by Lynn Austin
Like Eve and Audrey, my husband and I also struggled to help our children keep the real meaning of Christmas in perspective. I let Eve and Audrey borrow some of the ideas that we came up with. We always had a birthday party and birthday cake for baby Jesus. We also made the stable and manger the focus of our celebration. Like Eve, we would read the Christmas story out loud from Scripture each year as we placed Mary and Joseph, the shepherds and Wise Men in their places. Our children are all grown, but the ritual is still part of our family’s Christmas celebration.
It’s my hope and prayer that The Wish Book Christmas will brighten and inspire your Christmas celebration this season. And that as we gaze at the humble Christ child in His manger, we’ll see the greatness of Father God and remember how very much He loves us.
Have a blessed Christmas!
Lynn
Discussion Questions
If Eve could have one wish this Christmas, it would be a home of her own. What prevents her from believing she can accept the home Tom wants to give her? Have you ever felt you owed someone a debt you had to repay or that you didn’t deserve happiness for some other reason?
Despite growing up in great privilege, Audrey has been living humbly since moving to America. Why is she seemingly reluctant to accept a more extravagant lifestyle for herself and her son? In what ways does her independence embolden her? How does it hold her back?
What are some specific things Eve and Audrey fear their sons will miss out on by not having fathers? What does God promise in Psalm 68:5 and Psalm 146:9?
How do Eve and Audrey determine to teach their sons the true meaning of Christmas? Do you have any traditions of sharing the joy of Christmas with others?
When Audrey notices that her neighbor has taken down the gold star in her window, Mrs. Herder tells Audrey about how her grief for her son Michael had become a shrine and also a punishment. What does Audrey come to understand about her own grief and the freedom love offers?
Tom tells Eve that she needs to start seeing herself as God sees her: “a woman who is worthy of a second chance.” Think about a time you were offered a second chance. How did you feel in that moment? Have you been given opportunities to extend second or third chances to others?
Audrey asks Eve: “Do you think God looks at our wealth and social class to decide who’s worthy of His love?” Read Matthew 7:9-11. What does Jesus say about how parents treat their children? What kinds of gifts does God the Father offer?
Is Santa Claus part of your family’s Christmas tradition? What did you think of Audrey and Eve’s attempts to combat their sons’ greedy wishes? How would you handle the desires of children like Harry and Bobby?
About the Author
LYNN AUSTIN has sold more than one and a half million copies of her books worldwide. A former teacher who now writes and speaks full-time, she has won eight Christy Awards for her historical fiction and was one of the first inductees into the Christy Award Hall of Fame. One of her novels, Hidden Places, was made into a Hallmark Channel Original Movie. Lynn and her husband have three grown children and make their home in western Michigan. Visit her online at lynnaustin.org.
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Lynn Austin
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