(No spoilers.) Near the end of Disney Pixar’s Soul, the main character listens to a fable about a fish searching for the ocean. This is the version of the story in the movie: The Fish and the Ocean Story I heard this story about a fish. He swims up to an older fish and says,…
Children's Stories
The Baptism of Jesus: A Bible Story for Kids
Matthew 3:13–17; Mark 1:9–11; Luke 3:21–22 We conclude this collection of Advent and Christmas Bible stories at the baptism of the Lord. On Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Jesus. In baptism, we celebrate a rebirth with Christ. We are born into the family of God. As you read this story, pay attention to the…
The Visit of the Three Wise Men: A Christmas Bible Story for Kids
This story is featured in Prepare the Way: Advent and Christmas Bible Stories for Kids. Matthew 2:1–12 Jesus Christ was the Messiah. He was the King of the Jews, yet his spiritual kingdom would extend beyond Israel. The three wise men were foreigners, but they came from their country to find the prophesied king. As you…
Noel: A Christmas Poem by J.R.R. Tolkien (Summary and Reflection Questions)
“Noel” by J.R.R. Tolkien Poem Summary J.R.R. Tolkien is best known for his long works of epic fantasy, The Hobbit and The Lord or the Rings. In these books he showed his skill in both narrative storytelling and poetry. In each of his books, he included many short works of song and poetry. Tolkien’s devout…
"A Child of the Snows" A Christmas Poem by G. K. Chesterton (Summary and Discussion Questions)
“A Child of the Snows” Poem Summary G. K. Chesterton was a prolific writer of essays, novels, short stories, and poems. His Catholic faith and love of literature permeated through all his works. This poem is a perfect meditation on Advent and Christmas. Chesterton begins by appealing to the lengthening darkness and worsening weather in…