Jesus Came for Me: The True Story of Christmas
Jesus Came for Me introduces toddlers and preschoolers to the true meaning of Christmas.
Jesus, our great God, was born as a little baby, and his birth is good news and great joy for all people—including your child! Jesus Came for Me begins with the announcement to Zechariah of John the Baptist’s birth, tells the story of the birth of Jesus, and ends with the visit of the wise men.
Jesus Came for Me is a part of the Beginner’s Gospel Story series by Jared Kennedy, which traces God’s perfect promises through Bible stories that always point back to the bigger story of redemption. Children will hear how Jesus is always with us, even today.
- Each of the three stories taken from The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible highlights God’s tale of redemption through Jesus and how he helps us believe in him and wait for him to come back again.
- Every page pops with bright colors and playful illustrations by Trish Mahoney that not only highlight the stories but add fun teaching elements of counting, opposites, patterns, and object recognition.
- Each story also ends with a question that parents and caregivers can use to further reinforce the message.
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
ISBN-13: 9781645070498
Author: Jared Kennedy
Publication Date: 10/19/2020
Format: Boardbook
Page Count: 20
Case Quantity: 24
Age Level: 3-5 Years
Series: The Beginner's Gospel Storybook
BISAC Category 1: RELIGION / Christian Education / Children & Youth
Weight: 0.85 lb
Jesus Came for Me introduces toddlers and preschoolers to the true meaning of Christmas.
Jesus, our great God, was born as a little baby, and his birth is good news and great joy for all people—including your child! Jesus Came for Me begins with the announcement to Zechariah of John the Baptist’s birth, tells the story of the birth of Jesus, and ends with the visit of the wise men.
Jesus Came for Me is a part of the Beginner’s Gospel Story series by Jared Kennedy, which traces God’s perfect promises through Bible stories that always point back to the bigger story of redemption. Children will hear how Jesus is always with us, even today.
- Each of the three stories taken from The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible highlights God’s tale of redemption through Jesus and how he helps us believe in him and wait for him to come back again.
- Every page pops with bright colors and playful illustrations by Trish Mahoney that not only highlight the stories but add fun teaching elements of counting, opposites, patterns, and object recognition.
- Each story also ends with a question that parents and caregivers can use to further reinforce the message.
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
ISBN-13: 9781645070498
Author: Jared Kennedy
Publication Date: 10/19/2020
Format: Boardbook
Page Count: 20
Case Quantity: 24
Age Level: 3-5 Years
Series: The Beginner's Gospel Storybook
BISAC Category 1: RELIGION / Christian Education / Children & Youth
Weight: 0.85 lb
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This is a really cute and fun book for kids that teaches them about the true meaning of Christmas!
Jesus Came for Me: The True Story of Christmas by Jared Kennedy is a fun book to read at Christmas time to your little ones. Mr. Kennedy has written the book so that young ones can understand the Christmas Story. I loved that Mr. Kennedy went beyond just telling that Mary gave birth to Jesus, the Shepherds, and the Wise Men, but also included (briefly) parts that usually get left out when telling the Christmas Story to toddlers. In Jesus Came for Me, kids will be introduced Elizabeth and Zachariah (which is one of my favorite parts of the Christmas Story) and to King Herod. I also loved how Scripture References were sprinkled throughout the book along with questions to help your little one understand. The questions also help to see where the child is in comprehending the story which could lead to important conversations about Jesus. The pictures are adorable as well. (I loved how they showed how Zachariah couldn’t speak–too cute!) I believe Jesus Came for Me is a great way to introduce young ones to the Christmas Story in a understandable way.
Loved it
This is a straightforward and Biblical version of the Christmas story. I love the Dig Deeper questions built right into this book! It’s even easier to start conversations with your children when the questions are included. The brightly colored and simple illustrations are pleasing to your child’s eye and include appropriate skin tones. I highly recommend this for your Christmas reading!
Find all my reviews at GoodBookMom.com.
It’s a joy for parents to see that their children come to Christ for salvation. We can consider that to be the most sought after moment for parents who are doing their best to raise godly children. Parents pray and look for resources that will help them lead their kids to God. Thankfully there a tools that are Bible based that our little ones will love.
