A rascally pony, two run-down carts, and a pile of moldy harness seemed like a strange start to a journey full of ups and downs that led Rosie to the most meaningful Christmas of her life. But looking back, she knew it all began that fall day at the livestock auction. When Billy King asks questions about the biblical Christmas story, his curiosity inspires Rosie and the other children to dive into Scripture for the answers. Together they come up with a secret plan for a unique Christmas celebration—Operation Christmas Spirit.
The theme of the book is the Christmas story. Traditional conceptions of the holiday are compared to what God reveals to us in Scripture. The book doesn't read like a Bible commentary though, and I don't intend to dictate how anyone observes the holiday - or maybe chooses not to.
I hope the book does challenge you to think about Christmas. I know I have been challenged by writing it - and I'm already making plans for my own "Operation Christmas Spirit."
As in all the Sonrise books, there is an informative horse theme as well. Rosie, Carrie, and Grandma hope to buy a pony and train it to drive in order to offer pony-drawn cart rides at Sonrise Stable.
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My daughter received this book for Christmas. She has already devoured it AND has told me some remarkable things the book taught her about Jesus' birth! 5 stars!
This book is a refreshing change of pace to the usual Christmas book offerings, even Christian ones! The emphasis on giving instead of receiving is a change from the usual commercialism rampant during the holidays.
This book was awesome, just like all the others in the series. I feel like the characters are old friends now. I've read their stories (the whole series, from first to last book) sixteen times. Seriously. I can't wait for the ninth! Mrs. Watson, are you able to type just a little faster? LOL. - from a book-loving, Jesus-loving, horse-crazy, homeschooled 10-year-old, who's been inspired by this author to become an author herself.
Although there is no record of Jesus riding a donkey at Christmas. We know he did ride one on what we know as Palm Sunday. Learn how to draw a donkey in this lesson.
Unto us a Son is given! Isaiah 9:6
It is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts 20:35
The theme of this book focuses on the truths of the Christmas story vs our traditions.
How should we as Christians celebrate the birth of Christ? Cart driving is the main horse theme in book 8.
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