Love to Laugh and Learn

Fun and interesting learning activities to do with the children in your life

“Someone I Love Has Gone to Heaven”

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A story to help your child understand the relationship of body and spirit, of death and heaven.
“Someone I Love Has Gone to Heaven” -A story to help your child understand the relationship of body and spirit, of death and heaven.

“Someone I Love Has Gone to Heaven” is my first published children’s book. I am so excited to share this with you. It is now available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble website, and the Walmart website . 

Back Story

I would like to give you a little insight as to how this book came about.

When my two girls were young, we had a very close friend named Brandon. He was a strong, active, young man, in his early 20’s. Within three weeks time, he developed a bad cough that he couldn’t get rid of. After a few doctor’s appointments, they decided to take him in for exploratory surgery. Once they opened him up they realized his body was full of cancer. As they were trying to finish up the surgery a piece of the cancer broke loose and went into his bloodstream. He died instantly.

My Dilemma 

How do you explain death to small children? Brandon had been such a big part of our life and now he was gone. Well, God revealed to me how to use a small object, that the girls were quite fond of, to explain the relationship of the body and spirit. 

Years Later

Several years later, my girls are grown and now I have two young grandchildren. Their Papa dies (my husband) and God reminds me of the object lesson. I use it with my grandchildren to help them understand the death of their grandfather. 

The Result

While creating special books for my grandchildren, God prompted me to create a story for all families to use. The story is written from the little boy’s perspective, after his grandfather’s death. It is my prayer that this book helps you and your child in the explanation and understanding of life and death.

May God bless you with peace and understanding during your times of loss and sorrow. ~ Mama Carmody

“Someone I Love Has Gone to Heaven” – Papa and Grandson

Book Trailer

“Someone I Love Has Gone to Heaven: A Sweet Object Lesson” by Karen Carmody

Love to Learn about the Nativity

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Love to Learn about the Nativity

Love to Learn About the Nativity
Love to Learn About the Nativity



Nativity Scene: A representation of the birth of Jesus, God’s Son. It usually includes Mary, Joseph, a manger with Baby Jesus, some Shepherds and animals. Sometimes you will see 3 Kings or Wisemen included in the Nativity scene even though they were not there the night of the birth.

It is a good practice to think often of the great gift God sent to us; His only son, Jesus. Not just at Christmas but all through the year. But with Christmas Eve here, what better story to share with your family than the story of the night Jesus was born. It doesn’t matter whether you read the story straight from the Bible or a simple version that will be easier for your child to understand, just be sure to remind your family what Christmas is really about.

There are many great Bible translations out there but I enjoy the Christmas story from the King James Version. That is the version of the story that I grew up with and it’s the one quoted in the Charlie Brown Christmas movie.

Christmas Story
Craft
Finger Plays
Songs
Story Time
Related Posts

Christmas Story

“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.’

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.”
– Luke 2: 1-20 KJV (If you would like to find another translation check out http://www.biblegateway.com)

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Craft

Flower Pot Nativity Scene

I first saw this craft on pinterest.com. After a little research, I found out that the craft was first posted on thebigmamablog.com You will find a couple different photographs of the craft created by different people.

Materials Needed:

2 medium flower pots
1 small flower pot
acrylic paint
2 medium wooden balls (for Mary and Joseph’s heads)
1 small wooden ball (for Jesus’s head)
fabric for their head coverings
white fabric to swaddle (wrap) Baby Jesus in
doll hair (or you can just color it in with a Sharpie)
roll of grapevine to create headpiece and staff
moss
silver pipe cleaner or aluminum foil (for the halo)
hot glue gun or Aleene’s tacky glue
Sharpie, fine point
hay (optional for manger)

Instructions:

1. Paint the smallest flower pot brown, to represent the manger.
2. Paint the two larger pots whatever color you want Mary and Joseph’s clothes to be.
3. Use the fine point Sharpie to draw facial features on Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus.
4. Glue heads onto biggest pots.
5. Cut fabric and glue coverings to the heads.
6. Wrap white fabric to look like a baby wrapped in blanket.
7. Glue into smallest pot. Add Baby Jesus head.
8. Make a halo out of a silver pipe cleaner or twist a piece of aluminum foil and form it in a circle to make a halo. Glue to Baby Jesus’ head.
9. Use a brown pipe cleaner or a piece of grapevine to make a shepherd’s staff and glue to Joseph
10. Be sure to check the images out on thebigmamablog.com

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Finger Plays

The First Christmas
(Action Rhyme)

