Looking out the Window: Linda Weaver Clarke Shares Her Thoughts on Christmas and Talks about Her New Book, The Christmas Story and Other Beloved Stories of Jesus
A Warm Welcome to Linda Weaver Clarke
Hi Linda, thanks for sharing your thoughts on the Christmas season and for telling us about your beautiful new Christmas book.
See below for the Amazon link to read the first twenty-two pages.
The Christmas Season - a Time to Rejoice!
Christmas is a wonderful time of year. A feeling of love and joy are in the air as we give gifts to family members and neighbors.
The Christmas season is a time to have compassion for others and to give from our hearts. If we find out that a family is in need, our hearts go out to them. We don’t want their children to be disappointed on Christmas Day so we’ll take gifts to them to put under their tree. That day will always stay etched in your mind, and your children will never forget the grateful faces of the family.
Some people give gifts in secret, by knocking at the door and hiding behind a bush. When we did this, my children saw the surprised neighbor calling his children to the door to see what was at their doorstep. My children remember those days with fond memories.
As we buy gifts for the family and listen to "I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas" and "Jolly Old St. Nicholas," do we think about the real reason we celebrate Christmas? Do our children understand who Jesus Christ is? How about our teenagers? Do they comprehend what He did for them? This is the perfect time to help them understand why we celebrate Christmas. But what is the best way to explain who Jesus is and why He is so important on Christmas Day?
There are many children’s books about the stories of Jesus. Each one has cartoon-like drawings for young children and told in a simple way for them to understand. But how about our older children who can read and would much rather read something that fits their age? Is there something for them to read?
Thirteen years ago that very thought inspired me to write such a book for my grandchildren in narrative style so they could get to know Jesus. This style of writing brings the stories to life so they can understand the scriptures better. After much thought, I realized it was time to share this book with others. These inspirational stories are for ages twelve and older. The font is larger for easier reading, especially for teenagers and grandparents.
This book also includes inspirational paintings by Del Parson, the renowned artist. His paintings give us a feeling of reverence and peace. The colors are exquisite and the style of painting helps tell the stories of Jesus. You can actually feel the love that Jesus has for us as you gaze at each of the lovely paintings. To learn more about Del Parson and his inspirational paintings, visit http://www.delparson.com.
Have you noticed that more and more people are talking about Jesus and His ministry? There are movies on the Internet telling the stories of Jesus like "The Chosen" by Dallas Jenkins and a Christian website called Bible Videos: The Life of Jesus Christ.
What People Are Saying
After reading The Christmas Story and Other beloved Stories of Jesus, Sunnie Reviews wrote: “A beautiful book written in an easy to understand style for adults and young people alike. The words and the artwork are amazing. The art is from a renowned artist. This is a great gift idea for younger readers to help them realize the important events that are well explained in this book.”
Excerpt:
Off in the distance, a group of shepherds were tending their sheep when they heard choirs of angels singing. At first, they were startled and confused, not sure what to think of it.
An angel stood before them and said, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”
With that announcement, the angels sang: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
After the angels left, one of the shepherds said, “Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.”
With haste, they traveled to the city of Bethlehem. It did not take long to arrive at the stable because the shepherds felt God directing them where to go and they soon found the babe lying in a manger just as the angel had announced.
With humble hearts, they knelt in reverence before the newborn babe. The happiness they felt was indescribable. They were grateful that God had sent the angels to them with a message about the Messiah. Why had they been so privileged to know about his birth? With great joy, the shepherds went about, making it known to everyone about the spiritual experience they had seen that night.
Buy on Amazon
Bio: Linda has enjoyed writing stories for years but it took a lot of courage to begin submitting them. After "Melinda and the Wild West" was published, I entered it in the Reader Views Literary Contest and my book was chosen as a Semi-Finalist in the "Reviewers Choice Awards 2007." It was one of the top ten out of hundreds of other entries. I am the author of historical sweet romances, a mystery adventure series, a children's book, and a cozy mystery series. All of my books are family friendly.
I have traveled throughout the United States, teaching people to write their family history and autobiography. I have traveled to seventeen states and given over 500 workshops. At this time, I am retired and am a service missionary at the FamilySearch Center in St. George, Utah where I help people in all walks of life to discover their heritage. It is important to learn about our ancestors.
Learn about your heritage at Family Search
Connect with Linda on her Website
*To read the first 22 pages of The Christmas Story and Other beloved Stories of Jesus, visit the Amazon Website and click on the cover. When the book opens up, scroll down and read each page.
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