It is snowing here today. And I put my Christmas stuff up last weekend because I’ve got surgery next week, soooo…. I’m in the Christmas mood. And one question we get every year at ReFocus is, “What can I get my kids for Christmas that will help grow their faith?” Over the years, a number of my friends have shared their picks and I’m excited to share them with you!
Toddler – Preschool
Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd Jones
The Jesus Storybook Bible tells that wonderful Story beneath all the stories in the Bible. The story of how God loves his children and comes to rescue them. And at the center of that story there is a baby. Every story in the Bible whispers his name. The Jesus Storybook Bible invites children to discover for themselves the one who is at the center of God’s great rescue story — and at the center of their story, too.. You will love it as much as your kids!
Christmas Love Letters from God by Glenys Nellist
In Christmas Love Letters from God, Glenys has done the same thing again by taking the familiar and beloved stories from Christmas and including at the end of each one, a personalized “love letter” to your child(ren) from God.
They get to read things like, “I’m so glad Joseph said yes to me…Never be afraid to say yes to me. When you hear those quiet whispers in your heart….remember that just like I helped Joseph, I will help you too” and “I gave my Son, Jesus, to Mary and it made me feel wonderful…because…Jesus wasn’t just for her. Jesus was my gift to the whole world and that includes you.” And the letters always end with “With Love, God.”
“My son loved reading these books and hearing God’s letters that are written to him. And he loves entering into the story in a very real and tangible way.”
Kindergarten-3rd grade
The Peace Table: Storybook Bible from Shine Curriculum
“Finally! A comprehensive, thought-provoking, devotionally-focused Children’s Bible that addresses underrepresented themes. With great illustrations too!” Within the scope of what it sets out to accomplish (providing a visually engaging and thematically unified Children’s Bible), The Peace Table Storybook Bible excels beyond any other Children’s Bible that I have encountered. It is, simply put, the highest quality individual resource for children’s faith formation that has graced our home, and I look forward to many more years of use. As a result, it comes highly recommended for use in both the home and in children’s ministries at the church level. (Read Full Review here).
I Am: 40 Reasons to Trust God by Diane Stortz
“This is what our youngest son is getting. That little guy hasn’t learned yet that God has different names…he’s our provider, protector, The Great I AM. Awesome illustrations without too many words on a page. This is probably a third grade reading level so he couldn’t read it himself but it will be good for bedtime.”
A note from Christina: This was my son’s favorite book when he was little. The illustrations are just so imaginative and compelling and invited hime into the story!
3rd – 5th grade
A Thankful Heart is a Happy Heart: Gratitude Journal for Kids by Crystal Paine
“I love, love, love the idea of a gratitude journal. 
I was thinking about making one for my daughter (and you could do that) but then I found this one that was created by one of my favorite bloggers!!”
The Millie Maven series by Ted and Rachel Dekker
Enter the world of Millie Maven, a twelve-year-old orphan who embarks on a great adventure that takes her to the distant, mysterious world of FIGS, the FarPointe Institute for Gifted Students. There, she discovers that there is more to her than she ever dared imagine or believe . . . and that there are some truths that change everything. My son still loves to read Ted Dekker’s youth books and this series is a fun one to read together.
Preteen
I’m a Christian, Now What by Lifeway Kids
“Okay….. let’s talk about devotions. Most devotions are boring and kids really have no idea how to take a scripture verse and apply it to their lives. I really think that devotions that are solely reading are probably more appropriate for middle school and up. That’s just my two cents! I like this devotional because it’s actually a journal. It has activities that you do to help you remember a scripture or apply that scripture to your life. It has games and puzzles and is colorful.”
Bonus: For Young Kids
The Bible App for Kids Storybook Bible
“We’ve had this Bible for a year now. If you have young kids in your house you NEED this Bible!! The illustrations are adorable. It’s colorful. It’s an easy read aloud because there aren’t a lot of words on each page. I think this should be every child’s first Bible!!! For goodness sake’s, you want a child’s first impression of God’s word to be a positive one and this storybook accomplishes that.”
Friends, do you have a favorite you’d like to share? Please mention it in the comments below with a link for where we can purchase it.
Happy Christmas shopping!
Good Giving 2024
This November, I’m excited to invite you to participate in ReFocus Ministry’s Good Giving Campaign. As we approach Giving Tuesday on December 3, we’re offering you a special opportunity to join our Patreon community and support the mission of connecting generations in lifelong discipleship.
When you sign up or upgrade your Patreon membership by December 3, you’ll receive:
- Exclusive access to an Ask Me Anything (AMA) event with me, Christina Embree, and some of our amazing ReFocus Reflections interviewees.
- A gift certificate for a free quarter (3 months) of Patreon interviews to give to your pastor or children’s pastor, so they can access all our resources and interviews.
- First dibs on webinars, roundtables, resources, and more!
Help us reach our goal of 50 new Patreon subscribers by supporting this ministry that connects generations in faith and discipleship. We would love to have you join us!
Sign up now at https://www.patreon.com/c/ReFocusMinistry
Thank you for your support and for believing in the power of generational discipleship!
Free Advent Resource and More
One of our commitments at ReFocus is to keep our materials and resources accessible to all churches and homes, regardless of size or financial situation. You can help make that happen by supporting ReFocus via our Patreon account as a $5, $7, or $10 monthly donor (Sign up here https://www.patreon.com/c/ReFocusMinistry)
Because of our supporters, we always have FREE resources available on our website – Check them out here! https://refocusministry.org/free-resources/
About the Founder of ReFocus Ministry
Christina Embree is the founder and director of ReFocus Ministry. She holds a masters in ministry focused on Children, Youth, and Family Ministry and a doctorate in spiritual formation with a focus on age segregation and intergenerational ministry.
In addition to coaching churches of multiple denominations and traditions all around the globe, Christina serves as the Minister of Generational Discipleship for the Great Lakes Conference of the Brethren in Christ and as Next Gen pastor at Open Door Church in Lexington, Kentucky.
She is widely recognized as a speaker and author in the areas of generational discipleship, intergenerational ministry, and family ministry. As the mother of three children, she is familiar with the challenges of faith at home and pastoral ministry. She along with her husband Luke share a love for the church, their community, and the global work of peace and restoration through Jesus.
Interested in having Christina visit your church, speak at your conference, or coach your team?
Christina speaks on a wide range of topics related to children, youth, and family ministry with a unique focus on connecting generations for discipleship within your church. Her personalized approach allows you to pinpoint the needs of your community and gain the insight that you are looking for. Whether this is a volunteer team training and pastoral staff meeting or a ministerial conference, her experience and knowledge will help you determine the next step forward in creating lifelong disciples.
