A creche
In Treasuring God in our Traditions Noel Piper suggests that using a creche [nativity scene] can be a very tangible, visible way of making Jesus the focal point of our celebration. For toddlers who are particularly visual and tactile, it is a constant reminder of what this season means.
The Pipers make the creche the focal point by arranging it on a table, and gathering the gifts underneath. Anyone who visits will notice that the center is not a tree with lights, and the very contrast will draw attention to what the creche represents.
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4 comments:
Are there any Christmas/Nativity books that you and your wife are reading to Elisabeth that you would recommend? I've enjoyed reading your reviews of other children's books thus far. Thanks.
Kristin
Thanks, Kristin. I really enjoy reading the books . . . most of them anyway.
I went to the library after Thanksgiving on a mission to find some good children's Christmas books. I checked out a bunch and was disappointed with almost all of them.
One was worthy of mention: The Nativity, http://www.amazon.com/Nativity-Julie-Vivas/dp/0152001174/ref=si3_rdr_bb_product/002-0660323-1815221
illustrated by Julie Vivas, is virtually verbatim of Luke's account of Jesus' birth. So the illustrations (watercolor) are meant to reflect the Biblical text. What caught my eye is just how human the characters are. I didn't think she did justice to the angels, but the paintings of the people brought home how human the characters were.
I'll make more trips to the library - and more recommendations. Do you have any recommendations?
Also, do you know if the Noel Calendar is available from DG? I searched for it on their site and couldn't find it. Many thanks!
Thanks for the book recommendation. I don't have any great Nativity book recommendations, but Haley does. She showed me "Christmas Day in the Morning" by Pearl Buck (the text of which is available here: http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Fields/8616/christmas/christmasday.html), although that book is probably too advanced for Elisabeth. Also, she had a great illustrated version of the Nativity but I've forgotten the exact title now.
The Noel calendar is available from Desiring God, but it is not one of our more popular products so it is not on the website. Some people think it's a little homely, but it is returnable if you decide you don't like it. To order it, you could call our customer service manager, Mike Tong, by dialing our customer service number (1.888.346.4700), or directly contact him at (612) 435-2439.
Perfect. Thanks, Kristin! Haley does have an amazing knowledge of good children's literature.
And thanks for the directions, and explanation, on the Noel calendar. I'm not the least intimidated that it is a bit homely!
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