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Jesus Calling: The Story of Christmas

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Jesus Calling ® : The Story of Christmas uniquely teaches the Christmas story to your children by starting at creation and sharing that Jesus has always been present and that God has always had a plan for Christmas. Bible verses and Jesus Calling devotions are on every spread of this beautifully illustrated book with foil and glitter on the cover.

Teach your children the story of Christmas . . . starting from creation! In Jesus Calling®: The Story of Christmas, children will discover that God always had a plan for Christmas.

 

Christ was chosen before the world was made.

—1 Peter 1:20

The Christmas story began long, long ago. Before the angel Gabriel told Mary she would have God's Son. Before the shepherds saw the angels and before the wise men saw the star.

Even before the sun and the moon shone for the first time, before the first cows ever moooed and the first monkeys ever climbed! Before Adam and Even took their first walk in the Garden of Eden, God had a plan for Christmas.

From the beginning of time, God had a plan to save his children. That plan was Jesus!

 

Jesus Calling®: The Story of Christmas is a beautifully embellished jacketed hardcover with foil and glitter. Curl up with your little ones around the Christmas tree with Jesus Calling®: The Story of Christmas.

Audible Audio

First published October 2, 2018

18 people are currently reading
79 people want to read

About the author

Sarah Young

206 books600 followers
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Sarah Young’s devotional writings are personal reflections from her daily quiet time of Bible reading, praying, and writing in prayer journals.

With sales of more than 30 million books worldwide, Jesus Calling® has appeared on all major bestseller lists. Sarah’s writings include Jesus Calling®, Jesus Listens, Jesus Always, Jesus Today™, Jesus Lives™, Dear Jesus, Jesus Calling® for Little Ones, Jesus Calling® Bible Storybook, Jesus Calling®: 365 Devotions for Kids, and more.

Sarah and her husband were missionaries in Japan and Australia for many years. They currently live in the United States.

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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
1,575 reviews30 followers
January 9, 2019
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
What a beautiful Christmas story book for kids. And adults too, I love reading this story. I do think it may be a little more info for smaller children, not four year olds, but even with smaller children, you can leave out what you think it to much for your smaller child. I like that it has the prophecies are in the book because it gives kids an idea of what happens surrounding the birth of Jesus.

The hard cover copy is so beautiful! I would purchase this book for the cover alone! The pictures inside are just as beautiful and children will love looking at the child like pictures while you are reading the story.

Overall, this is a sweet book to add to your child’s library, a book I strongly encourage you to check out. And one amazing thing about Christmas stories, you can read them anytime, because there’s never a wrong time to read the story of Jesus’ birth to children.

I received this book from Front Gate Blogger Network to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.
Profile Image for Shannon.
650 reviews42 followers
October 14, 2018
This is such a beautiful book! The message of the book is great, it tells the story of Christmas ad includes both Biblical Scripture, as well as the longer birth story. The illustrations are gorgeous and certainly add to the beauty of the book. The illustrations will also help children stay interested in the story, as well as maybe understanding it better. I think this would be a great book to use in a Sunday School or Children in Worship setting around the holidays, but also great for personal use at home. Great book explaining the Christmas story both through pictures and scripture.

Thank you to the publisher, Thomas Nelson, for sending me a review copy of this book.
Profile Image for Susan Rone.
2 reviews1 follower
December 21, 2024
A sweet book

This is a short story about the things to remember and know about Jesus' birth and just a reminder of how much He loves us. I enjoyed reading it. A great little story to read to young kids.
Profile Image for Laura.
Author 39 books654 followers
November 17, 2018
JESUS CALLING: The Story of Christmas is the latest in the series, and especially designed for children. This would be a great gift - story - for your favorite preschooler or early elementary student. The illustrations are lovely, and will hold the children's attention.

I really like how Bible verses are quoted in the story. It starts at when the angel appears to Mary and talks about her cousin Elizabeth, and Joseph, and talks about the small family fleeing to Egypt and then their return to Israel and what His ministry was like on earth.

There is also a lovely takeaway and a "letter from Jesus."

I highly recommend this book for a great addition to your Christmas.

