Santa's Birthday Gift

I bought this book because of the high star rating. I liked the artwork and the rhythmic structure. And the biblical account of Christ's birth is solid. HOWEVER. I do not like the way Santa is incorporated into this book. He is presented as an angel who makes toys, who prays for a way to deliver them when his reindeer can't make it through the snow, and then the reindeer are able to fly. (As a result of his prayer.) From there, it goes into the traditional, cultural understanding of Santa, with a little bit of Jesus thrown in. My concern is theological: If we're reading a book to our children, purporting it to be historically true (Jesus' birth), it doesn't make sense to include a fairy tale that is both confusing to children and NOT true. I hoped that this story would actually incorporate the origin of Santa - Saint Nicholas, who was a devoted Christ-follower and the inspiration of the figure we now know as Santa Claus. I had such high hopes for this book to be a marriage between these two who fight for a child's attention: Santa, giver of toys, and Jesus, the first and most important gift -- ultimately, I was just disappointed in the book I received. Sadly, not recommended. I will, however, recommend another book: The Legend of St. Nicholas (by Dandi Dale Mackall).

The story seem to reflect on a theme of a Santa box I was making for my grandsons. However, I was disappointed in the overall size of the book. It seems very highly priced for this style book. Very little illustration, mostly words.

I was pleased with the books and I believe that they will be viewed as wonderful gifts. This is the first book I have ever seen that relates Santa Clause with the birth of Christ. I am hoping that it will make a difference in the feelings of those who only perceive Christmas as a time of receiving toys but as a time of receiving the most important gift of all - the birth of our Lord and Savior.

This story combines the true account of Jesus' birth with the fictional story of Santa Claus. As a child we grew up hearing of Santa Claus, but knew the true Reason for Christmas is Jesus! This story let's us imagine that Santa could have been part of that Holy night when Emmanuel (God with us) came to accomplish the only way of salvation.

This is a beautiful story about the gift of love. It marries the traditional story of the nativity by adding one more visitor, Santa, who gives the baby Jesus the gift of his heart and promises to honor Jesus' birthday every year by bringing toys to all the children of the world to celebrate. It's a precious story that helps kids make the connection between Santa and all the gift-giving and the concept of love which, one would hope, is what we want kids to get out of the nativity story.

I bought this book for my 4 year old grandson so he could learn the difference between fictional Santa and the real reason for Christmas celebration, Jesus Christ.So many shows and things highlight Santa and nothing about Jesus' birth. I like the way this book addresses Christ's birth and also ties in the fictional Santa and why he delivers presents.

I really really like this book. My kids were very interested page to page. The only thing that threw them off and was a little weird to me too, is that they call Santa an "angel" in the book. My kids were quick to say "Santa is not an angel!". Anyways, overall, it is really excellent in intertwining Santa with the Birth of Jesus and gives us a good way to explain Santa's part in the holiday. I highly recommend :)

This is a wonderful book. depicting Santa as a toymaker angel, that made a promise to the baby Jesus and carries out this promise every Christmas. It's a wonderful way to tie in Santa clause to the real meaning of Christmas with our beloved savor Jesus Christ. I recommend this book for every family. It's so precious and the pictures inside are so nicely done. Well worth the money and Fun to add to your family Christmas stories.

Great book in great shape but took a little longer to arrive than I expected! I would still recommend it!

What a lovely story