Do you have any Christmas traditions you remember from your childhood?
One I remember from when I was a little girl and continued with my own children was the reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas every Christmas Eve. When my girls were little we would get them all snuggled in bed, trying to calm their excitement, and read to them. It was always the last thing we did with them on Christmas Eve. Then they would settle down and close their sleepy eyes, ready for morning to come.
I am excited to share a new book you can begin reading to your children or grandchildren on Christmas Eve. Glenys Nellist has written a wonderful book called ‘Twas the Evening of Christmas. This book begins with one of my favorite verses from the birth of Jesus,
“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news. It will bring great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you. He is the Messiah, the Lord.'” Luke 2:10-11
In this book, Glenys recounts the magnificent story of Jesus’s birth. From their arrival in Bethlehem, Mary and Joseph were unable to find a normal place to stay, but found refuge in a stable. Shepherds were visited by angels to tell them the good news. Wisemen followed the star and brought gifts to baby Jesus. One of the things I love about Glenys’ book is how she calls attention to the animals. The pigeons, cows, doves, mice, oxen, and lambs are all present for the birth of our Savior. She doesn’t leave out these precious animals who were more than likely present for such a glorious moment.
I read the book to preschool and Kindergarten classes at church. They all loved it! When it talked about the animals we stopped and made animal noises (something they quite enjoyed). When asked if they had ever slept on hay like baby Jesus, they laughed and said, “No, that’s silly! We sleep on sheets!” The girls said their favorite part was when the angels came to the shepherds. They even picked out which angel they loved the best (the illustrations are amazing!). I think the funniest part was at the end when I asked if they remembered who Jesus’ parents were. One 3-year old boy said, “Joseph and Judy!” I laughed so hard at this! It was a cute moment for sure!
This book is wonderful! It will make a great bedtime story on Christmas Eve for your little ones. Go out and grab a copy of this Christmas book for your children!
To learn more about the book check out this video on YouTube: ‘Twas the Evening of Christmas
17 comments
Congratulations to Patty Patterson!!! She is the winner of ‘Twas the Evening of Christmas book by Glenys Nellist! She commented on one of my Facebook posts. Thank you all for entering the giveaway. Make sure to check out Glenys’ next stop on her blog tour this week at: http://www.purposefulmoms.com. She will be giving away a copy on her blog this week too!
This is a wonderful book! My kids will LOVE it! The pictures are just beautiful! I cannot wait to share this with the kids this Christmas!
My favorite part of the Christmas story is when Gabriel visits Mary to tell her the news. He had just left the presence of God and I can only imagine the excitement he had to be announcing this.
Oh, this sounds so fun! My favorite part of the Christmas story is the reminder that God became our Emmanuel – God with us.
I love Glenys’ other books so I am sure this one is wonderful! My favorite part of the Christmas story is when our Savior is born and in such a humble way.
Can’t wait to check out this book! My favorite part of the Christmas Story is when Jesus makes his entrance into the world in such a humble way!
I think the book is very pretty and my favorite part of the story is the light that showed people hope. The hope that day was a baby born in a manger. We still have hope and we still have that light.
Can’t wait to read this one. My favorite part is that Jesus, king of kings, was born in a stable. Amazes me every time I say that.
what a beautiful version that will surely become a family favorite! i am certain the little ones in my family will memorize this story and “read along” in no time. the illustrations appeal to people of all ages. i’m so thankful for ms. glenys and her writing! she shares Jesus in a way that draws one in. i’m praying this book makes its way into homes that need to hear and see this sweet message!
I love Glenys’ book, true to the story! The illustrations are beautiful, and I love the diverse characters.
I can’t wait to get this book and incorporate it into our Y2 Christingle service. Love the part where the shepherds are told and take the lamb.
I love this book! The pictures are rich and beautiful, and the story, a very familiar one, is told in a way the the children who hear it will be able to sing-song it along with you. Another BIG hit!
Sounds like a great book. I’ll have to look for it, if I don’t win it. 🙂
I love giving the kids a contrast between Jesus in heaven and Jesus in a stinky stable. That’s how much he loves us.
My family just loves this book! We are so excited to readit to our children every Christmas, the story is so fun rhyming very similar to Twas the night before Christmas. Beautiful illustration!
Thank you so much, Vanessa, for the lovely review! My favorite part of the Christmas story is when Mary treasured up all these things in her heart! But, of course, please don’t enter me in the giveaway!
Glenys Nellist’s newest book is so beautiful and the way story is told is unique – in places rhyming similarly to “Twas the Night Before Christmas”!!! I wouldn’t have any problem finding children young and old to give copies to if were fortunate enought to win this giveaway!!!
It is a beautiful book…the writing will be familiar, and putting the Christmas story in this style will delight all ages. Beautiful pictures on each page. It will become a wonderful tradition year after year.