What Think Ye?
Thursday, December 1, 2011 at 6:42PM 
I have a large collection of Christmas-themed picture books; there are at least thirty different titles in the stack on my shelf. One of our December Family Home Evening traditions is to read two of those books every week--one of which tells the Christmas story. Whether it's through my repeated readings of the four Gospels, or having memorized and sung various Christmas cantatas, or from having participated in many lesson-and-carol-style Sacrament Meeting programs--I have the story of Jesus' birth as told in the scriptures memorized. And I want my children to know it by heart, too. So we read the Christmas story, in as close to the original form as we can get.
The book we read next can be silly or spiritual, as the mood strikes me. We might read a version of Clement C. Moore's "The Night Before Christmas" or one of Hans Christian Andersen's Christmas-themed fairy tales. (If that last happens, Patrick has to read. I can't get through "The Little Match Girl" without sobbing--no exaggeration.)
This past Monday, we read a gorgeous book with text from the King James Bible with photographs of medieval triptychs for illustrations. That was a treat to ponder.
But then we read one of the loveliest books in my entire collection, What Think Ye of Christmas? Ester Rasband (who happens to be the wife of my former mission president) wrote the thought-provoking words, and her neighbor, Jana Winters Parkin (who happens to be one of my dearest friends in the entire world) painted the exquisite illustrations.
This book is special, and not just because I am privileged to know the co-creators. What I love about it is that it turns the familiar complaint of observant Christians--"Christmas has gotten so commercial," or something similar--on its head. Yes, the secular nature of the world's December festivities--and sales and promotions--can overwhelm. But with a little thought, we all can "put Christ back in Christmas," as the Knights of Columbus remind me via billboard every year.
I read the book slowly to the family, pausing frequently so that they could examine the illustrations. We then had one of the best Gospel discussions we've ever had during Family Night. We talked about how Santa Claus can be seen as a type of the Savior; we marveled over how Jesus is both Shepherd and King. I loved the insights my children had and shared, sparked by the words and pictures before them. It was a truly memorable experience.
So--if you were at my house looking through my pile of Christmas books, and you asked me which of them I would most recommend that you buy--it would be this one. Buy a copy to treasure; buy a copy to give to someone you love. We bought several copies last year and gave them to the families whom we caroled last year on Christmas Eve--and every single one of those families (whether religiously observant or not) told me later how much they loved this little book. It truly is a gift that keeps on giving.
Reader Comments (6)
I'm going to order this one!
Thank you, Luisa! I love that you gave it as a carolling gift to your neighbors! And that it opened up a rich family discussion. This is the best kind of review because it shows the true power and influence of the book. It makes me so happy to hear that the book is not only loved and shared, but that it continues to uplift and enrich, with an ever-expanding reach.
Last night a woman who'd read my story of the creation of the artwork called to share her appreciation...and then she ordered 63 books! It seems that people who really sense the spirit of this little book—like you did—want to share it with many, many loved ones.
We, too, collect Christmas books...and this one is my very favorite (and would be whether I illustrated it or not.)
But I can't read this without also commenting on your generous spirit. I love the very giving soul that you consistently are.
I could just say ditto to all that's said here. This is a beautiful book and I love it. I love that suddenly all these things that I was kind-of taught to think were wrong, like the receiving of gifts and the shopping and the bustle are all given new and wonderful meaning.
I believe it's worth every penny and all of your time.
I just ordered my copy and it will be my addition to our collection of Christmas stories for the year.
Your post was very unique and artistic.
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I read your post and I must say that it is really awesome! I had a great tie reading it.
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