A rascally pony, two run-down carts, and a pile of moldy harness seemed like a strange start to a journey full of ups and downs that led Rosie to the most meaningful Christmas of her life. But looking back, she knew it all began that fall day at the livestock auction. When Billy King asks questions about the biblical Christmas story, his curiosity inspires Rosie and the other children to dive into Scripture for the answers. Together they come up with a secret plan for a unique Christmas celebration—Operation Christmas Spirit.
The theme of the book is the Christmas story. Traditional conceptions of the holiday are compared to what God reveals to us in Scripture. The book doesn't read like a Bible commentary though, and I don't intend to dictate how anyone observes the holiday - or maybe chooses not to.
I hope the book challenges readers to think about Christmas. I know I was challenged by writing it - and I'm already making plans for my own "Operation Christmas Spirit."
As in all the Sonrise books, there is an informative horse theme as well. Rosie, Carrie, and Grandma hope to buy a pony and train it to drive in order to offer pony-drawn cart rides at Sonrise Stable.
If you've never ridden in a horse (or pony) drawn cart, check out the video to get a feel for what it's like!
Scriptural Theme: Unto us a Son is given! Isaiah 9:6; It is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts 20:35; The theme of this book focuses on the truths of the Christmas story vs our traditions.
Art Lesson: Although there is no record of Mary riding a donkey at Christmas. We know Jesus rode one on what we know as Palm Sunday. Learn how to draw a donkey in this lesson.
184 pages
ISBN: 978-0-9847242-7-7
Check out the Companion Guides
for activities to supplement the Sonrise Stable series!
A rascally pony, two run-down carts, and a pile of moldy harness seemed like a strange start to a journey full of ups and downs that led Rosie to the most meaningful Christmas of her life. But looking back, she knew it all began that fall day at the livestock auction. When Billy King asks questions about the biblical Christmas story, his curiosity inspires Rosie and the other children to dive into Scripture for the answers. Together they come up with a secret plan for a unique Christmas celebration—Operation Christmas Spirit.
The theme of the book is the Christmas story. Traditional conceptions of the holiday are compared to what God reveals to us in Scripture. The book doesn't read like a Bible commentary though, and I don't intend to dictate how anyone observes the holiday - or maybe chooses not to.
I hope the book challenges readers to think about Christmas. I know I was challenged by writing it - and I'm already making plans for my own "Operation Christmas Spirit."
As in all the Sonrise books, there is an informative horse theme as well. Rosie, Carrie, and Grandma hope to buy a pony and train it to drive in order to offer pony-drawn cart rides at Sonrise Stable.
If you've never ridden in a horse (or pony) drawn cart, check out the video to get a feel for what it's like!
Scriptural Theme: Unto us a Son is given! Isaiah 9:6; It is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts 20:35; The theme of this book focuses on the truths of the Christmas story vs our traditions.
Art Lesson: Although there is no record of Mary riding a donkey at Christmas. We know Jesus rode one on what we know as Palm Sunday. Learn how to draw a donkey in this lesson.
184 pages
ISBN: 978-0-9847242-7-7
Check out the Companion Guides
for activities to supplement the Sonrise Stable series!
