A new children’s book that illustrates the miracle of Jesus’ birth is out just in time for the perfect Christmas present.
Catherine Jameson’s debut book, Let There Be Light!, beautifully illustrated by artist Kimberly Merritt, seeks to teach children the reason behind the Christmas Story – our hearts and world were darkened by sin – and the response to the Christmas Story – we can receive the gift of the Christ-child into our hearts, bringing about a brighter world.
Jameson explained the importance of this message. “God loves the world and wants little children to become part of His forever, heavenly family. Jesus’ famous words, ‘Let the little children come to me…,’ reveal God’s great affection for children. His words are written in the three Gospels, specifically in Matthew 19:14, Mark 10:14, and Luke 18:16. As we celebrate the birthday of Jesus each Christmas season, children all over the world have a special opportunity to open their hearts to Christ.”
Catherine Jameson
Jameson was inspired to put these thoughts to paper for children when she worked for Child Evangelism Fellowship as the Ministry Coordinator for Richmond and Rosenberg. “I taught children’s Bible lessons throughout the Greater Houston area,” she said. “It soon came to my attention that a significant number of children did not know the true meaning of the Christmas story. One child told me Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer lit the Christmas night sky with his red nose as the three wise men travelled. Another child thought Frosty the Snowman was present at the birth of Christ. Others did not know that Mary was Jesus’ mother and Joseph was his earthly father. Many did not know the God in Heaven is the father of Jesus. But the prize goes to a little girl who thought Elsa from Frozen appeared at the birth of Christ and sang ‘Let it Snow’”!
This realization convicted Jameson to write a book for children and families that give them an opportunity to discover or reflect on the first Christmas gift. The message is this: God sent His only Son, Jesus, into this world as a baby. Jesus would grow into a man and take away the sin in our hearts and world. He came to give us the gift of new, clean hearts, and another gift Jesus gave us is a brighter world and a forever home in heaven.
Working with her talented illustrator, Jameson wrote Let There Be Light! “I was very blessed to work with Kim, an amazing artist who used Adobe Photoshop to digitally draw and paint the illustrations in beautiful deep jewel tones. We discussed my vision for each illustration. Kim then designed the picture. I had the opportunity of three revisions to make sure we captured what I had envisioned. I am so pleased with the final book!!”
Early reviews of the book are glowing. The Foreword, written by Patricia Gehret, Director of International Christian Education Mission (ICEM), says, “This book is a beautiful picture of God’s creation written and illustrated with pictures and words that children will understand and love. Children are our greatest investment since they must carry truth into the future. If we are to perpetuate generations who will message truth with wisdom, the light that God so powerfully portrayed in the creation needs to be seen and felt. This delightful story will be lived out in the hearts of children, as they read and rejoice over the reality of true light. Read this book and enjoy the wonder and reality of God’s great hand in speaking light into the lives of everyone. It is my blessing to recommend this story of the creation, so beautifully illustrated and told for children.”
Let There Be Light! can be purchased at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, or here. Jameson is available to do readings of her book at churches, bookstores, Christian schools, or wherever there are children who’d love to hear the Christmas story. She can be contacted at 281-919-5100.
