The First Christmas

by Carol Heyer

Relates the story of Jesus Christ's birth and infancy and touches on the rest of his life, explaining how his life and death are the real reason for celebrating Christmas.

Genres: Christmas, Childrens, Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Vera Godley]

A beautiful and artistic presentation of The First Christmas when the Son of God was born as a wee baby in Bethlehem. Carol Heyer has realistically illustrated the events of this unfathomable gift of God to man, and in simple, everyday prose retold the ever wonderful story.

Originally published several years ago as a hardcover book, it is now available in this small board book just right for small children. This edition is intended for children ages 2 to 5. A sweet gift for that small child or as an addition to the family stash of children's books.

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a copy by the publisher to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and I was not compensated.

[Jaylin Palacio]

A wonderful telling of the First Christmas. The illustrations are breath-taking. I enjoyed reading this with my grandson very much.

[Sarah Wilson]

This is a beautiful book that is mostly true to the Bible. The wisemen come to the stable which isn’t accurate, but I think that was the biggest discrepancy. The book is written in a very understandable way - sticking to the text but adding enough story form to make it a very enjoyable read without changing the story.

The illustrations are gorgeous. While many of the characters are portrayed as white, others are clearly of the more accurate middle eastern descent and some it’s hard to tell. Which is, imo, fantastic.

Overall, this is a good book about the true Christmas story. For a book that more accurately sticks to the Biblical story while still being beautiful and an enjoyable storybook read, this is probably one of the best. The Very First Christmas by Paul Maier is technically more accurate, but it’s a less enjoyable read. 4.5 stars.

[Sarah Oldre]

One of my favorite children’s books about Christmas. The illustrations are so beautiful, and the narrative is great. It has lots of Scripture quoted directly, but also has some narrative written by Heyer that helps to draw the story together for younger children. We read this every year before we open our presents. I like that it addresses why we give each other gifts, and it points to the greatest gift ever: Jesus.

[Katie]

This is a children's Christmas book I've had for years and it's the story of Jesus' birth for kids with stunning illustrations that I used to stare at for hours.

I have a lot of nostalgia surrounding this book, so it's one I'll revisit time and time again.

[Shannon]

A gorgeously illustrated picture book telling of the story of Jesus. We read this every year, at Christmas, for at least the past 8 years. Destined to be a classic, it is easy for kids to understand, while not being too cartoonish. It is reflective and warm. I highly recommend.

[Monika Kozlowski]

Wonderful story.

[Suzanne Lorraine Kunz Williams]

Beautiful pictures. Beautiful retelling of the nativity story.

[Jenny]

This tells the story of Christ's birth. The illustrations are beautiful. The story is well told. My only complaint is that I prefer the language of the King James Bible, and love lines such as "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ The Lord." This is written in Heyer's book as "Do not be afraid," the angel said, "because I bring you good news. A Savior has been born in Bethlehem. He is Christ The Lord." It still communicates the meaning, and it may be simpler for children who are not familiar with the King James Version to understand. But for me, that was a drawback. Otherwise, I felt it was well done.

[Utgirl177]

i bought this for my daughter for a christmas present,..i hope see enjoys it

[Kim]

Beautiful illustrations, wonderful story telling about the first Christmas; Mary, Joseph, traveling to Bethlehem, manger, Jesus, wise men, shepherds, angels and animals.

[Crystal]

Family favorite! We read it before bed on Christmas Eve every year💞. A Christmas tradition we all enjoy🎄🎁