Published by Ideals Children’s Books on 2012
Genres: Christian, Christmas & Advent, Holidays & Celebrations, Religious, Values & Virtues, Young Adult
Pages: 18
Format: Hardcover
Goodreads
Sam is so excited about Christmas! He’s thinking about his Christmas list, anticipating holiday parties, and puzzling over one very mysterious gift — a sparkly box sitting on the mantel above the fireplace. In the midst of the festivities, Sam and his family participate in various acts of kindness to others. On Christmas morning, when Sam finally opens the Sparkle Box, he finds only slips of paper that record the family’s good deeds. Sam’s parents explain that the things that they’ve been doing for others are, in fact, a gift for Jesus — for Jesus said that whatever we do for the least of these, we do for Him. This heartfelt story will inspire readers to adopt this faith-centered tradition in their own homes, using the included Sparkle Box.
If you want to teach your children about Christmas – the real Christmas, The Sparkle Box: A Gift with the Power to Change Christmas by Jill Hardie is the book to get! It’s for ages 4 to 8 and it’s a perfect story for any child.
Author Jill Hardie tells the story of Sam, who is so excited about Christmas! Sam is preparing his Christmas “want” list and he’s excited about the upcoming holiday parties. At the same time, he is so curious about one very mysterious gift — a sparkly box sitting on the mantel above the fireplace. Whenever Sam asked his mother about the box, she would tell him to wait, that she had a few more things to put in the box.
In the midst of all of the Christmas festivities, Sam and his family bless other people with various acts of kindness, and all the while Sam waits impatiently to find out what is in the box. On Christmas morning, Sam finally gets to open the box, and he finds the slips of paper recording his family’s good deeds. His parents explain to him that the things they are doing – the blessings they are providing others – are a gift for Jesus in honor of His birthday. Sam was confused as they had given the gifts to people, not Jesus. His mother explains that when we give to others we are giving to Him.a gift for Jesus — for Jesus said that whatever we do for the least of these, we do for Him.
The Sparkle Box story is inspired by Matthew 25:40 “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” The book challenges us to put aside our wants for those in need. To think of others. Whether it be a material item like food, clothes or shelter. Or a spiritual need, such as praying with someone, lending a shoulder. Or maybe giving of your time to a neighbor or friend in need.
This heartfelt story will inspire readers to adopt this faith-centered tradition in their own homes. The illustrations in The Sparkle Box are awesome and children are very engaged to the story. The Sparkle Box includes a glitter-coated fold-out Sparkle Box on the inside cover of the back. The book is absolutely gorgeous and is destined to become a children’s Christmas classic for years to come! You can start your own family tradition of giving gifts to the One who gave all to us! The Sparkle Box is definitely a “must have” book for anyone that has children or grandchildren!
Author Jill Hardie, her husband, and their two children began the tradition of placing a Sparkle Box for Jesus under their Christmas tree approximately seven years ago. The first time they opened His gift, the commercialism of the season melted away and they experienced profound peace and happiness. It’s Jill’s hope that The Sparkle Box book will ignite a new Christmas tradition that helps center Christmas in the true joy of the season.
“There are many traditions that help us remember the remarkable and beautiful story of the birth of Jesus. My hope is that The Sparkle Box will help us remember Jesus as he is today – in the present. It encourages us to ask the question, ‘What gift can we give Jesus on His birthday that will bring Him joy?’
Jesus taught us that whenever we do something for someone in need, we do it for Him. I think loving and caring for each other in His name is the greatest gift we could give to honor Jesus on His birthday.”
– Jill Hardie
I was provided with a review copy of this book as a First Look Blogger for Worthy Publishing without cost in exchange for this, my honest review and unbiased opinion.
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