By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
Every year we read Christmas stories that warm our souls and sometimes in between. These tales are precious to many of us. They spark the Christmas spirit in big and small ways, and if you look closely, you can find Jesus in all of them with peace on earth, and goodwill to men.
This week I’d like to share traditional favorites and perhaps a few new titles.
The most important story is The Birth of Jesus
In Luke’s Gospel, we find the accounting of the birth of Jesus. Luke 2:1-20 is the centuries-old reminder of Jesus’ miraculous birth. I encourage you to read this beautiful, true story before opening gifts this Christmas. The birth and life of Jesus as Messiah is foretold in a thread from Genesis through Revelation.
The Christmas Carol
Charles Dickens published this timeless story in 1845 about Scrooge, the miserly (and miserable) man of London who experiences a remarkable transformation about himself and his views of others. This article covers ten things to know about Charles Dickens and the writing of The Christmas Carol.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Written by Robert L. May in 1939, we have learned to love the story of the shiny-nosed reindeer who led Santa’s reindeer on a dark night. We enjoyed the story, sang the song, and viewed the animated movie about this loveable Christmas character.
The Gift of the Magi
A sweet story of personal sacrifice in the name of love to purchase the perfect Christmas gift. Some say the characters were foolish; some say the characters were wise. Perhaps the reader chooses the best life lesson.
The Greatest Gift
Many of us have grown up treasuring this 1943 tale by Phillip Van Doren Stern about George Pratt, who discovers what it was like never to have been born. Sound familiar? The Oscar-winning It’s a Wonderful Life is a film adaptation of this heart-rendering story.
The Tailor of Gloucester
We all have enjoyed Beatrix Potter’s stories for children (adults, too). Published in 1903, this book is about a tailor who experiences extreme hardship during a cold, bitter winter. Special mice lift his distress by helping him make Christmas a real celebration.
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
This delightful poem by Clement Clarke Moore has entertained readers young and old since December 23, 1823. Many of us have memorized the stanzas and repeated them to children.
Comment below about your favorite Christmas story and be entered in two random giveaways for an e-copy of my historical novella A Texas Legacy Christmas and a second random giveaway of ten original short Christmas Stories. The deadline to comment is Saturday, December 3 at noon CST. I will announce the two winners in my blog post distributed on December 6th.
Many other memorable stories woven focusing on Christmas popped into my mind, and I’m sure you have a favorite, too.
Comments 21
I love reading the Biblical account of Jesus’ birth.
For historical fiction I love the story Two from Galilee
Therese, the biblical is timeless, and the fiction is outstanding! Thank you.
I love the real Christmas story every year, from the Bible! Luke is good!
Thanks, Beverly. It’s a sweet reminder of God’s love all year round.
My favorite story is the birth of Jesus eventhough he wasn’t born in December. I love Christmas and decorating, giving to others (my love language is gift giving). I love sharing Jesus’ Love with everyone I meet no matter what time of year it is. 🙂
Kelli, sharing God’s love is the best part of Christmas – all the year.
I love reading from Luke 2:1-20 on Christmas Eve. Since we are disabled, we do not make it to Christmas Eve service. This is our way of having the birth of Christ in our Christmas. Thank you for sharing. God bless you.
Debra, Luke 2:1-20 is the most important story of Christmas!
You listed some of my favorites, DiAnn. I especially like Its a Wonderful Life and watch the movie every year. Thanks for sharing these treasures!
Barbara, thank you. We wanted It’s a Wonderful Life for Thanksgiving.
Our favorite is a little book called, “If You’re Missing Baby Jesus.” It’s based on a true story about a family whose attempt to return an extra baby Jesus from their new nativity set puts them “accidentally” on the path of being His hands and feet to a family in need. It’s so beautiful it makes us cry every single year.
Karen, thanks for the book recommendation. I need to read the book!
The Gift of the Magi is my favorite because it teaches to do for others before yourself. A favorite tradition I had with my mom as a child was to watch The House without a Christmas Tree every year .
Thanks, Kerri. I love Christmas traditions – and the celebration of the biggest birthday party in the universe.
Carol, I love your favorites – mine too. Thanks so much.
Love your books, wish you were able to write more yearly, I’ve read them ALL !
Marcia
Thank you, Marcia! Appreciate your kind words.
DiAnne, your ability to write so well and yet to do so many other things continues to amaze me. Thanks for all you do.
Thank you, Richard!
I love Christmas stores that center around Christ’s birth. Of course, Luke 2 is a must read and study around Christmas. Our pastor said on Sunday he heard a little girl in the grocery store tell her mother, “This is Jesus time” not Christmas time. I loved that. Simple but so true.
The Christmas Carol has been my all-time favorite since a young girl. I read it even when it isn’t Christmas as it reminds us of what is important. Relationships.
It’s a Wonderful Life is a must watch every year. A reminder that our lives interact with so many people and that we touch so many lives that our actions may be the only Jesus someone sees.
And Mareen O’Hara’s version of Miracle on 34th St reminds me of the miracle of Christmas. Not so much Santa Claus but the belief in something is amazingly powerful.
Those are top favorite…however, the Gift of the Magi is also amazing. The sacrifice to do for others before yourself.
Carol