Friday, November 17, 2023

Once Upon the Very First Christmas by Rory Feek & illustrated by Christine Cuddihy

ISBN: 9781400247028
US $18.99 | CANADA $23.99
Hardcover | Tommy Nelson Books

My thoughts:
  This book reminds me of the many church Christmas pageants in which my own five children were involved. It also reminds me of several when I was the adult in charge of lively children who were wise men, shepherds, angels, and of course the main characters, Mary and Joseph. Their lively spirits were daunting to adults in charge; and then on performance night, their antics brought bemused smiles and smirks from adults who watched with delighted pride.

In the book, we have the simple light rhyming prose that tells the story of the birth of the Christ child and His placement in a lowly manger for a bed. The chapel or church in which the children are acting out the Biblical story is simple with no grandiose architecture or glittering gold. Simple. Just as our Lord's birth was in a simple place.

The illustrations speak to the "make-do" costumes and stage props. We see the sweet faces of children - some solemn and some enthralled - as they go through their assigned placement and say their lines.

We see a tradition that should continue on through the ages as it has for generations of church going families - the telling and re-telling of the story of Christ's birth as an infant into a world that literally had no room for Him. 

I love this little book and families with young children will treasure it. 

You may purchase the book at: Thomas Nelson Publishing



About the book: Bestselling author and songwriter Rory Feek takes children and families on a beloved journey to Christmas past in Once Upon the Very First Christmas . On a picturesque farm, schoolchildren gather their homemade costumes and props and put on a heartwarming Christmas play for the community. As they don halos for the angel choir or round up sheep for the final nativity scene, readers will be immersed in the greatest blessings of Christmas—the gift of Jesus — and be reminded that we can rejoice together in the wonder of the season. Rory's soothing and lyrical retelling of the Christmas story Take a moment to slow down this Advent and Christmas to treasure that first Christmas, God's gift of Jesus, and every precious moment He's given you to celebrate with family and friends.


About the author: Rory Feek is a country music singer, songwriter, filmmaker and a former United States Marine. In his career, he has written singles for Kenny Chesney, Randy Travis, Clay Walker, Tracy Byrd and other artists. In 2004, Feek achieved his first Number One as a songwriter when Blake Shelton topped the country charts with "Some Beach." Feek wrote and produced a film, Josephine, which was set in the American Civil. The film later debuted at the Nashville Film Festival.

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

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