I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
2,368 reviews167 followers
October 31, 2018
"The Christmas story began long, long ago. Before the angel Gabriel told Mary she would have God's Son. Before the shepherds saw the angels and before the wise men saw the star. . . . . Even before . . "

What a lovely tracing of God's eternal plan; beginning in Genesis and continuing through the Gospels. Sprinkled with Scripture and devotional selections, this beautifully illustrated storybook combines the excitement of the manger with the prophecies of old.

"This Christmas, remember that God loves you so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, to the world so He could spend forever with you."
Profile Image for Vera Godley.
1,999 reviews56 followers
October 24, 2018
Beautiful! One word sums up the appearance of this lovely children's book. Heartwarming and Biblically sound* packed with blessings is another way to sum up the book for its content. And just what is different about this re-telling of the beloved story of our Savior's birth - His first advent? Well, the difference is that we learn (and even a small child can learn) that this babe in the manger existed before Creation and will exist for all eternity. Let's see....

On the cover one would think this is your standard children's picture book telling about that night long ago when the Christ Child was born. The illustrations throughout lend themselves to a book style for young children. The text and subject matter are not, however, for the very young. I'm thinking it is a good picture book for the elementary age child that is ready for more information. There is opportunity to do some real teaching of Scripture with this picture book since it explains how the plan for Jesus' coming to Earth was always God's plan and that it goes to the beginning of man's creation and existence here on Earth.

After giving the lineage of Jesus and how the prophets foretold the coming of Jesus as Messiah, the story moved on to the birth of Jesus' cousin, John. Then the book moved through the remainder of the Christmas story and into Jesus' childhood in Nazareth.

I see this as suitable for family read-aloud times or devotional times when the children can ask questions and parents can lead a discussion of the way God's plan for Jesus to come to Earth worked through the ages.

*I question the genealogy given.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the BookLook Blogger Review Program and publisher Thomas Nelson to facilitate this review. Opinions are mine alone and are freely given.
Profile Image for Syncopated Mama.
97 reviews5 followers
November 1, 2018
A bite-sized version of the story of Christmas - starting from creation - that your family will love reading year after year!

My daughter has had the Jesus Calling Bible Storybook since she was a baby, so we were excited to add this beautiful Christmas picture book to our collection.

Jesus Calling: The Story of Christmas takes your family back to the beginning of creation to show how, from the very beginning, Jesus has always been present and God has always had a plan for Christmas.

This lovely, hardback picture book with its foil and glitter jacket cover will easily be one your family will look forward to seeing each year during the lead-up to Christmas Day.

Twelve different spreads convey the story, each one including a relevant Bible verse and Jesus Calling devotion.

The final page has a special message from Jesus, following the pattern the Jesus Calling books are so well known for.

Depending on how you wanted to use this book, you could read the entire thing in one sitting, or break the spreads into different days to keep the anticipation growing during this special time of year.

I received a free copy of this product as a member of The Booklook Bloggers Program in exchange for writing a review. All opinions are my own.
341 reviews2 followers
October 9, 2018
Jesus Calling: The Story of Christmas is a children’s book by Sarah Young that explores the Christmas story, starting with stories about creation, Abraham, and Isaiah, and then jumping into the story of Jesus’ birth. The book has 32 pages full of illustrations and text, and is best suited for 4 to 8-year-olds. With Christmastime getting closer, this book is a great way to share the Christmas story with your kids.

The stories are written in a way that children can clearly understand, and each story covers key facts that will help children remember Jesus’ story. The book incorporates a few different kind of fonts, which look aesthetically appealing against the backdrop of the illustrations. The illustrations are colorfully drawn, and I especially like the earthy red tones shown in some of the drawings. One of my favorite sets of pages shows Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus journeying to Egypt against the backdrop of a beautiful dark sky. Another favorite set of pages shows little children gathered around the now-grown Jesus, reminding children that God loves them so much, and that his glorious Gift of Christmas is for all of us.

