How Do I Prepare For Christmas?
By Janet Stobie
Many of us have begun Christmas preparations. Whether or not we are religious or Christian, it’s important to understand why we celebrate Christmas. The easiest way to learn is with our children. At a used or new bookstore, or your local library, choose four story-books based on the Christian biblical story of Christmas. With your child (grandchild, neighbour’s child) read one a week as part of your Christmas preparations. The list of Christmas books is endless. Sift through the stories. Choose carefully. Find ones that have meaning for you. Take time to talk about the message of the book. Even if you have no children in your life, read the children’s books anyway. You’ll be surprised by what you learn. Remember that Christmas is a Christian celebration of God’s choice to come and live among us in the person of Jesus.
Of course, I suggest my two Christmas books, “Spectacular Stella” and “Can I Hold Him?” They are both available directly from my website www.janetstobie.com, from Journeys Bookstore in Millbrook, from Kent Books or Footprints Bookstores in Lindsay. A few more suggestions are “God Gave Us Christmas,” by Tawn Bergren, “Room for A Little One,” by Martin Waddell, “The Gift of the Magi,” by P.J.Lynch, and of course, the Bible, Chapters 1&2 of Matthew and Luke. If you’re looking for a novel with a Christmas theme, try my latest book, Fireweed. I’m receiving rave reviews about it.
This year, make Christmas a time of learning for you and your family. Step away from the commercialism of Christmas and discover its meaning in your world today. I guarantee that understanding will add to your joy this Christmas season.
“So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them at the inn.” (Luke 2:4-7)