There are days I read light, funny books to relieve stress, but mostly my reading consists of message-driven fiction. It’s also what I tend to write. Little Shepherd and A Christmas Kindness are such stories. Both hold a special message I hope young readers and their families will enjoy. That said, especially when writing for children, it’s important to subtly weave in the message so it doesn’t overpower the characters.

Obed from Little Shepherd is faced with a tough decision. Does he leave his flock alone and find the newborn King or does he stay in the field? His father thinks he should go with the others, but Obed must decide for himself if he will step out in faith. Though he remains anxious about the safety of his sheep, Obed discovers great faith reaps great rewards.

Could I have quoted Scripture and had the boy’s father pontificating on how he should listen to what the angels said without question? Sure, but that’s not what I wanted the reader to remember. My goal was to shape the Christmas story in such a way that a young person could relate to Obed’s anxiety and learn what he learns, without being distracted by the message.

When it came to A Christmas Kindness, I searched for a delicate way to encourage my children to think of others at a time of year when much of the focus is on what will be under their Christmas tree. God’s Word calls us to serve each other, but that might not sound like an exciting or fun concept to a young person. The wonderful thing about kids, though, is that they have generous hearts. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus told His disciples that unless they become like little children, they will never enter the kingdom of Heaven. So, the key to this book was appealing to the generous, tender hearts of kids.

Eight-year-old Robert is anxiously waiting to see Santa at the mall on Christmas Eve. He has his long wish list in his pocket and can’t wait to share it with the jolly old elf. While in line, he meets Glenn. With holey sneakers, torn jeans, and a jacket whose sleeves don’t quite make it past his wrists, Glenn has only one wish: he wants Santa to put a picture of him and his younger brother, Nathan, sitting on Santa’s lap under the tree.

Robert is floored. Who asks for only one thing? And a picture? Glenn talks about how sick Nathan is, the numerous trips to the doctor, and how his mom cries a lot. Suddenly, Robert’s long list of toys doesn’t seem so important.

While the message of A Christmas Kindness is bolder than the one in Little Shepherd, readers will remember how Robert was touched by Glenn’s heartfelt Christmas wish and his desire to help a new friend.

Finding that perfect balance between sharing your message and entertaining can seem challenging. If you keep in mind that the goal should be to inspire and empower, you’ll find your way.