First sentence: The farmer and his family grew all kinds of things all year 'round, like flowers, vegetables, and pumpkins. Their favorite things to grow were Christmas trees. "He plants a pine tree, and the rain makes it grow." Isaiah 44:14

Premise/plot: A family learns more about the true meaning of Christmas in this children's book. The farmer's wife--all the characters are nameless, not surprising since this one is aiming to be a parable--has reserved the absolute best pine tree for herself. Year after year the tree remains her pride and joy. It is not for sale. Others are for sale, I believe, and some are even free. When a poor family comes to the tree farm, the little girl falls in love with the gorgeous, amazing, not-for-sale tree, will the farmer's wife have a change of heart?

My thoughts: This was definitely my first time reading The Pine Tree Parable. I think it's a solid story about the meaning of Christmas. I think there are many positive elements to the story. I don't know exactly that using this many verses out of context is to be praised offhand. But the story does flow nicely--out of context verses and all.

The verses woven into the story: Isaiah 44:14, Ezekiel 31:7, Job 28:19, Proverbs 22:2, Ezekiel 31:5, Proverbs 13:12, Matthew 18:5, Proverbs 19:17, Galatians 5:14, 2 Corinthians 9:7, 2 Corinthians 8:9, ( )

51084

This is a very sweet story about a family who sacrifices a most special tree on their farm to a needy family. Really shows the true meaning of Christmas! I read this story every year to my children. ( )