Carl Laferton

Book 153 - Carl Laferton - Rescuing Christmas

I literally pulled this book off the shelf by mistake…looking for another and oh my…I thought I knew the story of Christmas…well buckle up folks…cos this short 60 odd page book…blew me away

The Magi…from the East…the Bible never says how many there were just that there were three gifts…cool…but why those gifts…Laferton goes such a long way to begin to explain or certainly play around the edges of these gifts…

Gold - a gift fit show more for a king…in this case the King of Kings…Laferton gives a wonderfully witty comparison of the British PM, the US President and the Russian President deciding to go to some tiny little nation with gifts because a child was born to be leader…I mean ?? What ?? The Magi did because the historical texts told them this special child would be born …they wanted to acknowledge this …and more importantly meet Him…see Him…what a journey that must have been ? Wow. A King who would not only lead His people…but rescue them…die for them.

Frankincense - a sweet smelling perfume…God is here. It points to God, as Man, dwelling in that place. Our God…arriving on Earth…it prepares the place where Jesus will reside…and points us to how when He leaves and is crucified He goes to prepare His place…His home…for us…over two thousand years in the making…wow…a personal relationship...a personal friendship with God. Christmas rescues us for this…a personal and intimate message. He came to us.

Myrrh - a gift of pain relief…hmmmm….in extreme circumstances and for embalming bodies after death. I wonder what Mary’s thoughts were…. “Ahmmm….thanks…seriously ? What ?” But of course this is the gift for the future because the ‘ending’ is…Jesus is crucified…He needs to die…for the story to be complete.

We need the reality of the three gifts to help us remember

He is King
He is preparing a home for us
He died for us to join Him there

Merry Christmas show less

This is a beautifully illustrated and well-thought-out retelling of the Gospel in a way that even small children can understand. It’s true that it sums up the entire Bible seemingly quickly, BUT it also paints the Bible story for what it is—the grand plan of a loving God to save a lost and dying world. I loved the imagery and how it engaged my 3 year-old, while the wording was perfectly understandable for my almost 5 year-old. Both were engaged the entire time, and there were questions show more galore afterward. This one will definitely be in the regular bedtime rotation! show less

Teaching young children the truth of Christ's sacrifice on the cross and His resurrection is difficult. There is a fine line to balance between the beauty of His death and resurrection to pay the penalty for our sins and the horror of the very act of his death on the cross. So just how much to share with our wee little ones? How to share that information? How to instill a reverence and love for their Savior. How to NOT scare them or open a dark hole of fear and horror.

The scope of God's plan show more for man is encompassed in this little board book. Concisely told in a few sentences accompanied by captivating illustrations the text enables a child to learn of God's presence with man in the garden, how the temple curtain later on depicted the avenging angels guarding the garden after man's sin, and Christ's sacrifice on the cross for man's sin. Not gory. Not dark (though it most certainly is dark). A story of wonder, of loss, of love, and of redemption.

While a beautifully presented story-scape of man's fall and redemption, it still is a bit much for a toddler to comprehend. But with gentle guidance, the book can be used for the little ones and later more comprehensive as they mature in understanding. Tell the story. Don't gloss over it. But do it gently with love and care.

I recommend this book.

I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. show less

This is a New Testament Bible story that is always a favorite of young children and they most always respond wonderfully to it's telling. In this author's and artist's retelling of Zacchaeus' story, it begins with three things to know about Zacchaeus - he was short, he was very rich, and he was not happy. And then one day Jesus came to town.

The illustrations are super cute and colorful. The presentation is several small scenes and short paragraphs of text of each page that will engage the show more young reader or listener. And Zacchaeus in the tree is really something to see. And then Jesus saw him and what a change.

The book then segues to a modern home and applies it to life for today. Beautifully told and a sure winner for building your child's faith library.

I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. show less