Sam's Christmas Wish by George D. Durrant, Illustrated by Dan Burr Book Review

We received this product free from Shadow Mountain to facilitate this review and participate in the blog tour. This post contains affiliate links which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and make a purchase. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Since loosing his job a few week before Christmas, Sam Edwards isn't looking forward to Christmas. He also isn't looking for charity from anyone for him or his family. Christmas brings a mysterious surprise left anonymously at his home, without any tracks to follow. Sam's heart changes when seeing his family's reaction to the gifts and kindness of this unknown someone. With the spirit of Christmas renewed in him, he makes the wish to have the opportunity himself to do something good anonymously for another. Only when he is old and sickly does he get the chance to have his wish fulfilled and granted. Read this book to find out how.

Sam's Christmas Wish is a wonderful book with gorgeous illustrations that helps get the Christmas spirit of love, gratitude, service and sacrifice flowing through us. I love this beautiful book. This book is a tearjerker. I couldn't help but tear up while reading it. Such a great miracle and blessing Sam became because of the remembrance of one act of service that opened up his heart to others. I love the heartwarming story and message it tells of the reality of the: joy of service, true giving, and the miracle of love. I would recommend this book to anyone needing some more Christmas spirit in your home. This book is so inspiring and begs the question to ask ourselves, “What gift will I give in secret this Christmas?”.
 
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DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received products for free to facilitate my review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review. This post contains affiliate links which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and make a purchase. Thank you for supporting my blog! 

Butterflies, Bees, Easter Eggs & the Resurrection

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Butterflies, Bees, Easter Eggs & the Resurrection
By Jean Henrich
www.Enrichment4You.com

Did you know that butterflies, bees and eggs are symbols of the resurrection? Symbols have long been the unspoken means by which a common language is spoken. Regardless of where one lives, culture or background symbols communicate where words may not. Historically many people were unable to read or write. To address this problem, church leaders would frequently depict the stories of the Bible through performances such as the Passion Play as well as symbols.
The Christian faith is filled with symbols. Colors, animals and objects have symbolic meaning. Symbols and their associated meanings are wonderful ways to communicate the story of Christ. Regardless of age, race or culture Christian symbols can be a tool to share the “Good News” of Christ’s salvation.

Watching a caterpillar change into a butterfly can be an excellent teaching tool about the gift of Christ’s sacrifice. There are numerous butterfly kits available on the market. Whether you have very young or order children, all will enjoy watching a caterpillar grow, make a cocoon and eventually emerge as a butterfly. Why not give a child a gift certificate to a butterfly kit as part of their Easter Basket or to someone who is in great need after an illness, injury or loss.

The promise that a butterfly offers as a symbol of the resurrection is immense. Let this small creature bridge the language barrier and carry the message of hope and the promise of Easter. The following lists a few of the many Christian symbols that are often associated with Easter which you may wish to incorporate into your Easter celebration:

• Cross & Crucifix - The crucifix and the cross are symbols of Christ’s sacrifice. The empty cross (without the figure of Christ) symbolizes Jesus' victory over death and the hope this victory brings to believers. 
• Lily - The white Easter lily symbolizes purity.
• Bees – Bees symbolize the resurrection of Christ.
• Phoenix – The phoenix is a mythical creature dies in fire but rises again from its own ashes is a symbol used by early Christians to symbolize the resurrection of Christ.
• Butterfly – A butterfly is a symbol of Christ's resurrection after three days in the grave.
• Eggs – Eggs symbolize the renewal of life.
• Lamb – A lamb symbolizes Jesus and relates His death to that of the lamb sacrificed on the first Passover. Christians frequently refer to Jesus as, "the Lamb of God.