Do your children have trouble remembering the true meaning of Christmas? Are they caught up in the idea of seeing new toys under the tree? Here’s a book called The Nativity, written by April Renner Curtsinger and illustrated by B. Teresa Campbell. It tells children five through nine years old the story of Jesus’ birth, only the narrator is Boone, the family dog.
Winnie, the family cat, is super-excited about the presents she might get. I love how the author gives us a fresh view of the “vain cat” stereotype. Winnie hopes for movie-star glasses, a diamond collar, and a tiara, and she daydreams she’s Princess Winnie. She’s convinced that Christmas is about getting new stuff, thanks to the catalogs and TV commercials. I love the details the illustrator adds to the accompanying picture. On the floor, you see her Christmas list. In an open catalog, there are cat toys, while on the TV, there’s a commercial for a glorious cat tree.
However, Boone tells Winnie, “Things don’t bring you lasting joy.” Oof, that hits me to the core. How many times have I gotten excited about a new trinket, only to have my excitement wane after a while? It’s not that kids shouldn’t receive presents, but how many of those presents will lose the kids’ interest by the next Christmas?
Boone shares the story of the Nativity with Winnie. He includes Mary and Joseph’s entering Bethlehem, the shepherds hearing the good news, and the Magi giving gifts to Jesus. He calls Jesus the one who’ll give us hope. Now, animals can’t have a relationship with the Savior the way we humans can, but Jesus will one day heal the animal kingdom. “For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God (Romans 8:19-21, ESV).” You’ve probably seen or heard about the hardships and pain animals endure, especially at the hands of sinful people, but Jesus will end it all.
Winnie sees how greedy she’s been and understands the true meaning of Christmas. The story also reminds us that there’s joy in giving to others. The pictures show Boone and Winnie giving to homeless animals and donating at the food drive. There are more ways we can give to those around us.
- Donating toys and clothes
- Serving food via Meals on Wheels
- Buying coffee for the person behind you
- Baking cookies for your neighbors
- Donating to organizations like Samaritan’s Purse, Compassion International, and Angel Tree
Now that it’s the Christmas season, I’ll say it right now: May you and your family have a wonderful, Jesus-filled holiday.
Christmastime is full of magic and wonder. It’s easy to get caught up in the gifts, decorating, and the hustle and bustle of the season. Winnie thinks this is what Christmas is all about until Boone shares with her the story of baby Jesus, the first Christmas that brought hope to the world. Winnie learns that giving is better than receiving, and showing compassion and love brings you lasting peace and joy. Join Boone and Winnie in this heartwarming story of the nativity as explained from a dog to a cat.
