This is one of my favorite Christmas Children's Books. My Dad used to read it to us on Christmas Eve when we were little. I distinctly remember being all dressed up for the Christmas Eve Nativity (I was Mary that year) and sitting next to my sister on the love seat while our Dad read this book to us. He could never get through it without tears, and I have always been touched by the story as well. Interestingly enough, however, the reasons it evokes tears for me seem to evolve and grow as I age. Have you read it?
Initially, I found it touching because I identified with the little boy who feels so out of place, then I began to acknowledge the meaning in God choosing this child's gift for Christ... that although He feels "less than", our Father God finds value in Him. If you haven't read this book, I don't want to ruin it for you; but let me tell you why, as an adult, I find this book so touching.
I get chills when I get to the second half of the book. The symbolism to our own struggle in mortality it so real now... so clear. Themes and messages that went over my head as a child now sink into my bones with clarity.
What I love most about this book is the message that When we truly give of ourselves to the Lord, give in a way that sacrifices what we desire; He will take that offering and make it something beautiful; something mind-boggling, something beyond our comprehension. Like that sweet little boy with two fish and five loaves of bread. He will make our offering more than enough. And then I feel it a step further... when we give to Him our very selves, our will, He will make us into something better; something amazing, something that fulfills our potential and brings glory to Him. He will make us like Him. And that, my friends, is the only thing we really have to give Him: Our Hearts; Our very Will; Ourselves.
Honestly, I don't think my kids really got that message this year. But I hope that as we read it every Christmas, the emotion of the story will grow on them as it did me. That one year, they will hear the story with new ears, ears that are ready hearken to the Holy Ghost... that they will look up and see the symbolism so clearly that their hearts are full of the love of Christ.
For now, I'll settle for a traditional reading with cookies!
We thought we would try a new recipe to go along with the book: cookies called Angel Wings!
If I'm being completely truthful, this was a Day 23/24 activity because the dough has to refrigerate over night.
Honestly, they were really tedious to make. But we had fun!
While Dad read the story, the kiddos munched on the cookies! The tedious process of cookie-making would totally have been worth it if anyone had liked them!
But, it was a universal thumbs down on the cookies. Bummer.
Our song for tonight was a repeat of The First Noel (since my girls sing it almost every day anyway!)
And our scripture for this night was Luke 2:6-11:
"And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."
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