There's something about books that talk of the humility of children and animals as it relates to Christmas. These books serve as great reminders that Christmas is not about lavish or pompous or extravagant -- though they CAN be, of course, and "lavish" and "extravagant" also have their place in celebrating the Lord's birth. But often, and especially in these days we live in, the reminder to celebrate Advent and Christmas in a manner that differs from the way it's celebrated in most places, is necessary. So much in our secular world already push us towards the lavish and the extravagant, that to view Christmas in the proper perspective, one needs the quiet and the silence that reading books such as this allows. While reading this book to kids, it's also appropriate to reflect on the simplicity and the quiet that we need to maintain in our kids' lives, so THEY can focus on what Christmas truly is.
This book is also a lovely one to include in a study of Mary's many different titles, symbols and images. I am especially moved by the unassuming beauty of the blue forget-me-nots that appear all over the book. At the end of the book, the author shares the French name of these flowers, les yeux de Marie, or Mary's eyes. Certainly it would be a blessing to be able to see Christmas through her eyes.
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