Jesus Came for Me: The True Story of Christmas

Jared Kennedy, MDiv, ThM, is the cofounder and managing editor of Gospel-Centered Family, a ministry that helps churches and families share Jesus with the next generation. He also serves as the Children's and Family Ministry Strategist for the Sojourn Network, and is an adjunct professor at Boyce College. He is the author of The Beginner's Gospel Story Bible, The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible Curriculum for Toddlers and Preschoolers, Jesus Rose for Me, Jesus Came for Me, and God Made Me for Worship, and has developed two VBS programs, Proof Pirates and Clap Your Hands, Stomp Your Feet. He blogs regularly at Gospel-Centered Family and contributes to @TGC, @ERLC, and @HeReadsTruth. You can follow him on Twitter @jaredskennedy. He and his wife, Megan, have three girls, Rachael, Lucy, and Elisabeth.

Trish Mahoney is a graphic designer and illustrator in Seattle where she runs The Mahoney Studio with her husband, Patrick, also a designer and illustrator. They have two children, both budding artists too. Trish is the illustrator for the God Made Me series, The Beginner's Gospel Story Bible Toddler and Preschool Curriculum, and The Beginner's Gospel Story Bible.

"Children will really enjoy this book! Jesus Came for Me recounts the Christmas-season stories in such a simple, satisfying, and memorable way. Kids will ask for it to be read over and over again. Along with these wonderful stories are beautiful illustrations that capture the drama of Jesus coming into the world as its Savior. A delightful book!"

Gregg R. Allison, Professor of Christian Theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; elder at Sojourn Church East; author of 50 Core Truths of the Christian Faith

"One of the most important messages we can communicate to our children is the message of Christmas. Jared's ability to teach the essential and wonderful stories from the Bible in the clearest and truest ways is why his writing is a gift to us all. We can celebrate Emmanuel, God with us, with every member of our family this Christmas using Jesus Came for Me."

Sandra Peoples, Author of Unexpected Blessings; special-needs ministry director at Heights Baptist Church, Alvin, TX

"This book is a welcomed addition to our family's library. Being beautifully illustrated and thoroughly gospel-focused, I am so thankful to be able to share the message of Jesus's incarnation with our children through this fantastic work. Our toddlers hang on every word and can easily remember these rich stories that point us to the One who came to rescue us all."

Jason Thacker, Editor, Creative Director, and Chair of Research in Technology Ethics for the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission

"When your young children or grandchildren snuggle close this Christmas, you'll want to have this beautifully illustrated board book close at hand. Jesus Came for Me will remind them of the greatest Christmas gift ever. With the freshness and clarity that we've come to expect from this acclaimed children's author, Jared Kennedy brings the story of Jesus's birth close to heart and home."

Champ Thornton, Pastor; author of several books including The Radical Book for Kids and Why Do We Say Good Night?

"If there is such a thing as an elegant children's book, Jared Kennedy has delivered it in Jesus Came for Me. He tells the story of Jesus's birth with clarity and simplicity, conveying the key truths of the biblical story. All of that makes this a must-have Christmas resource for every family. The vivid graphic design and age-appropriate content will have kids begging, 'Please, read it again!'"

Tim Beltz, Father and grandfather; retired Captain (United States Coast Guard); retired executive pastor; church consultant with Ten Talents Consulting; author of Charting the Course

"Jesus Came for Me is a simple but clear presentation of the gospel story. Beautifully illustrated and written for children of all ages, it will open the door for gospel conversations with your child and help them to see and understand the story of our Savior's birth."

Lance Howerton, President/CEO, Crossings Ministries

"The message of this short book is something every kid needs to hear over and over again: 'God helps us, God is with us, and Jesus is our King.' It is the message of Christmas and the message that every heart longs for. Jared delivers this message in a seed form that will go deep in your child's heart and do what only the gospel can do. I pray that you buy this book, read it to your children, and allow our Good King to do his work."

Sam Luce, Pastor of Families, Redeemer Church, Utica, NY

"The incarnation of Christ and his coming to earth is one of the most amazing and exciting stories in the history of the world. Jared communicates it simply and faithfully from God's Word. The included illustrations and application questions make this memorable and interactive, and this will quickly become a family favorite."

Peter Swift, Executive Director, Camp Susque, Trout Run, PA

"One of the challenges of biblically-based children's literature is keeping the truths of the gospel simple, practical, and relatable. In Jesus Came for Me, Jared Kennedy not only achieves this challenging task but he models how we can read and understand God's Word in the same way. This beautiful book will be a delightful resource in our efforts to shepherd our family to read, love, and obey God's Word!"

Seth York, Host of the From the Beginning Podcast; associate property director, Crossings Ministries, Louisville, KY