Celebrate the True Meaning of Christmas

Celebrate the True Meaning of Christmas Jesus Came for Me introduces toddlers and preschoolers to the story of Jesus’s birth Bright lights, cookies, presents, and Santa Claus. That’s usually what young children think of when it comes to Christmas. However, it’s important for them to learn what we really celebrate December 25. This year families with toddlers and preschoolers can introduce their children to the real reason for the season with Jesus Came for Me: The True Story of Christmas (New Growth Press/October 19, 2020) written by Jared Kennedy and illustrated by Trish Mahoney.   Every Christmas, we celebrate the coming of the Messiah, but what does that mean for the youngest members of the family? Jesus Came for Me helps little ones learn about the birth of Christ in a personal, memorable way. Created for children ages two to five, this beautifully illustrated board book begins with the announcement of John the Baptist’s birth to Zechariah and ends with the visit of the wise men. They will learn that Jesus is always present, and he helps us believe and wait for him.   “We celebrate that Jesus came for us on Christmas. Jesus, our great God, was born as a little baby. We should share this good news and great joy with all people—including your child,” says Kennedy. “One of the best ways to teach young preschoolers about Christmas is to start early. Start telling the story of Christmas at the beginning of Advent season. As your kids get older, have them act out the events of Luke 2. Maybe the most important thing you can do is to show your kids the impact of Christmas by giving them your time, presence, love, and joy.”   Part of the Beginner’s Gospel Story series (which includes The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible and Jesus Rose for Me: The True Story of Easter), this conversational book simply tells the story of how Jesus came to Earth. It includes simple reflection questions to encourage family or Bible class conversations. Because of the compelling content and modern, vivid illustrations, children will live in the joy of the greatest truth of all: Jesus is with us!   “When your young children or grandchildren snuggle close this Christmas, you’ll want to have this beautifully illustrated board book close at hand,” recommends pastor and author Champ Thornton. “Jesus Came for Me will remind them of the greatest Christmas gift ever. With the freshness and clarity that we’ve come to expect from this acclaimed children’s author, Jared Kennedy brings the story of Jesus’s birth close to heart and home.”   Centering the holiday season on Jesus doesn’t mean removing all popular activities from the schedule. Kennedy encourages, “Watch that Christmas special again. Set aside times to look a Christmas lights with your family. Bake some Christmas cookies! Do all of these activities as a family and with your church community. And let your kids hear you sing those Christmas carols with joy in your heart because your Savior has come!”   Jesus Came for Me by Jared Kennedy, Illustrated by Trish Mahoney October 19, 2020 / Board book / Retail Price: $11.99 Print ISBN 978-1-645070-49-8 Religion / Christian Ministry/ Children

About the author

Jared Kennedy, MDiv, ThM, is the co-founder and managing editor of Gospel-Centered Family, a ministry that helps churches and families share Jesus with the next generation. He also serves as the Children’s and Family Ministry Strategist for the Sojourn Network, and is an adjunct professor at Boyce College.    He is the author of The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible, Are You Close to God?, Jesus Rose for Me, Jesus Came for Me, and God Made Me for Worship. He has also helped to develop two VBS programs, Proof Pirates and Clap Your Hands, Stomp Your Feet.    Kennedy blogs regularly at Gospel Centered Family and contributes to The Gospel Coalition, ERLC and He Reads Truth.  He and his wife, Megan, have three daughters.   Read more from Jared Kennedy at gospelcenteredfamily.com. He can also be found on Twitter (@jaredskennedy).   Trish Mahoney is a graphic designer and illustrator in Seattle where she runs The Mahoney Studio with her husband, Patrick, also a designer and illustrator. They have two children—both budding artists too. Trish illustrated The Beginner's Gospel Story Bible and is also the illustrator for the God Made Me series.

What others are saying

“Children will really enjoy this book! Jesus Came for Me recounts the Christmas-season stories in such a simple, satisfying, and memorable way. Kids will ask for it to be read over and over again. Along with these wonderful stories are beautiful illustrations that capture the drama of Jesus coming into the world as its Savior. A delightful book!” ~ Gregg R. Allison, Professor of Christian Theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; elder at Sojourn Church East; author of 50 Core Truths of the Christian Faith   “This book is a welcomed addition to our family’s library. Being beautifully illustrated and thoroughly gospel-focused, I am so thankful to be able to share the message of Jesus’s incarnation with our children through this fantastic work. Our toddlers hang on every word and can easily remember these rich stories that point us to the One who came to rescue us all.” ~ Jason Thacker, Editor, Creative Director, and Chair of Research in Technology Ethics for the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission