'Twas the Season of Advent

A Southern Christian Writers Conference Notable Book Award finalist in the Children's/Young Adult Category for 2022 * Southern Christian Writers Conference *
A day-by-day Advent adventure for families to share together. Beginning on Dec. 1 with an introduction to the season of Advent and this book, and ending on Dec. 25 with just a short rhyme, Nellist's text familiarizes children with the Christmas season and events ranging from Genesis' 'Let there be light' and Isaiah's foretelling the birth of a baby to Mary's visit with Elizabeth and the arrival of the Magi after Jesus' birth (on Dec. 21 here). A rhyming verse starts each day's entry...the bulk of each page explains the Bible verse that follows the rhyme and humanizes the main characters: Joseph's indecision about marrying a pregnant Mary, the job of a shepherd, and the treasure box of memories that Mary stored in her heart. The entry ends with a brief prayer: 'Dear God, thank you for Mary who was so brave and trusted you. When I need to be brave, help me remember that you are with me.'...Jewel-toned illustrations in luminous colors and lots of detail fill half of each spread. All the people, save the three Magi, are Middle Eastern in skin color, facial features, and dress. A religious centering amid the run-up to Christmas. * Kirkus Reviews *
In this children's Advent devotional, author Glenys Nellist replicates the familiar cadence of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas to relate the good news of Jesus Christ. Each of the 25 devotions begins with a verse from Nellist's poem, setting the stage for the celebration of Advent. For Dec. 1: ''Twas the season of Advent, when all through the earth, / People were pausing to ponder Christ's birth. / The bright lights hung 'round the door frames with care / In hopes that Christmastime soon would be there.' Scripture passages, an imaginative reflection on a participant in the biblical Christmas story, and a prayer round out each devotion. Illustrator Elena Selivanova's artwork masterfully contrasts light and darkness as she portrays the coming of Jesus, the light of the world. * The Banner, Sonya VanderVeen Feddema *