Christmas is coming. Like it or not, we’re already into November, and that means Christmas is just around the corner. And Christmas is a time for family traditions, both old and new.
If you like traditions as much as I do, you’ll be very interested in the book I’m reviewing today: If He Had Not Come from David Nicholson. This beautiful hardcover book is a reissue of an old story by Nan F. Weeks (based on John 15:22) and tells of one boy’s journey through a world without Jesus. Have you ever stopped to think about what our existence would be like without him? Whether you’re a follower of Christ or not, his existence here impacts your everyday life in ways you don’t even realize. Ever been to a hospital? Probably wouldn’t have them without Christ. Without the celebration of Jesus’ birth, December 25th would be just another day; stores and factories would be open for business. How unpleasant does that sound?
In addition to the story, there is a discussion guide in the back of the book to spark a conversation between you and your children. The questions asked in this guide are very thought provoking. They delve into matters of faith as well as simply talking about the story and, yes, even traditions.
This full-cover, hardback book is available for $18.95 (you can also get an e-book version for $3.99) and is recommended for ages 6 and up. Based on the spiritual connotation of the story, I think that’s a fair age range. Smaller children will appreciate the pictures (and being read to), but you’ll be able to have wonderful discussions with your older children.
This would be a wonderful book for any home or church library. I can definitely see reading this and thinking through the prospect of what Christmas is really all about – and how different (awful) our world would be without Christ – each year with my boys. What a wonderful tradition to start!