The Promise ~ Birth of the Messiah Review and Giveaway!

I know what you might be thinking right now. Who needs another Christmas movie? I know there are a lot out there, especially for kids, but this one is a little different than any others I have seen. The Promise ~ Birth of the Messiah is an animated musical. If you are a fan of musicals then this will be right up your alley!





My kids will watch anything in animated form (and this isn't always a good thing) so they were excited about watching it as soon as they saw the cover. My children have heard the story of Christ's birth many times in their lives and have watched many movies as well. I like to watch them with them just in case there is something questionable so this was our family movie this week.

The animation is very good, the songs are catchy, and everyone wanted to watch it again as soon as it was over. I asked the kids what they thought afterward and I was surprised by some of the things they said. Three of them said that it ended too soon, or should have a part two. The story ended shortly after Jesus was born and Mary and Joseph took Him to the temple. They wanted to see more, and I cant blame them. The Christmas story is about more than just the birth of Jesus. I hope there will be more of the story yet to come in other sequels.

My daughter was also disappointed that the angels who sang to the shepherds in the field did not mention following a star, and no star was ever shown in the night sky. I noticed this too, and I'm not sure why that VERY important part was left out. She wanted to know how the shepherds would have found Him without it. That's my logical thinking child for ya!

The whole underlying theme of this film is that Nothing Is Impossible With God, and I loved how Mary was portrayed as being so willing to be a part of God's plan even when she was so young herself and didn't understand fully what was going to happen to her. Yet she was willing to trust God and know that He had a plan for her life. Its a lesson we all need reminding of often!

I think your family will enjoy The Promise ~ Birth of the Messiah. It is a fresh new perspective on the Christmas story.

I get to give away a copy to one of my readers out there, if you would like to win one just enter through the Rafflecopter form below. A winner will be drawn on December 13th so the movie can get to you before Christmas so enter right away!

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The Sparkle Box Book Review and Giveaway

The Sparkle Box is a story that has the power to change Christmas. It was written by Jill Hardie and illustrated by Christine Kornacki.

Christmas is supposed to be a season of great joy, but often it can be a season of hardship and depression for those in need. There are many ways that people are needy, it isn't always a financial need. Some are lonely, some people live with constant physical pain. And then some are in the most need of all, they are in need of a Savior, they need to know Jesus.

The Sparkle Box may be a children's book written for ages 4 to 8, but grown ups need to read it too. The book may be short, just 32 pages, but the story inside holds a lot of meaning.

Christmas is going to be different this year in our house because of this book. The kids and I are excited to add things to our sparkle box! We loved reading this sweet story together and I am excited to read it again with my homeschool group and hopefully my Awana group too.

Included in the back of this hardback book is your own special sparkle box so you can start a new tradition in your home right away.

The book begins with.....

Dear Reader, you are the light of the world. Make it sparkle.

Sam is a young boy who is excited about Christmas! A mysterious sparkly box is sitting on their mantle, he thinks it might be for him. His mom tells him its a special gift to open together later, after it is filled.

Sam witnesses his mother and father doing kind things for others, and his heart is touched when he sees a homeless man sleeping on a bench in the park. But what can a small boy do to help? He cant stop thinking about these things, and about what could possibly be in that box.

Finally Christmas morning arrives! The family opens it together, and inside is........oh I cant spoil it for you! But Ill bet you have an idea of what was inside don't you?

Watch a short video about the book here!

Tell me what you think is inside The Sparkle Box and on December 2nd one winner will be chosen to receive a copy of  The Sparkle Box!

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Homemade Christmas Ornaments Ideas

 My Mom came up with this idea. Last year she made these with the kids using burned out light bulbs, acrylic paint, and wired tinsel which we found at a dollar store for $1.00 a roll. You could also use new bulbs. We tried both frosted and clear bulbs and we preferred the frosted.

Using acrylic paint, make your design on the bulb and let dry completely. I recommend using a clear acrylic spray to keep the painting intact if you have some. We didn't use any and the paint is starting to rub off.  Wrap the wire tinsel around the ridges of the light bulb end and make a large loop to hang it from. These ornaments have been hanging from my kitchen cabinet doors for months now. Amazingly none have broken!

Be sure to add the child's name and date with a sharpie!

I found a kit for making felt Christmas ornaments a few months ago at the thrift store. I had almost forgotten about it, but saw it near my sewing area the other day when I went to sew a patch on my daughter's Cubbie vest. Although these ornaments were made using sticky back felt, it would be just as easy to use glue.

I'm sharing this because it would be so easy to create your own unique ornaments using felt or other materials you have lying around the house. I plan to try some different ideas this week with the kids. I think felt candy canes would be easy and fun, and would even make a nice gift for kids to give friends along with a copy of the candy cane story.

Felt can tear easily, to make it stronger where the hanging string is tied use some ordinary school glue and let it dry and harden before you add the string and hang it.

Using a solid piece of felt as backing makes the ornament stronger too. 

I hope you enjoy these ideas! Have a very Merry Christmas with your family!! Blessings!