Clop, clop, clop went the donkey’s feet,
(stomp feet like donkey walking)
Clop, clop, clop down the stony street.
(stomp feet like donkey walking)
Nod, nod, nod went Mary’s head.
(nod head up and down)
She was tired, and she needed a bed.
(stretch arms out and yawn)
Knock, knock, knock went Joseph at the door.
(act like knocking on door)
“Do you have room for anyone more?”
(hold hands up in a questioning motion)
“No, No, No!” the innkeeper said,
(shake index finger)
“I don’t even have one more bed.”
(hold up one index finger)
“Wait, wait, wait,” the innkeeper said,
(hold hand up, palm out, like police officer stopping traffic)
“You can use my stable for a bed.”
(put hands together under head, like sleeping)
“Shh, shh, shh…What is that I hear?
(hold index finger up to lips, then hold hand to ear)
The cry of Baby Jesus, oh so dear!”
(hold arms like rocking a baby)
– Original Author Unknown

Baby Jesus

Baby Jesus snuggles in deep,
(put hands together under head, like sleeping)
In warm but scratchy straw.
(scratch all over)
On a nearby hillside, shepherds hear,
(put hand to ear)
The angel’s song of awe.
(flap arms like angel wings)
They race to Bethlehem to see,
(run in place)
The king born in a stable.
(make animal sounds)
Then kneel before the Son of God,
(fold hands like in prayer)
A manger for his cradle.
(hold arms like rocking a baby)
– Original Author Unknown

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Songs

Away in a Manger

Away in a manger,
No crib for a bed
The little Lord Jesus
Laid down His sweet head

The stars in the sky
Looked down where He lay
The little Lord Jesus
Asleep on the hay

The cattle are lowing
The Baby awakes
But little Lord Jesus
No crying He makes

I love Thee, Lord Jesus
Look down from the sky
And stay by my cradle,
‘Til morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus,
I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever
And love me I pray

Bless all the dear children
In Thy tender care
And take us to heaven
To live with Thee there

Silent Night

Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Saviour is born
Christ, the Saviour is born

Silent night, holy night
Son of God, love’s pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth

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Story Time

Away in a Manger illustrated by Mike Jaroszko
Reading Level: Ages 4 and up
This is a beautiful picture book. Illustrations are put to the familiar Christmas carol. They bring the book to life and visual meaning to the beautiful words.

The Christmas Baby by Marion Dane Bauer
Reading Level: Ages 2 to 7 years old
I love this version of the Christmas story. It goes through the familiar pieces of the story; Mary and Joseph trying to find a place to stay, the animals rejoicing, the angels rejoicing, the shepherd rejoicing and the wisemen coming from afar. But there was a sweet addition to this story that I wasn’t expecting. At the end of the Christmas part of the story it says that the Baby smiled with God’s own smile but the book doesn’t end there. It goes on to tell a short story about what happens every time a baby is born; angels rejoice, moms, dads, grandparents rejoice and the baby smiles with God’s own smile. I definitely want to get this book for my grandchildren’s first Christmas!

The Christmas Story: From the Gospel According to St. Luke from the King James Bible
Reading Level: Ages 3 and up
I love the fact that this is the Christmas story taken straight from the Bible. The story starts with the decree from Caesar Augustus and goes through to the shepherds returning to their fields praising God. I love the illustrations by James Bernardin. They are sweet and tender. I definitely want to add this book to my collection and include it in our holiday traditions.

The Christmas Story adapted and illustrated by Kay Chorao
Reading Level: Ages 3 and up
This story is adapted from the Book of Luke 2:1-21 and the Book of Matthew 2:1-12, King James version. The story starts where Mary is visited by an angel and goes through them fleeing to Egypt then finally returning to Nazareth. This is a wonderful way to share the Biblical account of Christ’s birth to young children.

Listen to the Silent Night by Dandi Daley Mackall
Reading Level: Ages 3 and up
This is a beautifully illustrated and book written in rhyme. The theme running through the book is that on this Silent Night things are not so silent. There is the flip, flap flap of sandals, the swish, swish, swish of the desert sand and the baa, baa, baa of the sheep; to name just a few of the sounds that people encountered this special night.

The Nativity illustrated by Julie Vivas
Reading Level: Ages 4 and up
I found the illustrations to this story a little odd, but for the most part, they are cute and whimsical. They have been created in a muted water-color style. The thing that bothered me a little was the wings on the angels. They looked tattered and torn. This is a personal preference and not a statement on the illustrations as a whole.  There are no complaints on the story, as it comes straight from the Bible. If you are looking for a way to interest your younger children in the Biblical account of Jesus’ birth, I would check this book out.

