A book makes a wonderful gift for anyone on your Christmas list. Giving a book that testifies of the Savior and shares a message of hope and the blessings of the gospel will make it a treasured and memorable gift that lasts not only for the rest of the year, but for eternity.
Christmas with the Prophets
By Laura Willes
Published by Deseret Book
Have you ever wondered what Christmas is like for the Prophet of the church and his family? What are their traditions? How do they celebrate the birth of the Savior? What are the messages the Prophets have shared with their loved ones, members of the Church and the world?
In Christmas with the Prophets we get a glimpse into the personal lives of the Prophets of the restoration through stories and records of wonderful events surrounding the Christmas season.
Beginning with the birth of Joseph Smith, on December 23, 1805, just two days before Christmas, the book gives intimate and sacred accounts of his most joyful and memorable Christmases, as well as those spent in prison and the final Christmas before his martyrdom. In each of the following chapters we read about the Prophets and how they celebrated the birth and life of the Savior and what Christmas meant to them. Each beloved prophet’s life reflects his own personal testimony and helps us understand the true meaning of Christmas.
These precious accounts are perfect to read together for Family Home Evening, on Sunday afternoons, or to find a moment of peace during the hectic pace of the holidays. One of my favorites was the account of a distraught and humble Lorenzo Snow, who went to the temple after learning that the Prophet Wilford Woodruff had passed away. If it was the Lord’s will he would be called to be the next prophet of the church. While kneeling at the altar in the temple, pouring his heart out in prayer, he waited for answers and guidance. Receiving no response, with disappointment he left the room. As he passed the Celestial Room and walked into a large corridor, he received a glorious visitation from the Savior, who was standing three feet above the ground on a plate of solid gold. They spoke face to face and the Savior gave him instructions to organize the first presidency of the church. President Smith had perfect knowledge that the Savior had been born in Bethlehem, and lived and guided his church. He had been told in his Patriarchal Blessing that he would see the Savior in the flesh and his blessing had been fulfilled.
Stories of faith and hope through times of war and the depression, stories of miracles and joy, and stories that give deeper insight into the birth of the Savior, fill this book.
Along with the stories are messages of peace and counsel. In December 1994, just three months before his death, President Howard W. Hunter shared this message with members of the church. “We should strive to give as He gave. To give of oneself is a holy gift. We give as a remembrance of all the Savior has given.” Then he gave the Church members a Christmas gift list: “Mend a quarrel. Seek out a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust. Write a letter. Give a soft answer. Encourage youth. Manifest your loyalty in word and deed. Keep a promise. Forgo a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Apologize. Try to understand. Examine your demands on others. Think first of someone else. Be kind. Be gentle. Laugh a little more. Express your gratitude. Welcome a stranger. Gladden the heart of a child. Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth. Speak your love and then speak it again.”
I particularly enjoyed the photos and artwork that accompanied the different stories and accounts in the book. Touching and tender, this book will lift you and fill you with the spirit of this wonderful Christmas season. A wonderful addition to any home library.
The Forgotten Carols
A Christmas Miracle for Isaac and Eliza
By
Michael McLean
Illustrations by
Brandon Dorman
“The miracles of Christmas are really just gifts to help us find faith in the greatest miracle of all.” Michael McLean
A Christmas Miracle for Isaac and Eliza is the heartwarming tale of two young siblings who have lost the magic of Christmas. Their family has fallen on hard times and, this year, Christmas isn’t something to look forward to. That is, until an unusual sitter arrives on Christmas Eve with her magical ornaments. As each ornament is placed on the Christmas wreath, a visitor from the Nativity story miraculously appears and sings a song that testifies of Jesus Christ – the Savior of the world. The accompanying CD features the music of each “forgotten carol” introduced in this book as well as the thoughtful narration read by Michael McLean. Christ-centered homes are sure to appreciate adding the story of Isaac and Eliza to their children’s Christmas book library.
Beautifully illustrated and suited for children of all ages, A Christmas Miracle for Isaac and Eliza shows that the magic of Christmas doesn’t come in packages and presents, but from the meaning of Christmas and the miracles that happen because of the love and faith we share with others.
The accompanying CD with fill your home with the warmth and beauty of the “forgotten carols” and with the joy this magical season brings.
