Words About THE WORD: Recommended Reads for Christmas

Posted on by Michele Morin

For many, the Christmas story stands alone, lifted with huge parentheses out of the New Testament — maybe delivered in Linus’s hushed boy soprano, and then tucked away with the durable resin nativity set and the white twinkly lights until next year.

It’s a great story, so it’s easy to see why authors of every creed are drawn to its rich narrative.  Left in context, of course, it holds a pivotal place in redemptive history, and since it is a Word that was given to us (John 1:14), it is natural to use words and the magic of story to give substance to our celebration.

For me, every holiday is made more festive by the inclusion of books that heighten my understanding and appreciation of the occasion and that encourage me to enter in, to be present to the beauty.  Here are some favorites that I’ve written about over the past year (I’ve linked to my reviews if you want more detail).  Maybe they’ll make your celebration more merry, too!

CaptureSarah Arthur says it so well: “We risk in our time, losing the words that truly have meaning, the stories and works of substance.”  Well, to keep that from happening, she has collected some of the best to help us along in our Advent meditations.  Light upon Light (Paraclete Press) is a literary guide to be savored, day by day.  Last year through the dark of December, I found Sarah’s words to be true — it was liking “lighting one candle after another.”

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The Invention of Lefse (Crossway) took me back to a time when celebration was simpler — but joy was more elaborate. 

Reminiscent of Louisa May Alcott’s story-telling,  this quaint story makes a great read-aloud for elementary-age students — and a great attitude-adjuster for the more “mature” who could profit from a dose of Christmas spirit.

One Man’s Meat by E.B. White is not, strictly speaking, a Christmas book, but I have a tendency to return to it during the Christmas season just because of White’s patient rendering of life’s daily duties within the framework of a story.  Next time you read Charlotte’s Web to your kids, pay attention to the lists, and you’ll see that White was a champion of the particular.  For me, that’s a needed respite in the whirlwind we call celebration here on this planet.

CaptureI turn to Luci Shaw’s poetry throughout the year, but I must say that very few writers capture the mystery of the incarnation as she does.  A Widening Light and Accompanied by Angels are collections of poetry that delight in the mystery of God made flesh.

Last Christmas, I was reading John Owen’s Mortification of Sin — over hundred pages on the truth of one verse:  Romans 8:13.   There’s nothing like a little Puritan theology to heighten my awareness that there was a lot more going on in that stable than the Hallmark Channel has portrayed.  Here’s a quote from Owen:

“There is enough in Jesus Christ to yield thee relief.  .  .There is sufficient provision in Him for relief and assistance.”

Since having read The Mortification of Sin, I now read Romans 8:13 with appreciation for the truth that killing sin is all of grace, all of the Spirit, and flows from the “good news of great joy” that we celebrate when we say “Merry Christmas!”

Reading out loud to my kids for over twenty years has given me a love for picture books and for stories that are often truer than fact, and this year, I have discovered the joy of also reviewing children’s lit.

CaptureThis breath-taking little gem is the most inspired board-book I’ve ever read.  Sally Lloyd Jones pictures the occasion of Jesus’ birth as an evening of breathless anticipation and enthusiastic sharing of the news:  “It’s time!  It’s time!”  Everyone from barn owls to great white whales and “every single blade of grass” makes the announcement, causing me to think, “Yes, this is what the earnest expectation of the creation would really look like — if only we took time to notice.”

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M is for Manger is a Christmas alphabet book with adorable illustrations, large and lively pastel letters that are just right for little fingers to trace, and text that can accommodate little wigglers or older children who want the whole story.

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On the first Sunday of Advent, I had the fun of sharing The Sparkle Box with the children in my Sunday School program.  (The adults were there too, but we didn’t mind.)  I predict that this book will have a long run, influencing families to include Jesus in their Christmas celebration by sharing His love with the invisible and the unloved.

It is my Christmas prayer for you, dear readers, that you will take some time during this season of celebration to behold the Christ child, to heed the message of the angel by paying attention to His beauty.  Start with His Word.  Then, if you have any time left over, open the pages of a book, pour a cup of tea (coffee’s good, too!), and let the Story of all stories fill your heart with joy.

I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees. If you should decide to purchase Light Upon Light: A Literary Guide to Prayer for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany, The Invention of Lefse: A Christmas Story, One Man’s Meat, Accompanied by Angels: Poems of the Incarnation, A Widening Light: Poems of the Incarnation, The Mortification of Sin (Puritan Paperbacks), M Is for Manger, or Song of the Stars: A Christmas Story simple click on the title here and you will be taken directly to Amazon. If you decide to buy, I’ll make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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Published by Michele Morin

Michele Morin is a Bible teacher, writer, reader, and gardener committed to the truth that women can become confident Christ-followers and students of God's Word. She has been married to an unreasonably patient husband for thirty-plus years, and together they have four sons, four daughters-in-love, and five adorable grandchildren. Michele loves hot tea and well-crafted sentences, poems that stop her in her tracks, and days at the ocean with the whole family. She laments biblical illiteracy and advocates for the prudent use of “little minutes.” She blogs at Living Our Days, and you can connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.

26 thoughts on “Words About THE WORD: Recommended Reads for Christmas”

  1. It’s good to have such a great list of books for Advent and Christmas. They really do help us keep our focus. I like Ann Voskamp’s The gift of Christmas because I really like the Jesse Tree focus: Creation to Christ in December! Blessings on your holiday.

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Michele, I appreciate so much the time and effort you put into assembling this list of great books.

    There are several on this list I hadn’t heard of and would be very interested in reading.

    Thanks so much for sharing!

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Thanks so much for these! They sound excellent and I see things here new to me! I also found one in particular that will delight a granddaughter’s heart, The Invention of Lefse. Blessings on your day! Thanks so much!!

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Michele – I appreciate your thoughtful selections – I’m always delighted when I come upon your site. I, too, plan to looks up “The Invention of Lefse” – what good Norwegian could pass that up? Blessings!

    Liked by 1 person

  9. The Christmas Alphabet Book looks super cute and the Sparkle Box looks like a book I would enjoy. I bought one from Focus on the Family a few years ago that you might like called “The ADVENTure of Christmas” by Lisa Whelchel – Helping children find Jesus in our holiday traditions. I’m visiting from Missional Women’s Friday blog hop. Here’s my weekend linky if you want to join: http://abooksandmore.blogspot.co.za/2015/12/christmas-nostalgia-with-linky.html

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  10. I always love book reviews and recommendations. The fact that these have Christmas themes makes it even better. Thanks so much!

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  13. A nice variety of reads, Michele. I have been enjoying little Christmas novels this year. Some are sappy, but still nice. Christmas at Harrington’s by Melody Carlson is my latest. Nice message of forgiveness and social justice with a message of Jesus at the center.

    Liked by 1 person

  16. I am so glad you linked this at my party. I also enjoy reading books regarding the season and sometimes I begin late because I can’t find one that interest me. Making my list now so I can a few of these in time to read. Light Upon Light may have to be my first pick. Did you see that you were MOST VIEWED from last week’s party? Congrats and Merry Christmas in July!!

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    1. Thanks, Michelle. I’m so thankful for your creative theme ideas! What fun to re-visit some of our Christmas celebration mid-summer! And yes! Light Upon Light is a glorious and inspiring read to take you right through the season. I try to read it every year.

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