Tiny Baby Jesus by Dandi Daley Mackall
Reading Level: Ages 4 and up
The thing I love most about this book is the way it compares the baby Jesus with the adult Jesus. It first talks of the Baby’s tiny tiny fingers and then goes on to explain how He used those fingers as a carpenter. It talks of His tiny feet and then of how His adult feet walked on the sea. This book is a great reminder to children of all ages that Jesus was not just a baby in a manger but grew up into a loving man and our Savior.

I pray that you have a wonderful Christmas with your families. Give hugs and kisses to everyone around you.

May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May the Lord make his face to shine upon you,
and be gracious to you.
May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you,
and give you peace.
based on Numbers 6:24-26

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Related Posts:

The Santa Claus Debate
The True Meaning of Christmas
The Christmas Star
Christmas Angels to Laugh and Learn With
Love to Learn the Meaning of Candy Canes for Christmas
Review – Christmas on Monument Circle, Indianapolis

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Children’s Books About the Nativity

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Children’s Books About the Nativity




Children's Books about the Nativity
Children’s Books about the Nativity

Here are some fun books to help your children understand and enjoy the Nativity. I love using books when teaching children. Children can learn so much while simply enjoying a story. Below are some wonderful books I found about the Nativity. There are some affiliate links below but all the reviews are my own. I either all ready have the books or I got them from the library and read them so I could review them for you.

Please check out these great books about the Nativity:

Books about the Nativity: Away in a Manger

“Away in a Manger” illustrated by Mike Jaroszko
Reading Level: Ages 4 and up
This is a beautiful picture book. Illustrations are put to the familiar Christmas carol. They bring the book to life and visual meaning to the beautiful words.

Books about the Nativity: The Christmas Baby

“The Christmas Baby” by Marion Dane Bauer
Reading Level: Ages 2 to 7 years old
I love this version of the Christmas story. It goes through the familiar pieces of the story; Mary and Joseph trying to find a place to stay, the animals rejoicing, the angels rejoicing, the shepherd rejoicing and the wisemen coming from afar. But there was a sweet addition to this story that I wasn’t expecting. At the end of the Christmas part of the story it says that the Baby smiled with God’s own smile but the book doesn’t end there. It goes on to tell a short story about what happens every time a baby is born; angels rejoice, moms, dads, grandparents rejoice and the baby smiles with God’s own smile. We purchased this for our grandson’s first Christmas. He is now 2 years old and this is his favorite book, right now. He makes his mom read it to him every night and the other day when I was there visiting he brought it out and had me read it to him.

Books about the Nativity: The Christmas Story

“The Christmas Story: From the Gospel According to St. Luke” from the King James Bible
Reading Level: Ages 3 and up
I love the fact that this is the Christmas story taken straight from the Bible. The story starts with the decree from Caesar Augustus and goes through to the shepherds returning to their fields praising God. I love the illustrations by James Bernardin. They are sweet and tender. I definitely want to add this book to my collection and include it in our holiday traditions.


Books about the Nativity: The Christmas Story

“The Christmas Story” adapted and illustrated by Kay Chorao
Reading Level: Ages 3 and up
This story is adapted from the Book of Luke 2:1-21 and the Book of Matthew 2:1-12, King James version. The story starts where Mary is visited by an angel and goes through them fleeing to Egypt then finally returning to Nazareth. This is a wonderful way to share the Biblical account of Christ’s birth to young children.

Books about the Nativity: Listen to the Silent Night

“Listen to the Silent Night” by Dandi Daley Mackall
Reading Level: Ages 3 and up
This is a beautifully illustrated and book written in rhyme. The theme running through the book is that on this Silent Night things are not so silent. There is the flip, flap flap of sandals, the swish, swish, swish of the desert sand and the baa, baa, baa of the sheep; to name just a few of the sounds that people encountered this special night.

Books about the Nativity: The Nativity

“The Nativity” illustrated by Julie Vivas
Reading Level: Ages 4 and up
I found the illustrations to this story a little odd, but for the most part, they are cute and whimsical. They have been created in a muted water-color style. The thing that bothered me a little was the wings on the angels. They looked tattered and torn. This is a personal preference and not a statement on the illustrations as a whole.  There are no complaints on the story, as it comes straight from the Bible. If you are looking for a way to interest your younger children in the Biblical account of Jesus’ birth, I would check this book out.

Books about the Nativity: Tiny Baby Jesus

“Tiny Baby Jesus” by Dandi Daley Mackall
Reading Level: Ages 4 and up
The thing I love most about this book is the way it compares the baby Jesus with the adult Jesus. It first talks of the Baby’s tiny tiny fingers and then goes on to explain how He used those fingers as a carpenter. It talks of His tiny feet and then of how His adult feet walked on the sea. This book is a great reminder to children of all ages that Jesus was not just a baby in a manger but grew up into a loving man and our Savior.

