Celebrating the True Meaning of Christmas

Jesus’ Christmas Party by Nicholas Allan | © 1991 by Nicholas Allan |Used by permission

“Tis the season to be jolly”

This coming Covid-Christmas already looks and feels very different to what we've become accustomed to.

Sure, there's still plenty of trimmings - Santas and snowmen; ribbons and reindeer. But to me, it feels more empty and hollow than usual.

It's an appropriate moment, then, to ask, What is the true meaning of Christmas? And how can I share that through picture books?

Don't get me wrong - I haven't gone all Scrooge on you! I have created many Christmas picture books over the years, and they all celebrate positive aspects of the holiday season and the love of family and friends.

But despite these qualities, they don't address the True Meaning of Christmas.

The birth of Jesus Christ.

(Yes, I know that the Bible doesn't give a date for the birth of Christ. I know the 25th December is random, but that's what we're given, But it is Jesus the Christ who lends His name to Christmas. And ironically, He doesn't get much of a look in when it comes to the season's festivities.)

Surprisingly, it's tricky to find a picture book about the Nativity that is more than a simple recap. Goodnight, Manger by Laura Sassi, ill. by Jane Chapman (Zonderkidz 2105) is excellent one. It puts you slap bang in the action of a noisy stable. I also have fond childhood memories of Dick Bruna's The Christmas Story. (One year my Dad helped us recreate it on the wall in giant paper cut-outs!)

So I’ve decided to highlight Jesus' Christmas Party by Nicholas Allan (Hutchinson 1991) again as my story worth sharing this week. Described by Books for Your Children as ‘[f]unny, robust yet reverent’, it is sweet and charming - and perfect for connecting with your kids this Christmas.

Jesus's Christmas Party is a delightful (and dare I say, inspired) retelling of the Nativity, told through the eyes of a grumpy innkeeper who 'liked [nothing] more than a good night's sleep.' (Allan even gets in a story twist right at the end.)

As the night draws on, the innkeeper becomes increasingly grumpy and frustrated with each rude awakening. First, by Joseph's request for a third, smaller blanket; then by shepherds. 

And each time, the innkeeper's refrain - 'Round the back!' - is repeated with comedic effect as he stomps back to bed.

There's another knock at the innkeeper's door:

 

'We are three shepherds.'

'Well, what's the matter? Lost your sheep?'

'We've come to see Mary and Joseph.'

'ROUND THE BACK,' said the innkeeper.

 

Jesus’ Christmas Party by Nicholas Allan | © 1991 by Nicholas Allan |Used by permission

 

Fellow believers needn't be concerned that Allan is trivializing the Nativity. As the Kirkus Review explains, '[i] t's a gentle nudge to the reader's imagination: What would it really have been like to be there?'

Isn't that the mark of a great story? To nudge our imaginations, to draw us in deeper?

Like Goodnight, Manger, Jesus' Christmas Party has also faced criticism. 'Some people thought it was blasphemous,' says Allan, 'because it was funny.' 

And it is! (Funny, that is.) 

According to the Sunday Times,' [t]he funniest, most endearing version of the nativity story for many years.'

 

Jesus’ Christmas Party by Nicholas Allan | © 1991 by Nicholas Allan |Used by permission

 

The chorus of angelic singing is the final straw for the poor innkeeper!

 

'RIGHT - THAT DOES IT!'

So [the innkeeper] got out of bed,

Stomped down the stairs,

Threw open the door, went around the back,

Stormed into the stable, and was just about to speak when - 

 

Jesus’ Christmas Party by Nicholas Allan | © 1991 by Nicholas Allan |Used by permission

 

And here we reach the most charming part of Jesus' Christmas Party. As the innkeeper gazes upon the baby Jesus, he is transformed. Allan's illustration, simple and light, speaks volumes.

I don't know Allan's intent behind creating Jesus' Christmas Party. But if you're after a story about the True Meaning of Christmas that is both fun and thought-provoking, then look no further. Because whatever your belief system, it won't disappoint.

On a deeper level, it reveals the True Meaning of Christmas. Jesus came so that we could encounter the Father and have our hearts transformed. Just like the grumpy innkeeper. 

And the Grinch, come to think of it.

 STORIES WORTH SHARING: Jesus’ Christmas Party by Nicholas Allan

Good to Read because:

It’s funny and a little subversive

It has a repeated refrain (little kids will love joining in!)

Puts the focus back on the True Meaning of Christmas

Good to Read

For the True Meaning of Christmas

The Christmas Story by Dick Bruna

Jesus' Christmas Party by Nicholas Allan (Hutchinson 1991)

Goodnight, Manger by Laura Sassi, ill. by Jane Chapman (Zonderkidz 2105)

With thanks to Nicholas Allan for granting permission to reproduce his work.Read my review of Goodnight Manger HereBUY THE BOOK












































 

‘[Jesus’ Christmas Party] is a tradition that it is told on Christmas Eve at the dinner table with sound effects (foot stomping and door slamming acted out on the table top). [My children] laugh and love the alternative perspective on the story - even though they are currently 10 and 13! Highly recommended.’

- Good Reads


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SourcesJesus' Christmas Party by Nicholas Allan (Hutchinson, 1991) Jesus' Christmas Party (Kirus Reviews, October 1, 1991)The Author (Spring 2019) Nicholas allan .co.uk (nicholasallan.co.uk) Jesus’ Christmas Party (Good Reads)© 2020 BY TIM WARNES(UNLESS OTHERWISE ATTRIBUTED)****USE OF THIRD PARTY COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL FALLS UNDER FAIR USE/FAIR DEALING PRACTICE.