is a timeless tale that will help families celebrate the mystery and the meaning of Christmas by looking at not just the candy cane, but the cross. Here’s one snippet: But Mr. Sonneman, what are the stripes for? Lucy asked. The man’s eyes grew sad. The prophet Isaiah said, ‘By his stripes we are healed.’ Before he died on the cross, Jesus was whipped. He bled terribly. The red reminds us of his suffering and his blood.
5. Christmas Carols for a Kid’s Heart by Bobbie Wolgemuth and Joni Erickson Tada
No other time of the year is filled with as much excitement and gleeful expectancy as Christmas, and no one seems to enjoy the season more than children. Christmas is a time of making memories. And musical memories are one of the most precious gifts we can give the children we love. Along with many stories from the Bible, there are devotionals as well as a CD of songs included.
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How about you? Would you add any others to the list?
Written by Doug Wolter - Visit Website
November 29th, 2007 at 2:39 am
Doug,
Great to see you like “The Lightlings”! I was thinking when we gave it to you last Christmas that all the allegory might be over the heads of your little girls. – Surprisingly, although I have the audio file (Sproul reading it), I have never actually seen the book itself. You convinced me that I need to get this book for my little one.
November 29th, 2007 at 6:15 am
I’m definitely going to get “The Lightlings”. We’ve got the Candy Cane one and the Ruth Graham one. Nothing like the Christmas Tree lit under a cozy blanket with the wind howling outside, reading a great book with Mason and the rest of the fam on the couch! Thanks for the suggestion!
November 29th, 2007 at 2:09 pm
Mark,
Emie (5) has really enjoyed the book and can make most of the connections even though it’s an allegory. I also told this story to a group of 100 kids (K – 6th grade) on Wed. night as candles were glowing all around the room in the dark. It was a great atmosphere and when I finished the story I asked the kids some of the questions in the back as I pointed them to the gospel. Overall, they responded really well to the story. Thanks bro!
November 29th, 2007 at 3:47 pm
I would also recommend Andrew Peterson’s Matthew Begats book, based on his song. It goes through the lineage of Jesus in story form and the artwork is great! It also features a cd of the song
November 30th, 2007 at 3:33 pm
Also check out This is No Fairy Talk: http://creationproject.wordpress.com/2007/11/28/this-is-no-fairy-tale/
December 14th, 2009 at 6:09 am
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