The Santa Claus Debate

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The Santa Claus Debate




Santa Claus or Not

Whether to let your child believe in Santa Claus or not has been a big discussion among the Christian community for quite a while and thus started the Santa Debate.

I grew up in a Christian home, went to a Bible teaching church and a Christian high school. I ran into a lot of people that didn’t want their children believing in Santa Claus. The household I grew up in, and the household I raised my children in, were not among the Santa unbelievers.

Center of Christmas Celebration

As a Christian, I believe that the main emphasis of the Christmas season should be honoring and celebrating the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. I believe that the important lesson from the season is the lesson of giving. During this time of the year, we should be finding ways to give of ourselves, expecting nothing in return. Much like God did when He gave us His precious Son, Jesus.

Jesus was the center of our Christmas season but we also believed in Santa Claus. Children believe in a lot of things when they are young that they will eventually out grow. They believe in monsters under their beds, that they will never ever want to leave home, and little girls believe they will grow up and marry their daddies. I do not believe it is harmful to let children believe in these things when they are young, but how you handle it when they start asking questions can be the tricky part.

When the Questions Come

I appreciate the way my mother handled the questions. She wouldn’t lie to us, but rather ask us questions to find out what we believed (and probably more importantly, what we wanted to believe).

When we would go to her and ask, “Is Santa real?” She would ask us, “What do you think?” Then we would have a discussion about it. Once your child gets old enough to look you in the face and ask if you are Santa, then its time to tell the truth. Of course, if you think they are still too young to tell them the truth about Santa you can try a few questions first like, “What do you think?” If they say they don’t believe you could be Santa, they will probably give you reasons like, “You couldn’t be Santa because you don’t have a sleigh.” If they give you an answer like that, then they probably aren’t ready to give up the idea of Santa but if they say something more like, “I think you are Santa because I saw some of the same toys that Santa brought in the back of your closet.” Then the jig is up and you should tell them the truth.

When I Found Out

I was somewhere around seven or eight years old when I had to face the realization that my parents were Santa Claus. My mom thinks that I had all ready figured it out but I was enjoying the fantasy. It was my younger sister that brought the fantasy to an end. She was between three and four years old. She went to our mom, looked her in the eyes and said, “Tell me the truth! Are you and daddy Santa Claus?” Well, with a straightforward question like that mom had no choice but to tell her. Mom says that based on the reaction I had towards my little sister, I must have all ready suspected that they were acting as Santa Claus. I took my sister back to our bedroom and with tears running down my face I said, “Now you ruined it!”

My Reaction to the Truth

I may have been upset at my sister for blowing Christmas and Santa for me, but I was quite impressed and thankful for all that my parents had done for us and given us, without any recognition. For all those years, the love and gratitude for most of the presents had gone to Santa Claus. Now I was realizing that it was mom and dad that had spent all that money and had stayed up most of the night putting together toys and setting them around the Christmas tree.

Our Updated Santa Claus Visits

My parents were wonderful in the fact that even though we now knew the truth as to who Santa really was, he still came to visit as long as we wanted to “believe”. We did the same thing for our children. “Santa” wasn’t quite as extravagant in the years after the truth was revealed, but he still brought a few things and filled stockings.

Right now “Santa” only brings a few things for my husband and my stocking since the children are now grown and gone. Yes, I still believe in Santa Claus and I still enjoy being Santa Claus. I’m sure that I always will.

Related Posts:

The True Meaning of Christmas
Christmas Angels to Laugh and Learn With
The Christmas Star
Love to Learn About the Nativity

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The True Meaning of Christmas

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The True Meaning of Christmas





As I stated in my post, The Santa Claus Debate, although we included Santa in our Christmas celebrations, he was not the center of our Christmas holiday. Teaching our children the spiritual meaning behind the season was what we focused on. My posts for December are going to include different symbols of Christmas and their spiritual meanings. I will include crafts and books that you can use to make the learning fun.

As I was doing research for my different lessons, I found this story and thought it summed everything up very well. If you are not including Santa in your Christmas celebrations you could easily tell this story without putting Santa in it. If you need help with that, just let me know and I could edit it for you.

This story would make a great object lesson too. Find a very small table-top tree and purchase the different items that are talked about. We have stores here in Indiana where you can buy things for just $1. You could find most of the items for this story at one of those stores. The children could then help out in the telling of the story by pulling the different items out of a bag and adding them to the tree.

