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We offer conversation starters at the end of the book that are designed to engage any age child in meaningful conversation. It’s a wonderful gift to read books with children, but to help them verbally process what they are thinking and feeling about the story deepens your relationship with them as well as their ability to connect with their feelings.
Below is an explanation of why each question is being asked, and the author’s hope for where the conversation will lead.
This question is designed for two specific reasons:
1. It encourages the child to give thought to each page and why the illustration or the words gives them joy. Learning to verbally express feelings is important.
2. It will give the adult insight into what the child is thinking and how they are processing the information. This can lead to meaningful conversation. It is likely for the favorite pages to change over time, as the child matures. A young child may be intrigued by the cat, the reindeer, or the children in their pajamas, whereas an older child may give more thought to what the dad or Santa Claus is thinking or feeling.
The purpose of this story is to help children (and adults) realize the true heart of St. Nicholas, who we celebrate today as Santa Claus. Because of his love for Jesus, he had a deep love for all people but a special place in his heart for children. He wanted everyone to know and experience the same love he found in a relationship with God. Through the years, Santa has become more known for reindeer, the North Pole, elves and giving gifts than he has for his deep love for God and his desire for all people to know Jesus. He still loves to give gifts, because in doing so he is imitating God, the ultimate Gift-Giver, but he never intended his philanthropy to overshadow the birth of Jesus. This would make him very sad.
It’s one thing to hear a Bible verse or see one quoted in a book. It’s something entirely different to open an actual Bible, God’s Word, and see Jesus’ words in writing. This is an opportunity for an adult to open the Bible with their child or grandchild and read it together.
According to this verse, who does God love?
The beginning of John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world…” God literally loves everyone. What an incredible truth to instill in the hearts of children! If God loves everyone in the world, shouldn’t we?
The cross is an important symbol in the Christian faith because it is how Jesus paid the penalty for our sin. God offered His Son on a cross as a Gift to the world, so that anyone who believed in Him would not perish but have eternal life. The hope and heart of St. Nicholas was for everyone to receive the gift of Jesus. The cross on the gift Santa is offering is symbolic of him offering the gift of Jesus.
This is an opportunity to share with a child the good news of Jesus and to invite them into a relationship with God, through Jesus. Depending on the age of the child, it is important to discuss the concept of sin… God is perfect, man is imperfect. God has made a way for us to be in relationship with Him because He loves us so much.
If so, read Romans 10:9-10 in the Bible. Since you already have your Bible open to John 3:16, it’s easy to turn a few books forward to Romans, chapter 10. In verses 9 and 10, you will read “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” God did not make it complicated for us to know Him. The simple faith of a child is powerful!
One of the greatest gifts we can give our children is the gift of prayer. Talking with God in the presence of children is important. It normalizes communicating with Him, just like we talk with anyone else. Think about how much you love it when your child or grandchild talks to you. You love to hear their voice and know they want to communicate with you. God is the same way. He loves to hear our voice calling out to Him. It’s the intent of our heart, not the formality of our words that is so pleasing to our Heavenly Father. A child might pray something as simple as this: “God, thank you for being perfect and for giving Jesus to me. I accept Your Gift. Help me to know You more and more.” What a beautiful starting point for a lifelong journey of faith!
The dad received the Gift of Jesus and prayed to God with thanksgiving. And, Santa knew the children were hearing the conversation about Jesus. This made Santa so happy!
Santa offers the gift of Jesus to everyone! It’s the gift that never runs out.
This question is designed to help children realize the gift of Jesus is meant to be shared with others. And, anyone can offer the gift of Jesus to someone else. This will be an opportunity for the adult to help the child think about people he/she may know who do not already know the Lord. What a wonderful way to pray together with the children in your life… for the salvation of friends and family. Think of how there will be new people who come to mind every year as they make new acquaintances. And, how wonderful it will be to see some of those people receive the gift of Jesus!
One of the easiest ways to share the gift of Jesus with someone may be by sharing this book, Santa’s Prayer, with them. It can definitely start the conversation.
This brings the story full circle. It was St. Nicholas’ love for Jesus and passion for gift-giving that initially associated him so closely with Christmas. It’s the day when he, and we, celebrate the birth of Jesus – the greatest gift ever given, and a gift given for all mankind. “For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
Santa's Prayer
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