Several years ago, Teri McKinley and I were asked to write a Christmas story that offered something different and unique. Since this story has been told for thousands of years, and every year hundreds of new Christmas books hit the shelves, that was a tall order.

I had written stories about the Christmas star, Christmas angels, the Christmas tree, and even the legend of the candy cane. This time, I wanted to tell the entire story, from beginning to end, but do it in a way that would engage children and keep them interested in the story. After much thought, research, and prayer, Teri and I wrote M is for Manger, a Christmas alphabet book that tells the biblical story in chronological order.

Published in 2014, by Tyndale Publishing House, M is for Manger is available during the Christmas season in brick and mortar bookstores as well as online stores. From the angel’s announcement to Mary, to Simeon and Anna at the temple, the details of the birth of Jesus found their way onto the pages that are beautifully illustrated by Claire Keay.

One of my biggest challenges was how to end the book with the letter Z. Rather than force a word that didn’t quite fit the story, I decided to use the final page as a mini summary:

Z is for ZILLIONS
Zillions of stars shone in the sky
but one shone big and bright,
to tell the world that Jesus Christ
was born on Christmas night.

During a recent interview the host asked me why we chose the title M is for Manger. My answer was simple—“Because that’s where we find Jesus!”

The beauty of writing holiday books is that even that even though the selling season is brief, the books come back to life each year because the message is timeless. This Christmas season may you receive and embrace the gift of God’s love. Go to the manger and celebrate the Savior.

Crystal

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