Have fun celebrating this very special time of year with your children as you teach them the true meaning of Christmas.

Teach the Children the True Meaning of Christmas

One December night, many years ago, I had just finished decorating for Christmas when I heard a noise at the front of the house. I turned on the porch light and opened the door. To my surprise just as I stepped outside, I saw Santa Claus climbing out of his sleigh. He placed his fingers over his lips, silencing me before I cried out.

“What are you doing…” I started to ask…but the words choked up in my throat as I saw he had tears in his eyes. His usual jolly manner, the eager, boisterous soul we all know, was gone. He composed himself by clearing his throat, then answered me in a whisper. “Help teach the children.”

I was puzzled. What did he mean? He anticipated my question, and with one quick movement brought forth a miniature toy bag from behind the sleigh. As I stood there bewildered, Santa stated again but more firmly, “Teach the children. Teach them the true meaning of Christmas. The meaning that has long been forgotten.”

I invited him in to warm by the fire as I tried to tell him that I wasn’t sure if I knew what he meant… when Santa reached into the toy bag and pulled out a brilliant shiny star.

“Teach the children that the star is the heavenly sign of promise,” he said. “God sent a Savior to the world and the star was the sign of that promise being fulfilled. The countless shining stars in the heavens, one star for each person on earth, represents the hope of all mankind.”

Santa gently laid the star on the fireplace mantle and brought from the bag a bright red Christmas tree ornament.

“Teach the children that red is the first color of Christmas. It was first used by the faithful people to remind them of the blood that was shed for all the people by the Savior. Christ gave His life and shed His blood that every man might have God’s gift of Eternal Life. Red is deep, intense, and vivid — the richest color of all, and it is a symbol of the greatest gift from God.”

“Teach the children,” he said as he pulled a small Christmas tree from the bottom of the toy bag. He placed it near the fireplace and gently hung the red decoration on it.

“The deep green branches of this tree is a perfect background for this ornament. This is the second color of Christmas,” he continued. “The pure green color of this evergreen tree remains this color all year round. This represents the everlasting plan for mankind. Green is youthful, hopeful, and the abundant color of nature. The needles on the tree point heavenward — symbols of man’s prayers as they go toward heaven. Trees have been man’s best friends. They have sheltered him, warmed him, and made beauty for him.”

Again, he pulled something from his bag; I heard a soft tinkling sound of a bell.

“Teach the children,” he said, “that as the lost sheep are found by the sound of the bell, it should ring for every person too, that they might find their way back — it means guidance and return. It further signifies that all are precious in the eyes of the Lord.”

As the soft sound of the bell faded, Santa lit a candle and placed it on the mantel. The soft glow from its tiny flame cast a glow about the darkened room. Odd shadowy shapes slowly danced and wove pictures upon the walls.

“Teach the children,” whispered Santa, “that at one time candles were placed on Christmas trees. They glowed brightly against the dark green branches showing man’s appreciation for the star of Bethlehem of long ago. Now, strings of colored lights have taken their place in remembrance of Christ’s birth.”

Santa turned the small Christmas tree lights on and placed a gift under the tree.

He pointed to the bow and said, “A bow is placed on a present to remind us of the spirit of brotherhood of man. We should remember that the bow is tied as all of us should be tied together, with the bonds of good will toward each other. Good will forever is the message of the bow and the gift, a gift of love.”

Santa reached for a candy cane, and held it out towards me.

“Teach the children that the cane represents The Shepherd’s staff. The crook on the staff helps bring back sheep that have strayed away from the fold. The candy cane represents the sweetness of giving not only at Christmas time, but also throughout the entire year. The spiral design is a symbol that we are, our brother’s keepers.”

Santa looked about the room, then again at the tree. His love and great feeling of satisfaction shone from his eyes. He could not help but sense the wonderment and admiration that I felt for him in my heart.

One last time, he reached into his bag and brought forth a large beautiful wreath. As he placed it on the door he spoke gently with love, “Please teach the children that the wreath symbolizes the eternal nature of love: it never ceases, stops, or ends. It is one continuous circle that only grows greater and greater when expressed. The wreath, the circle of love, plays a double role. It is made of many things and has many colors. It reminds us of God’s unconditional love and the true reason for Christmas. Please teach the children.” (Author Unknown)

Related Posts:

The Santa Claus Debate
Christmas Angels to Laugh and Learn With
The Christmas Star
Love to Learn About the Nativity
Love to Learn the Meaning of Candy Canes for Christmas
Review – Christmas on Monument Circle, Indianapolis