|
Nothing is more sacred than the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This book is a retelling of the many events connected with His coming, presented in an interesting format all children and their families will enjoy. The story is told with a clear, straight-forward approach, without embellishment. More than forty attractive illustrations, prepared by Crystal Dutson, add to the reader's understanding of the sacred events.
Both the Bible and Book of Mormon events are included. The author has told the stories well, smoothly blending the old-world and new-world accounts together.
Built on the theme that the promise of Christmas is the promise of God's love, the book moves from its present-day beginning back to the pre-mortal Council in Heaven. It contrasts Heavenly Father's and Lucifer's plans, and shows why Christ's mortal birth and atoning sacrifice were necessary. After telling of the earth's creation, it explains how Old Testament and Book of Mormon prophets continued the promise of Christmas in their prophecies of the Savior's birth. The last of these prophets was Samuel the Lamanite, who bore his prophetic witness just five years before Christ's coming.
The story continues with the accounts of the Angel Gabriel's visits, the preparation of Zachariah and Elizabeth, and then the preparation of Mary and Joseph. It tells of Mary's and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem, and of the angelic visit to the shepherds when the Savior was born. It also tells of events in the Americas, with the night when there was no darkness and when the new star appeared-signs which saved the lives of many persecuted believers.
Also told are the accounts of the visits of the wise men, the presentation of the baby Jesus in the temple, the flight of Joseph and his family to Egypt to escape Herod's soldiers, and their later return to Nazareth where Jesus grew in stature and wisdom.
This book is an excellent presentation of the Christmas story for all children of Primary age. Included are scriptural references to help them with further study, and to learn more of the promise of Christmas-the promise of love.
|
