Each December, people around the world await the joyful event of Our Lord’s birth. Christmas is the wonderful day that God was born in a stable in Bethlehem. In plays, celebrations and family festivities people enjoy this happy moment.
"But when time had fully come, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons." (Gal 4:4-5) The magnificent gift of Our Lord’s birth has been celebrated in music and art throughout the ages. While reading the first chapters of St. Matthew and St. Luke are of inestimable value, a marvelous picture book such as "The Story of Christmas" will nourish the love of Christ in the hearts of young readers.
Since all the Sacred Scriptures are divinely inspired, the Bible in a sense is one very large book detailing God the Father’s plan for mankind. Pope Benedict XVI, in his book "Jesus of Nazareth," follows this idea when he treats the Infancy Accounts of the St. Matthew and St. Luke as one basic narrative. This blending of events in both Gospels helps readers better understand the events of the Nativity.
Dalton uses the Annunciation as the opening illustrations of the book. The Angel Gabriel greets Mary with the regal word "Hail." Only a queen is addressed in this manner. The beauty of the Angel Gabriel and Our Lady in the first two pictures set the tone for the entire book.
Next readers see St. Joseph leading Mary, seated on a donkey into Bethlehem, the birthplace of King David. The drawing of Jesus in the manger is simply wonderful. Beautiful angels then appear to the shepherds watching over their flocks. The two-page drawing of the angels saying "Glory to God in the highest" takes my breath away. As Our Blessed Mother lovingly holds the Christ Child, the shepherds come and reverentially pay homage.
Then the artist shows the Three Wise Men pointing to the star leading to Jesus. As they later kneel in front of the newborn King of the Jews, they give their gifts of gold (acknowledging His kingship), incense (stating His divinity) and myrrh (foretelling His death.)
The warnings given to the Three Wise Men to avoid Herod, and to St. Joseph to flee into Egypt are then presented. The two-page drawing of the Flight into Egypt is very detailed and instructive.
Finally the book concludes with an uplifting picture of the Holy Family busy at work after they have returned to Nazareth.
Readers will find this picture book both beautiful and comforting. Though the story of the Nativity is well known to most people, the artwork of Pamela Dalton will draw young children into the heart of the magnificent account of the Incarnation. Your heart and spirit will be lifted as you read this inspiring story from the Bible and point out the endearing pictures accompanying it. Young children will want to kiss the picture of the Christ Child in the manger. And this is how it should be.
I hope you take the opportunity to check out or buy this lovely book for your family. "For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder, and His name will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Is 9:6)." Amen.
