Mar 112015
 

2Celebrating a Christ-Centered Easter: Seven Traditions to Lead Us Closer to Jesus Christ

Author: Emily Belle Freeman

Publisher: Ensign Peak (Deseret Book)

Publish Date: March 3, 2015

ISBN13: 978-1-60907-977-2

Paperback: 86 pages

FTC FYI: Received a paperback copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Mindy

Book Summary

Discover how the personal experiences of people who were closest to the Savior during the final week of His life can change the way your family celebrates Easter. Learn the meaning behind the wheat baskets, the forget knot, the red egg, and other traditions that will help Easter become a “High Holy Day” in your heart and in your home.

Celebrating a Christ-Centered Easter offers hope for an Easter filled with the Spirit of Christ as we offer our finest to Him in deepest gratitude for His sacrifice. Return to the spiritual roots of this holy celebration with this beautiful gift book that will help bring you and your family closer to Jesus Christ.

Personal stories include

  • Lazarus
  • Simon
  • Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus
  • Mary Magdalene, Mary, and Salome
  • Thomas
  • The disciples on the road to Emmaus
  • Jesus Christ

My Review

Another beautiful book focused on the Savior by Emily Belle Freeman.  I loved the scriptures referenced, the personal stories, and wonderful insight given by the author.  I love how this book is organized.  With the chapters listed above there is a scripture, and at the end of the chapter, my favorite part, the tradition.  With hymns, a story to tell and a lesson to share.  A perfect summary of each chapter to help us remember Him.  There were many passages in the book that I enjoyed, but this one especially.

As Easter approaches, we too must prepare.  Make ready your heart.  Make ready your home.  Make ready your celebration.  And then … remember. (page 73-74)

What I loved most about reading this book was the reminder to me to slow down, remember Him, make more room for Him in my life.  Yes, at Easter, but more so everyday.

Author Links

Daily Closer to Christ / Facebook  / Goodreads

Purchase Links

Deseret Book / Seagull Book / Amazon / Barnes and Noble

About the Author

EMILY BELLE FREEMAN is a coach’s wife, a mother to four children and a few others who have found refuge in her home, author of several bestselling books, and sought-after inspirational speaker. Her days are spent watching over teenagers, her flock of pampered chickens, and a rabbit that she adores. She finds great joy in studying the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Her deep love of the scriptures comes from a desire to find their application in everyday life. For a few minutes every day Emily forgets about the laundry, leaves the dishes in the sink, and writes. She coauthors a blog that is a stopping place for hearts seeking all that is good: www.multiplygoodness.com.

Nov 122014
 

Celebrating A Christ-Centered Christmas.FCelebrating a Christ-Centered Christmas: Seven Traditions to Lead Us Closer to the Savior

Author: Emily Belle Freeman

Publisher: Ensign Peak (Shadow Mountain/Deseret Book)

Published: September 30, 2014

ISBN13: 9781609078997

Paperback: 94 pages

FTC FYI: Received a paperback copy from the publisher in exchange of an honest review.

Reviewed by Mindy

Summary

Discover how each figure of the nativity can lead your family closer to Christ this Christmas season.  Learn the tradition of the tinkling bell, whip up a batch of French cocoa, create a tender mercy tree, and find ways to make your gift-giving more meaningful as Celebrating a Christ-Centered Christmas guides you through seven meaningful traditions inspired by the nativity setting.  These simple experiences will give you an opportunity to escape from the frantic busyness of the Christmas season to spend time reflecting on the Savior and the miracle of His birth.

My Review

I was excited to review this book with the holiday season upon us.  Even more so, to take the time to reflect on and read a lovely book centered on Christ and Christmas.  I really appreciated the author’s introduction and what inspired her to write this book.  I loved how each chapter started with a verse of scripture, and ended with a summary of each tradition with suggestions how to incorporate it in your life.  As well as a sweet paragraph describing the tradition.  The author’s heart-felt stories and ideas make this book all the more enjoyable.  I can’t wait to start some of these and add to our own family Christmas traditions.

Author Info

Emily Freeman and Simon Dewey collaborated on the bestselling book The Ten Virgins. For nearly 20 years, Emily has addressed groups of women as a writer, songwrite, and motivational speaker. Her deep love of the scriptures comes from a strong desire to find their application in modern-day life. Emily and her husband, Greg, are the parents of four children and live in Lehi, Utah. Simon Dewey studied at a London art college before launching his career. In 1999 he entered the world of published fine art and soon became on of the bestselling artists of LDS religious works. He is the artist of Beloved Savior; This Is the Season, Beloved of the Year; and He Lives.

Links

Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Deseret Book

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