This book by Jan Pieńkowski, entitled The First Noel, captures the story of the birth of Christ in five panels of three-dimensional cutout silhouettes. This book opens up and can be displayed as piece of art to be viewed all the way around so it makes for a great table centerpiece telling the story of the first Christmas. I particularly enjoy the details of the cuts and the way the layers of paper show different elements in each scene.

Psalm 51:10-12

Create in me a clean heart, O God,
    and put a new and right spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from your presence,
    and do not take your holy spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
    and sustain in me a willing spirit.

Prayer

Loving God, we thank You for the gift of Christmas. As we begin to focus our attention on a new year and the days to come, let us be mindful of Your presence in our life; not just at Christmas but throughout the coming year. May we be focused on You today and in our days ahead. Strengthen us to answer Your call to love one another and to love You with all that we have. Amen.