Jesus Came For Me offers such help to open your little ones to the gospel by presenting the Christmas story. I think there is nothing more captivating to kids and spark their interest than that special occasion. After all, that’s the point of the birth of Jesus.
I like how Kennedy divided the book in three episodes in a limited space of 10 pages without loosing the substance. He drives the book three installments: Zacharias and Elizabeth, The Angel and the Shepherds; The Wise Men and Herod with biblical lessons that points to the importance of gospel. You’ll love these lessons and it’s easy for kids to understand. Of course with a format you cant put all of the things you need to say, but Kennedy has these “epilogues” that completes the each installments. A sort of “guided question” further helps kids to think about what they read.
Trish Mahoney’s artwork fits well with the book. I like how she handles the choice of colors that she gives to the background of each scene. Characters are designed well and their emotional expression are good (although its a bit awkward to see Zacharias with a zipper on his mouth to indicate he became mute).
Jesus Came For Me is a good primer to teach your young ones about the gospel. This book will point your kids to the gospel. This “3 stories in one” book doesn’t just tell you the a straight forward narrative of different events surrounding the birth of Christ, it offers your kids to look beyond the story and see Christ.
Jesus Came for Me is a wonderful board book that shares the true reason for Christmas. Colorful illustrations enhance the text. This is a perfect early Christmas gift for a pre-school aged child.
While this complimentary book was provided for review by New Growth Press, no other compensation was given. All remarks are my personal and honest opinion.
« Way Back Wednesday ~ A Magical Christmas – Claire Freedman
Way Back Wednesday ~ Star Bright: A Christmas Story ~ Alison McGhee »
Jesus Came for Me – Jared Kennedy
Jesus Came for Me is a wonderful board book that shares the true reason for Christmas. Colorful illustrations enhance the text. This is a perfect early Christmas gift for a pre-school aged child.
While this complimentary book was provided for review by New Growth Press, no other compensation was given. All remarks are my personal and honest opinion.
Jesus Came for Me Book Cover Title: Jesus Came for Me
Author: Jared Kennedy
Release Date: October 5, 2020
Pages: 20
December 14th, 2020 | Category: 0-2 Years Old,
Jesus Came for Me is the latest title by author, pastor, and father Jared Kennedy. This beautiful board book includes 3 stories from The Beginner's Gospel Storybook Bible. The stories included are centered around the birth of Jesus and help little ones understand why He came. I love that the stories are brief yet full of substance. Although this book, along with the other title in the series, Jesus Rose for Me, is for children, I find my heart comforted by the timeless truths contained within. This adaptation of the events of the Bible is paraphrased for children, yet I appreciate that it mimics the Bible in that the stories complement each other. Each story concludes with questions to help children better understand the story and to help them understand the person and work of Jesus. I'm thankful for the questions because as my daughter grows older, they will be a helpful way to assess what she's learning. Trish Mahoney did a wonderful job on the illustrations which are colorful and pleasing to the eye. I appreciate the aesthetic value of the cover and have enjoyed adding this title to the basket of Christmas books that I've set out for my children to enjoy. This book is one of a few that my one year old enjoys reading for her Bible storytime and I look forward to reading it with her in the years to come. I really enjoy Jesus Came for Me and am pleased to give it my highest recommendation.
esus Came for Me is the latest title by author, pastor, and father Jared Kennedy. This beautiful board book includes 3 stories from The Beginner's Gospel Storybook Bible. The stories included are centered around the birth of Jesus and help little ones understand why He came. I love that the stories are brief yet full of substance. Although this book, along with the other title in the series, Jesus Rose for Me, is for children, I find my heart comforted by the timeless truths contained within. This adaptation of the events of the Bible is paraphrased for children, yet I appreciate that it mimics the Bible in that the stories complement each other. Each story concludes with questions to help children better understand the story and to help them understand the person and work of Jesus. I'm thankful for the questions because as my daughter grows older, they will be a helpful way to assess what she's learning. Trish Mahoney did a wonderful job on the illustrations which are colorful and pleasing to the eye. I appreciate the aesthetic value of the cover and have enjoyed adding this title to the basket of Christmas books that I've set out for my children to enjoy. This book is one of a few that my one year old enjoys reading for her Bible storytime and I look forward to reading it with her in the years to come. I really enjoy Jesus Came for Me and am pleased to give it my highest recommendation.