I received this book for review.
Profile Image for Bethany.
254 reviews10 followers
October 18, 2018
What an utterly fantastic book to help center ones thoughts on the true meaning of Christmas. I have found it is easy to get involved in all of the holiday's festivities that it is easy to lose sight of what the true meaning of Christmas is so this book is absolutely perfect, not only is it a good rendition of Christ birth but I truly feel it takes the Christmas story even deeper and adds additional information that is usually glossed over.
The illustrations are so beautiful and visually appealing to both old and young, utterly charming it makes me want to frame them!
I love how it incorporates Bible verses on each page and has a little "Jesus Calling" section on each page as well.
This is simply a must have book for the upcoming holiday season!
I receieved this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Rob Chappell.
163 reviews4 followers
December 19, 2018
This unique Christmas storybook begins the story of the first Christmas at the beginning of creation, carries us through the promises given to Abraham and the other prophets, and then zooms in to focus on Mary, Joseph, and the Christ Child. An introduction by the author provides readers with ideas and insights into how Christmas is and can be celebrated within a global context, based on her own family's experiences as missionaries in Japan. The illustrations in this book compliment the narrative very well, and "Jesus Calling" reflections appear on every two-page spread to summarize the overall message of the Christmas story and specific moments within that story.

All in all, a satisfying read for children of all ages -- in the famous words of "The Christmas Song" -- "for kids from 1 to 92." :)
Profile Image for Yvie.
304 reviews17 followers
October 12, 2018
This short story has several beautiful illustrations to accompany the easy-to-read text and would be a great bedtime story or read aloud for young readers. Unlike most Christmas books, it begins long before Jesus' birth, with the creation story, tales of Abraham, Egypt, and the journey that was taken prior to the birth, and then it culminates with the Christmas story. There are short scriptures tucked in the pages that relate to each part of the story, and the last page has a unique 'message from Jesus' about how he is a friend to you. The text is accessible to children - easy for them to understand the pieces of the story, and interesting and visual as well.
196 reviews1 follower
December 23, 2025
This is not a book you read with kids that have short attention spans, but it is a really good Christmas book. I love the author’s letter at the beginning about the real focus of Christmas. What sets this book apart from other Christmas picture books is that it starts at creation and goes through Abraham, all the way to the birth of Christ, showing that God had a plan for the first Christmas from the beginning of time. I loved it. I think a really focused 5 year old could listen to this, but probably age 6-7+ would be ideal.
12 reviews
November 15, 2020
More complex board book with appealing colorful illustrations to enhance the narrative. This is a comforting story of Jesus birth and the happenings around it, with bible verses in agreement. What sets it apart is the Jesus calling insert, supporting the scripture and story. Jesus narrates His meaning into the events of the book, talking to the reader from His perspective. A family classic expressing the true meaning of Christmas.
Profile Image for Mardell.
405 reviews1 follower
November 25, 2020
Sarah Young's Jesus Calling: The Story of Christmas is a book that warms the heart of the child within. I think this book makes a delightful gift; one that can be received over and over each time it is opened. I can see this book passed down through generations as a story to be read on Christmas Eve as families gather together. Katya Longhi's illustrations are simple and stunning amd sure to please readers of all ages.
Profile Image for Mama Bearian.
683 reviews4 followers
November 13, 2021
This book starts by explaining that God has always planned for Christmas (Jesus) since before he created the world. It goes from creation to Jesus's birth and afterwards. Each page includes scripture, which is a nice touch.

This one would be best for older children. I would say that with the amount of information there is on each page and throughout the book, this one shouldn't be for any younger than 5 or 6 year olds. There is too much information for a toddler to take in.
Profile Image for Jo Oehrlein.
6,361 reviews9 followers
December 17, 2021
I like the emphasis on the Christmas story beginning in the Old Testament. Fits in well with things kids may hear during Advent.

My least favorite part is the "Jesus Calling" block on each 2 page spread.

