Many people have heard the traditional version of the first Christmas Eve as relayed in the Bible, but a new children's book released by Dog Ear Publishing puts a new spin on the age-old story. In Terry Paul LaFargue's version, an angel named Cerina relays this story about her two children, Gabriella and Gabriel, two young angels on shooting stars who help celebrate the birth of Jesus.
In "The Very First Christmas Stocking and the Gifts of the Seven Coins," three families join in a story about sharing joy, gifts and excitement for this tale that begins on the very first Christmas Eve and continues through the very first Christmas Day. A shepherd and his five children are minding sheep, admiring a big, beautiful star in the night sky over the nearby town of Bethlehem when they get an unexpected visit from a pair of angels who have come down from their heavenly home. Although their arrival causes some chaos, the angels reassure the family they are in no danger.
Everyone decides to visit Jesus, a baby newly born in a manager in Bethlehem, but the shepherd family frets that they have no gifts to bring. The angels present them with seven special coins that start out blank but eventually symbolize what is in each person's heart: sharing, truth and integrity, friendship, forgiveness, joy and laughter and - the greatest gift of all - love.
Their coins fit into a beautiful stocking Mary made for her baby. The walk home inspires a new song, "Ms. Carroll's Noel," that springs to their minds and all start singing. When they arrive back home, the sun is coming up on the world's very first Christmas Day. Although the two angels must leave for home, the shepherd family finds Christmas gifts waiting for them in their home.
This charming book shares the lesson that gifts from the heart are always the best because they come from a place of sincerity. It also offers a glimpse into the total wonder of the Christmas experience and its importance to families of all kinds and the author's gift of great value with this story about the very first Christmas and the adventure that is just beginning.
LaFargue loved Christmas as a child and decided five years ago to write a short story about it, inspired by his daughter Taylor Lee - who was born just days after Christmas - and her joy, anticipation and love that flowed each moment of the holiday. He hopes readers will find a place within the story and join in what he calls a "never-ending seasonal adventure."
"The story I have created and authored is the first ever Christmas story written that is conveyed through the eyes as well as through the interactions of each of the characters in the story as they make their way along this wonderful, magical and intriguing adventure," LaFargue writes. "I have laced the original Christmas nativity story with a touch of modern-day celebration style plus a hint of modern day life for a quick connect."
Kathryn Harper created the colorful illustrations for the book. Despite loving to draw, Harper didn't consider turning her hobby into a career until 2012 when she illustrated a short story for her brother. She lives in Wanaka, a small town in Southern Alps, New Zealand, and has two children.
"I have often though it would be fun to be involved in a Christmas book, as there is so much magic and joy surrounding this time of year," she writes. "I love the mix of tradition and imagination that Terry has woven together, and have thoroughly enjoyed playing my part in the creation of what I think is a truly magical Christmas story."
For additional information, please visit www.theVeryFirstChristmasStocking.com
The Very First Christmas Stocking and the Gifts of the Seven Coins
Terry Paul LaFargue
Dog Ear Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-4575-4840-6 110 pages $18.99 US
Available at Ingram, Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble and fine bookstores everywhere.
About Dog Ear Publishing, LLC
Dog Ear Publishing offers completely customized self-publishing services for independent authors. We provide cost-effective, fast, and highly profitable services to publish and distribute independently published books. Our book publishing and distribution services reach worldwide. Dog Ear authors retain all rights and complete creative control throughout the entire self-publishing process. Dog Ear Publishing reviews services and other book marketing services are available to connect great content with interested readers. Self-publishing services are available globally at www.dogearpublishing.net and from our offices in Indianapolis.
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