'Twas the First Night Before Christmas

Vonk combines the scripture-based story of Christmas with familiar rhythmic wording

New Xulon Children's Book: Unique Presentation Of Jesus' Birth

Vonk combines the scripture-based story of Christmas with familiar rhythmic wording

2015-10-30

MAITLAND, FL— Within the pages of Mary Beth Vonk’s new book, 'Twas the First Night Before Christmas, ($17.99, paperback, 9781498454780; $27.99, hardcover, 9781498454797) young readers will discover the compelling story of Jesus’ birth woven together from Gospel narratives. Readers will recognize the familiar cadence and rhyme of the beloved classic poem, by a similar title, and be delighted as they learn the essential facts of the first Christmas in a new and insightful way. Readers will gain a fresh, new perspective of the birth of Jesus that is enjoyable, educational, and most importantly, according to scripture.

In my book, I creatively rephrased Moore’s famous poem, ’Twas the Night before Christmas,” states the author. “I changed the focus from a secular St. Nick story about gifts and holiday pleasures to a version that highlights the biblical story about the birth of Jesus. My book will appeal to Christian families, church groups, and Sunday school classes. It is easy to understand and provides an alternative religious context for Moore’s popular holiday poem.”

Mary Beth Vonk watched a television documentary on the traditions of Christmas. In the portrayal of an American Christmas Eve, a father was reading a classic Christmas poem to his family with no reference to the Scriptures. That scene inspired her to write the Biblical re-telling of the night before Christmas for families who want a Christian emphasis for their holiday. In her poem, she used similar meter, verse, and rhyming words of the original poem. The familiarity of the original poem intertwined with Biblical text will draw the reader to explore her new interpretation.

Xulon Press, a division of Salem Media Group, is the world’s largest Christian self-publisher, with more than 15,000 titles published to date. Retailers may order 'Twas the First Night Before Christmas through Ingram Book Company and/or Spring Arbor Book Distributors. The book is available online through xulonpress.com/bookstore, amazon.com, and barnesandnoble.com.

 

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