Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Book Review: "Christmas is About Jesus"

Christmas is About Jesus: An Advent Devotional
by Mukkove Johnson
Tate Publishing, 2009

It might seem a bit early to be thinking about Christmas, but Advent will be here before we know it, along with all the hustle and bustle that goes along with that time of year. “Christmas is About Jesus” is a lovely little book that will help children (and their parents) focus on the true meaning of Christmas. Each day from December 1st through the 24th features a Scripture verse and a reflection on a symbol of Christmas and how that symbol reminds us of Jesus. Some of the symbols covered include snowflakes, candy canes, ornaments, St. Nicholas, Christmas trees, Christmas lights, cookies, songs, and stars. As the days get closer to Christmas, the devotions focus on those who were at the first Christmas – the wise men, shepherds, Mary, and the most important one of all, Jesus.

The book is attractively designed and easy to use. It could be used at home or as part of a religious education class. The reflections could be used alone or combined with a craft for a longer lesson. “Christmas is About Jesus” will help keep minds focused on Jesus during the Advent season.

Reviewed by Patrice Fagnant-MacArthur
http://spiritualwomanthoughts.blogspot.com

1 comment:

Liz said...

I like the looks of this one -- I love special books and calendars for Advent that count down the season. I have another suggestion, for a book I just saw on a reading blog and which I'm adding to my own list: Mary's Son by Darryl Nyznyk. It's for the YA/Adult market and is about a rich girl lonely in her mansion with a dad too busy to pay her any attention and a street-tough teen who wants to burgle her house, plus the mysterious Nicholas who intervenes and ultimately teaches the two about the meaning of life and Christmas. The spirit of Christmas truly can be alive in the hearts of our children. This one sounds like it will be a class, kind of combining the real-world grit of "A Christmas Carol," combined with the emotions of "Miracle on 34th Street" and the feelings and tension of "It's a Wonderful Life."