Jared Kennedy does an excellent job sharing the biblical events in an engaging, educational, age-appropriate manner. I enjoy all that he has developed for children. Questions at the end of each section, that build connections with the child and the learning concept. Scripture References to look up the event in your own Bible. Clear, concise, child-friendly images that enhance the book. Concept/Vocabulary Emphasis: Wait, Believe, Immanuel-God with Us, temple Word choices enhance and connect to the Bible text as well as key concepts that reoccur in the Bible, it's understandable for the toddler/preschool audience, but it's also building literacy skills for the children and biblical literacy. Developmental concepts: young/old, Good News, emotions- angry, selfish, gifts, Jesus is the best gift. Wonders: How many people will be disappointed if they own the Beginner's Gospel Story Bible and realize that the three stories are the same? Of course, a board book serves a different audience and setting.
What I like about this book:
Jared Kennedy does an excellent job sharing the biblical events in an engaging, educational, age-appropriate manner. I enjoy all that he has developed for children.
Questions at the end of each section, that build connections with the child and the learning concept.
Scripture References to look up the event in your own Bible.
Clear, concise, child-friendly images that enhance the book.
Concept/Vocabulary Emphasis: Wait, Believe, Immanuel-God with Us, temple
Word choices enhance and connect to the Bible text as well as key concepts that reoccur in the Bible, it's understandable for the toddler/preschool audience, but it's also building literacy skills for the children and biblical literacy.
Developmental concepts: young/old, Good News, emotions- angry, selfish, gifts, Jesus is the best gift.
Wonders:
How many people will be disappointed if they own the Beginner's Gospel Story Bible and realize that the three stories are the same? Of course, a board book serves a different audience and setting.
I don't have a physical copy of the board book, so I wonder about the quality of pages, durability, etc.
A Christian Christmas story - with several lessons... 'It's hard to wait when you are standing in line'. This was the phrase that caught my attention the most in the children's book Jesus Came for Me. I found myself going over and over it again; maybe it's because I have had a series of waiting seasons and so I could relate well with it. This book is a story about the birth of Jesus, but it includes several lessons. The lessons are targeted at children and written in simple and understandable terms for them.
My 3-year-old daughter understood the message of the book and, in fact, remembers the phrase: Jesus is the best king. I loved that the book started with John, as he is the forerunner of Christ, and that provided a very good background to the story. Also, the illustrations are really beautiful and very catchy to young eyes. Jesus Came for Me will attract toddlers and also older children.
Our Christian Book Reviews: The book reviews at Finding God Among Us focus on Christian books – adult and children, fiction and nonfiction. Our specialty is books on faith and new Christian book releases. We’re proud to be included in the Top 50 Christian Book Review Bloggers. Our publisher partners include New Growth Press, Shadow Mountain Publishing, and Revell and BakerBooks, divisions of Baker Publishing Group. I chose to read this book in exchange for my honest opinion. This review was written by reviewer Oluwapelumi Boluwaji.
'It's hard to wait when you are standing in line'. This was the phrase that caught my attention the most in the children's book Jesus Came for Me. I found myself going over and over it again; maybe it's because I have had a series of waiting seasons and so I could relate well with it. This book is a story about the birth of Jesus, but it includes several lessons. The lessons are targeted at children and written in simple and understandable terms for them.
My 3-year-old daughter understood the message of the book and, in fact, remembers the phrase: Jesus is the best king. I loved that the book started with John, as he is the forerunner of Christ, and that provided a very good background to the story.
Also, the illustrations are really beautiful and very catchy to young eyes. Jesus Came for Me will attract toddlers and also older children. FindingGodAmongUs.com Reviewer: Oluwapelumi Boluwaji.