Christmas Books in December

I'm reading several Christmas books this month and really enjoying them. They are all quick reads, under 200 pages in length. It's always fun to read Christmas books during December, they bring that nostalgic feel back into our lives, as well as reminding us of why we celebrate Christmas.

                                                            Hidden Christmas by Timothy Keller

This book is putting me in the true Christmas spirit. It's funny how we think we know enough about God and about the Christmas story, when in fact there is so much more to know about Him. And I love that He continually shows us more of Himself through His Word each time we open and read it.

Each Christmas is a reminder of the gospel message. A Savior has been born!

Timothy Keller says here:

"The Bible..speaks of this: 'I have hidden your word in my heart' (Psalm 119:11). Taking the message into my heart means not just to interpret it but to let it affect me deeply. It means, in a sense, preaching to myself, reminding myself of the preciousness, the value, the wonder, and the power of the particular truth I am treasuring. 

It is to ask myself questions: 'How would my life be different if I really believed this from the bottom of my heart? How would it change my thinking, feelings, actions? How would it change my relationships? How would it change my prayer life, my feelings and attitude toward God?"

When we hide His Word in our hearts He reveals more of His love, His grace, His compassion, His faithfulness, His peace, His joy. This book shares some of these truths about God and points us back to His Word. I love it when books do that.

About the Book: "This book takes readers on an illuminating journey into the surprising background of the nativity. By understanding the message of hope and salvation within the Bible’s account of Jesus’ birth, readers will experience the redeeming power of God’s grace in a deeper and more meaningful way."

                                                           The Christmas Mouse by Miss Read

This book is so cozy and Christmasy! It's set in an little town in England, in the early 1970's. The story includes two little girls who are 5 and 7, born in 1966 and 1968, who live with their mother and grandmother, Mrs. Berry.

I love how this author brings out all the beauty and excitement of Christmas. This tugged on my heartstrings and brought back memories of Christmas's past as a child. I was born in 1968 and my little sister in 1970 and I remember how exciting Christmas was for us. You never really forget this feeling, it so special.

About the Book: "Mrs. Berry is frightened by a mouse and goes downstairs to sit-out the stormy Christmas Eve. While cozily by the loungeroom fire, she is disturbed yet again. This time the intruder proves to be a young run-away boy."

                                                                           The Expected One

This is a 25-day advent devotional written with young families in mind. Each devotional has a passage of scripture from the Old Testament pointing to Christ, as well as a very short devotional. The following page is several questions and thoughts to ponder as a family.

I'm really enjoying the reflections each devotional brings and believe it can be read by anyone for encouragement.

In the introduction it says:

"The Old Testament passages laid out here are meant to guide you through the wide range of promises God gave us regarding His Son... all of them point to Jesus, collectively unfolding the promises of His long-awaited coming, His marvelous birth, His blameless life, His agonizing death, his glorious resurrection, and His reign as the eternal king of all."

About the Book: "Through this devotional, Scott James brings to light the many promises of Christ from birth to ascension that demonstrate His love for us during this Christmas season. These daily devotions, which are designed for both family and individual use, are timeless and moving reminders of the true gift of Christmas."

                                                              The Shoe Box by Francine Rivers

 

I've loved so many books written by Francine Rivers. I'm just getting into this one and enjoying it so far.

Sprinkled throughout the story are recipes and short reflections on her own families Christmas's, which I'm finding, brings a richness to this reading experience, as well as making me want to do some Christmas baking!

About the Book: "In this beautiful gift book, Francine Rivers tells a poignant Christmas story about a foster child, Timmy, and his very special shoe box. Includes special notes from the author about the story and her family’s Christmas traditions and recipes."