A Few of My Favorite Things-Books That Give A New Perspective to Christmas

There are a couple of small books that I pull from my bookshelf every year at this time. Each one is a very fast read, but so packed full of meaning! I thought I would share them with you.


The first is Cosmic Christmas by Max Lucado. Written with Lucado's characteristic flair, it is the fictionalized rendition of the spiritual warfare that must have surrounded the first Christmas. This would be a fun book to read with boys, at your discretion of course. (Minor parental editing may be needed as you read to them based on the age and maturity level of your kiddos.) Angels are portrayed as the warriors and protectors that they are. I plan to read this with my 9 year old this year, with the explanation that it is fictional. This is the nativity story like you have never heard it before. Find it in THIS compilation at Amazon.


The second book is The Innkeeper by John Piper. Although this is also a fictionalized account of events surrounding the first Christmas, as with all that comes from Piper's pen, it is rich with meaning. I have great respect for this man of God. This one brings me to tears every single year. I think any mom would understand this upon reading it. Have you ever thought about the true ramifications of the slaughter of all baby boys under the age of 2 that Herod commanded? Joseph was warned and Jesus was spared...many were not. This book is not a Christmas downer, on the contrary, it brings a depth to Christmas that is often forgotten. Find it HERE at Amazon.

My Heart's at Home

I love to read. My bookshelves are crammed with an odd mix of history, parenting, frugality, inspirational, biblical study, hospitality, and fiction writings. Books are so much better than movies to me. I am always disappointed by a movie if I have already read the book. I love to get lost in a story. I want to share one of my more recent reads. This book has done more to affect my parenting strategy than all of the other books I have read on the subject combined. I intend to present it with all baby gifts in the future. It is that good.

Jill Savage's goal is to show moms that motherhood is a profession. "You can do amazing things within four walls when your heart's at home." She has a ministry website located here.

As a mom it can be easy to lose yourself in the mundane and forget to cherish the moments. What a job we have, to prepare these impressionable little hearts and minds for life on their own. What we do will affect their lives as well as their children and the children's children. We are the ones who guide the trajectory for their future. What a heritage God has given us! I know I'm not going to get it all right, but I want to be intentional in my role as a parent. I never want to fall into the trap of just going through the motions.

If you are interested in purchasing Jill's book, which I highly recommend, it is available at Amazon for a very reasonable price.