The Jesus Tree

by Carey Thomas, Katie Kelly (Illustrations)

Mackenzie and Ben are two typical kids caught up in the glimmer of the Christmas Season until they are asked to help an elderly woman decorate her "Jesus Tree." While reluctant to help at first, their change of heart begins as the woman purposefully decorates her tree with docorations that remind her of Jesus. Each decoration tells the story of Jesus in a way that breathes new life into the meaning of Christmas. While admiring the humble tree, the old woman surprises Mackenzie and Ben with a Christmas gift they will never forget.

Genres: Christmas, Christian, Childrens, Holiday, Short Stories, Picture Books, Christian Fiction

26 pages, Paperback

First published December 5, 2013

Reviews

[megHan · Rating 5 out of 5]

(short story)

Usually at Christmas time I have a group of kids that I'm babysitting and we sit down on Christmas Eve (while their parents are working or doing some last minute shopping) and read Christmas stories, eat sweets, drink hot cocoa and watch a Christmas movie. This year, sadly, I didn't have anyone to watch - but that wasn't stopping me from reading a few stories, but I did decide to wait until Christmas Day. I just happened to find this one for free and thought, why not?!?! From now on, I'm always going with my "why not?!?!" feelings.

This was such a cute book. I loved the drawings that were done by Katie Kelly - they were simple and, though not in color on my Kindle Paperwhite, still beautiful. The story itself gave me goosebumps. I had heard about the Jesus tree before, but "watching" as this lady introduced each new thing for the tree to two children, explaining how these things made her think of him - two children who were unwillingly helping her - was such a beautiful thing, especially when you could see how their attitudes started to change. My favorite part was the end, when they put the gifts under the tree. I wasn't expecting what happened. Definitely a good book for those trying to teach the meaning of Christmas to young children - or for those of y'all who are still children at heart.

[Oleander · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the perfect book to read to your children right Before you decorate the tree. Two children help an old woman decorate her tree and she shares the joy she finds in it. Everything about the tree reminds her of Jesus.

[Ursula · Rating 5 out of 5]

 
This is AWESOME! You must read and share with your children and young loved ones! You will enjoy it with them, too! :D
 

[colleen bucco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas has become a time of year most people have one on their minds and the is all gifts that are going to get. One most of the time to think just what Christmas really is. I love how each thing on the tree had different meaning. How Jesus was born and how he had to die to save us from our sins. This book is very well writen. Not only for kids but for everyone to think about what the true meaning really is and that is JESUS.

[Jeannie Huie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story!

This is a beautiful book with a great story! As the children help an elderly neighbor, they learn to view a Christmas tree as a Jesus tree!

[Sandra Stiles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe this will be a book I will share each Christmas with my grandkids. This is a simple story of a boy and girl who are told they will help an elderly down the street set up her Christmas tree. They learn so much about how the tree and all of its decorations represent or remind of of God. The tree with its branches outstretched remind us that God stretches out his arms toward us. The star at the top remind us of the Star of Bethlehem. The lights remind us that God is the light of the world. Angel ornaments remind us of the angels that spoke to the shepherds. The garland reminds us of the crown of thorns Jesus wore when he died. Presents remind us of the precious gift God gave us in his son. The book ends by telling the reader how to accept Jesus as their savior. What a wonderful, yet simple book. Definitely one of my favorites of 2013.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, Fabulous, and Absolutely Wonderful! I HIGHLY recommend this story to all CHRISTIAN families and even more so to non-Christian families! This story shows each of us the true meaning behind the CHRISTmas season! I learned so much when reading this short-story with my children and I hope to read it again in the future! We all need the reminder of what our Savior has done for us, each and every day! We should give Him praise and be thankful for all that He has given us!

[Meka♥books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing book to read and a reminder that Christmas is more than a day off of work, food, gathering with family, friends, and presents. It's a celebration of life for Jesus Christ our Lord & Savior. The Jesus Tree allows us to remember life in simple terms not taking forgranted what's right in front of us like Christmas decorations and their meaning. This was a lovely story.

[Candi Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

It may not have the best illustrations and the print is super small, but the message is right on. The story is short and sweet and it shares the true story of Christmas in a very fun and non-preachy way. Great story!

[Susan Emery-O'Malley]

I loved it! I could barely read it to my grandkids because it made me cry. Being reminded of what Jesus did for us brought me to tears. I highly recommend this book if you want to remember the "Real reason for the Season"!

[Sarah Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Downloaded for free from Amazon.co.uk

This was a very religious story about how each item on a Christmas tree represents Jesus. Really don't think my 5-year-old would sit through this one though.
6 out of 10

[Jeanette · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute little story but too religious for me. it was free and I only read holiday books in December, but it went over the top.

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent children's book describing all the decorations that go on our Christmas trees in this book called The Jesus Tree.

[jaime fisher-Starnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

I really liked the symbolism that the author used to relate the Christmas tree and the true meaning of Christmas. I absolutely recommend it as teaching tool for children.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely Christmas message.

I loved how each decoration was a description of Jesus. Great message to share with my son. I will also share with others.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is not written or illustrated masterfully. But it does have a sweet and simple message about Christ, Christmas, and service. My children and I enjoyed reading it together.