I think the Bible verses on each spread are well-chosen and integrate well with the story.
Profile Image for Rebecca Gomez.
Author 6 books34 followers
February 4, 2019
This is a wonderful book to share with your family in the days leading up to Christmas. It goes beyond sharing the story of Jesus’ birth and explains how he was there from before the beginning of Creation, and that his coming was always part of God’s plan for people.
Profile Image for E & E’s Mama.
1,024 reviews10 followers
December 26, 2022
The story of Christmas from the perspective of different people in the Bible, from creation to Jesus’ birth and onward towards him growing up. Too long for one sitting, I read 2-3 pages each day, which were each only a paragraph each.
Profile Image for Jennybug.
623 reviews11 followers
November 22, 2023
This is a beautiful detailed story about the birth of the Savior.
Profile Image for Alyson Howlett.
71 reviews2 followers
January 1, 2022
I really liked this book because it covers more than just the birth night. The pictures are wonderful. I loved it.
Profile Image for ┊ ♡ Cordelia ♡┊.
269 reviews
December 1, 2023
⸙ I love the Jesus Calling books. I've actually only read one so far, the original Jesus Calling book which I read throughout 2022. I tried this one because it's a Christmas book, and I'm writing this a couple weeks after finishing it. So I can't recall details about what I liked beyond the fact that I remember the message hitting home. ⸙
Profile Image for Jalynn Patterson.
2,217 reviews40 followers
November 26, 2018
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the publisher. All opinions are my own.



About the Book:

Jesus Calling ® : The Story of Christmas uniquely teaches the Christmas story to your children by starting at creation and sharing that Jesus has always been present and that God has always had a plan for Christmas. Bible verses and Jesus Calling devotions are on every spread of this beautifully illustrated book with foil and glitter on the cover.

Teach your children the story of Christmas . . . starting from creation! In Jesus Calling®: The Story of Christmas, children will discover that God always had a plan for Christmas.



Christ was chosen before the world was made.

—1 Peter 1:20

The Christmas story began long, long ago. Before the angel Gabriel told Mary she would have God’s Son. Before the shepherds saw the angels and before the wise men saw the star.

Even before the sun and the moon shone for the first time, before the first cows ever moooed and the first monkeys ever climbed! Before Adam and Even took their first walk in the Garden of Eden, God had a plan for Christmas.

From the beginning of time, God had a plan to save his children. That plan was Jesus!



Jesus Calling®: The Story of Christmas is a durable board book that will hold up for even the most active families. Curl up with your little ones around the Christmas tree with Jesus Calling®: The Story of Christmas.


My Review:

The precious story of Christmas is one to be retold again and again for generations. The story of our Savior's birth could never grow old. He is just as relevant today as He was 3000 years ago. This book is so beautiful. I loved the illustration and the general setup of the book. Each page has a Bible verse relation to what is being said on the page and the author places a a sentence or two on each page relation to the story.


Jesus Calling:The Story of Christmas is a great way to put the emphasis for Christmas on where it needs to be but to also teach our children that Christmas is about something bigger than ourselves. The book is a great way to reconnect with your children and teach them what Christmas is all about.
Profile Image for Mandy.
462 reviews20 followers
January 15, 2019
*I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts below are my own.

Beautiful, spiritual and an excellent reminder of the true meaning of Christmas. This well planned book is sure to be a family favorite this Christmas season!

This beautifully illustrated children’s version of the Christmas story details the prophecies and events leading up to Jesus birth and after. It is an excellent resource for families to read together at the Christmas season and use to discuss the true meaning of the holiday season. Not only does this adorable book have scripture laden throughout it in the form of easy-to-comprehend little blurbs, but it is spiritually sound as author Sarah Young narrates the Christmas story. Near the end of the book, there is a message to children from Jesus and it is heartwarming and truthful.

Since my daughter is just under one, this book was a highlight for her with its bursts of colorful illustrations that she loved. It is a bit mature for really young children in terms of wording, so it’s best read with a parent who can encourage insightful study and answer questions a child might have. The book is paper pages so in that respect its better suited for older children, or toddlers who are gentle with books. (UPDATE: After posting this review, I learned this book is available as a board book!) Because the content is rich in spirituality, this book is appropriate for multiple ages with older children benefiting the most, however, it is one I intend to read to my little girl each Christmas. In our home, we don’t shy from the reality of what our Lord went through in his young days being sought out by King Herod or taken to the cross to die for our sins. We want our children to understand these things at an early age and this particular book is a great gateway in explaining how and why our Lord came to earth as well as the reasons He loves us as His children.
Profile Image for Jaime.
1,552 reviews2 followers
December 22, 2018
Sarah Young is the author of devotional Christian books. This picture book for children demonstrates she can write thoughtful and personal books for children. This beautifully-illustrated book is encouraging and touching. Children will experience and intimate feeling about the birth of Jesus.

Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

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