Finding the Heart of Christmas: A Review of God Gave Us Christmas
As the holiday season approaches, my home hums with excitement, and every corner sparkles with the frenzy of decorating, shopping, and baking. But amidst the chaos, we carve out precious moments for storytime—our family’s little tradition that helps us slow down and reconnect. This year, as I sat on the couch with my kids, snuggled under a warm blanket, we dove into God Gave Us Christmas by Lisa Tawn Bergren. I knew I had found the perfect book to spark their curiosity about the true meaning of the season.
In this delightful tale, Little Cub, a curious young polar bear, embarks on an adventure with her Mama to discover the very essence of Christmas. As they navigate the snowy landscape, Little Cub asks heartwarming questions: “Who invented Christmas?” and “Is God more important than Santa?” Through Mama’s gentle guidance, they learn that God’s love is woven throughout the season, culminating in the ultimate gift—Jesus.
As we turned each page, I watched my children’s eyes grow wide in wonder, captivated not just by the story but also by the beautifully illustrated Arctic scenes. The warm hues and adorable polar bears filled us with a cozy feeling, making it the perfect backdrop for our holiday bonding. The book’s lyrical writing style made it a dream to read aloud, and I could feel their little minds processing the profound messages beneath the surface.
What truly surprised me were the discussions this book sparked! My five-year-old, with his constantly whirring thoughts, asked, “But Mommy, why do we hang stockings if Santa comes?” And my three-year-old, who often trails behind but is a sponge for information, chimed in, “I want to give Jesus a gift, too!” Their innocent inquiries reminded me that these stories are not just words on a page; they become part of our family’s shared beliefs and traditions.
One of our favorite lines centered around the reminder that “Jesus is the best present of all.” It evoked a fuzzy feeling in my heart, and truthfully, I felt that warm glow of gratitude spilling over at that moment. It became a gentle prompt for us to reflect on what really matters at Christmas—love, family, and faith.
I can wholeheartedly recommend God Gave Us Christmas to families with children aged three to eight—especially those with little ones teetering on the edge of understanding the holiday’s significance. If your kids are anything like mine, they’ll appreciate the adventure of learning about God while also enjoying the fun traditions that make the season magical.
In our household, this book has cemented its place among our favorite holiday reads. It’s not just a one-time read; it has become part of our tradition, one that we will return to year after year, soaking in its warmth and wisdom. For me, it’s a reminder of the joy and chaos of parenthood—how even amidst the hustle and bustle, we can still find moments that touch our hearts and help us understand what it means to celebrate together. So this Christmas, I invite you to gather your little ones, snuggle up, and let God Gave Us Christmas illuminate the true spirit of the season in your home, too.
Discover the magic of the season with God Gave Us Christmas! >>
