Song of the Stars - It's Time!!!!!

Christmas is quickly approaching! Or, if you were to ask my kids, they would tell you that Jesus' birthday will be here in just 20 more days of advent readings, coloring pages, candle lightings, prayer through Christmas cards, and nativity playtimes.

Among the many ways we celebrate Jesus' birthday, we are purposeful to read a new Christmas book each year, one that reminds us of Truth, and points us to Jesus. After careful research and selection, we chose to add the beautifully written and illustrated Song of the Stars, by Sally Lloyd Jones to our collection. Author of our favorite children's bible, The Jesus Storybook Bible, she exceeded my expectations with her new Christmas story. Sally perfectly captures excitement and anticipation as all of creation waits, hopes, and trusts for God to fulfill his promise to send a savior. This sweet story firmly claims the truth that the Great Creator humbly steps down from his throne to dwell with his creation, under the stars. The story is written in such a way to remind us that it is the Creator we worship, and not creation. Ashley (my 8 month old) likes to help turn the pages, Gavin (2 1/2) loves to crawl up under the tree to look through the pics for quiet time, and Blane (4) is captured by the vivid illustrations, and coupled with the text, the story provoked thoughtful theological questions from him. What a treasure!

The more times we read it through, the more we find to love. And don't be surprised - this book will rekindle the goosebumps, butterflies, and other Christmastime, childlike emotions. Even as an adult reader, it brings happy and hopeful tears.

Thankfully we are on the receiving end of God's first promise to send a Savior, even as "creation waits in eager longing" for fulfillment of a second advent, His return and full redemption. This book reminds us that the birth of Jesus brings such great HOPE!

I would strongly recommend this book to anyone, any age, for any time of year. It is certainly a beautiful song that Jesus came to write for us.

"It's time!!!!" "It's time!!!!"