One of our family traditions is to read the Biblical account of the first Noel. I have found a fantastic picture book the illustrates the Bible verses for families to do so! The picture book The Christmas Story features paintings by Gennady Spirin. These paintings appropriately remind me of Europe and the Renaissance, and I like the solemnity with which the Biblical text is presented.
Verses from the Gospels of Luke and Matthew are presented. The text pages are dense (since they come from the Bible itself) but the illustrations on the facing pages are rich and golden in tone. It would be a perfect book for anyone interested in a set of rich paintings to accompany the Bible text. I have to call them paintings because the term “illustrations” simply does not do them credit!
I love Christmas. I love the daily reminder of Jesus Christ in the decorations and in the gift giving. But I also love the traditions of Santa Claus, the festive holiday songs, the fudge and gingerbread.Â
This year, I decided to immerse myself in holiday picture books. My son, at one-year-old, won’t remember a thing about this Christmas. But next year he might remember something: I want to know which picture books best bring the spirit of the season in to our home so next year we’ll be ready.
