We don’t mind one bit that it’s really a children’s book. We enjoy the way the simplified stories get right to the heart of the matter: God had a plan for our salvation all along. Beginning in the Garden of Eden, we follow the stories of men and women throughout the Old Testament whose lives led to the birth of our Savior. Every night after dinner, Mike opens the tiny book and reads the day’s story and accompanying scripture aloud. What meaning these moments bring to our Advent season! We focus on Jesus each day as we await the joyous celebration of his birth. Merry Christmas, indeed!
Even before the world was made, God had already chosen us to be his through our union with Christ, so that we would be holy and without fault before him. Because of his love God had already decided that through Jesus Christ he would make us his children—this was his pleasure and purpose. Let us praise God for his glorious grace, for the free gift he gave us in his dear Son! For by the blood of Christ we are set free, that is, our sins are forgiven. How great is the grace of God, which he gave to us in such large measure!
— Ephesians 1:4-5
