Customer Reviews

The Parable Series: The Pine Tree Parable

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A farm family grows Christmas trees to sell, and the farmer's wife chooses the most beautiful tree for her own family, putting a sign on it, "Not for Sale". But when a poor family comes to the tree lot to see if they can pick out a tree from the free area (trees that have missing branches or crooked trunks), the poor family's little girl sees the beautiful tree and asks if she can choose that one. Everyone is embarrased that she asks, as the adults all know her family can't afford the tree. The farmer's wife responds that she is sorry, the tree isn't for sale...because they'd like the girl's family to have it as a gift. The book ends, "Yes, it was a great sacrifice. But it brought even greater joy. Isn't that just like Christmas?" The illustrations are very kid-friendly and fun. Applicable Bible verses are at the bottom of every other page. A creative and wonderful story.

this book was a suprising enjoyable tale of right living for young children and adults. Read it again, mom!

The Pine Tree Parable, written masterfully by seasoned storyteller, Liz Curtis Higgs, is one of four seasonal parables written by Liz, which are designed for youger children. Beautifully illustrated by Nancy Munger,it is a story of giving, and a number of Scripture verses are included at the bottom of many of the pages. Already a classic for many years, this book is NEWLY RELEASED in a larger board book format, making it suitable for even the smallest child. It will make a great addition to your home bookshelf, as well as for grandparents to have in their collection. It is the perfect stocking stuffer for children to treasure for years to come.

What a great book. We have a tradition of reading Christmas stories around the tree before bedtime throughout the month of December. This was a wonderful little story about the spirit of giving.

Wonderful book about giving & the true meaning of Christmas! Highly recommend it for as an addition to your library. Blessings!

The Pine Tree Parable (how to love your "neighbor" as yourself...or, maybe just how to RECEIVE)

Liz Curtis Higgs

The evergreen tree is a symbol of lasting life. In this sweet little story a Christmas tree farmer's wife makes a sacrificial choice. A little girl picks the tree that is not for "sale". The one tree that is "special", that they keep year after year. I love the symbolism. God sacrificed his one and very "only" Son. Salvation is a gift that can not be "bought". Only received. By those with child-like faith. HOPE.

"The farmer's wife watched her favorite pine tree as it fell to the snowy ground. Tears shone in her eyes. She brushed them away like snowflakes. Yes, it was a great sacrifice. But it brought even greater j'y. Isn't that just like Christmas?"
This CHRISTmas, let's celebrate the joy of receiving. Yes, that is what I said. RECEIVE. Receive the forgiveness and sacrificial love of God sent down to us in Jesus!

John 20
that you may believe
that Jesus is the Messiah,
the Son of God,
and that by believing
you may have life
in his name

This book along with all in this series are the most wonderful childhood and even grown up books to have. I have read them to my boys each season of their lives since they were babies. Now at age 18 and 10, they still make sure we get them out and read them. Each time we seem to receive a new message from God.

The book was in very good shape and my children's lesson was enjoyed by everyone.

This would be a fabulous book to use with a Unitarian Universalist curriculum. It does a great job of honoring Judeo-Christian roots while still respecting the diversity of modern congregations.

The story is cute and touching without anything scary. It's suitable for very young children (I have a 3-year-old son). Each page of the story references a specific passage from the Bible in a footnote-style notation, but the story itself doesn't mention God or Jesus at all.