The Nativity

I gave this book to my toddler for St. Nicholas Day, early in Advent. Although she is only 2 years old, I wanted to introduce her to the language of the Gospel accounts of Jesus's birth--the rhythm, the cadence, etc. This book did not disappoint. She also loved the illustrations, particularly the pictures of the Infant Jesus. This will continue to be Advent reading for my children for many years, and as they grow up and read this story again and again, they will come to see and appreciate new dimensions.

This book was not what I expected it to be; really wish I could have previewed it online before purchasing. Had hoped for a true-to-scripture account of the Christmas story to read to my preschooler, but the Nativity is not really the focus of this story. I knew that it would be long passages to read, but didn't realize it would include inappropriate content to read to my little one. Since the author compiled this text from Scripture anyway, had assumed that she would use discretion regarding which parts to focus on. No Scripture references are listed anywhere, either, which doesn't make much sense to me.Contrary to another reviewer, the text does include the killing of the firstborn children. Here is the exact text from two pages: "And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, 'Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.' When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and he departed into Egypt, and was there until the death of Herod. Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under. But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, 'Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel, for they are dead which sought the young child's life.' And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee, and he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth."Beyond the content, the typeface and spacing make the text hard to read. There is plenty of empty space on each page, so not sure why they couldn't have spaced it differently, and arranged it for better flow when reading. The pictures are well-done (albeit small), but the text is not easy or enjoyable to read. I did upload 5 photos to help others decide about this book; I hope Amazon will post them.I returned it, paying $5 for return shipping, because it's really not a book I want to add to my family's library. Will keep looking for a family-friendly, but Scripturally-derived Nativity picture book.

Beautiful illustrations. Stays true to the bible story. As far as the murder of all the children age 2 and under by kind Herod, the book says, "And being warned of God in a dream that they (the three kings) should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way." So this book is suitable for young children. Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus all have halos on their heads in all of the illustrations (as seen on the cover).

Can’t get more beautiful than this...Sacred, reverent with fantastic Art. Each pages is more colorful than the next n each is beautiful. Wonderful paper n cover art. Ruth Sanderson rocks! This must be displayed along with your Holy manger. A work of art!

I gave this book to a half-dozen people for Christmas this year before I decided I should have bought one to review, first. I ordered one and received it today. I am very happy with it, glad I chose it to share with loved ones. The artwork is beautiful, the story just as told in the Bible. Children will enjoy hearing the story and seeing the pictures but I think adults will most appreciate this book.

I originally purchased "The Story of Christmas" but was disappointed and returned it because the illustrations were awkward. I purchased this and I am so glad I did.I liked that it used the original text from the Bible and the illustrations are very elegant. It isn't at a children's understanding, though I did purchase it for my daughter. I think of it more as an something she'll understand when she is older, but can look at the pictures till then. They are very beautiful, I would recommend it!

Just a gorgeous book telling the story of Christ's birth. The artwork is wonderful and a great addition to any library

The text in authenic and the art work is just that a work of art. I have been looking for this type of book for a long time to start a family tradition of reading this book to my grandchildren every Christmas. I definately would recommend

My children and I love this book. We love the work of Ruth Sanderson and her story and art of the Nativity is lovely. Highly Recommend!