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Preacher's Night Before Christmas

Name: Preacher's Night Before Christmas
Author: Steven L. Layne
ISBN: 9781589803213

by Steven L. Layne, Carol Benioff

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Overview

The members of Spring Lane Creek Church are in a panic. Their baby Jesus is sick, the choir hates their newly made Christmas robes, and the overused and underserviced church copy machine is on the blitz. Tears are shed, screams are heard, and just when it seems the congregation might organize a revolt against Pastor McDougall, Santa appears in the pastor's office. He gently points the pastor to the Bible, reminding him of the true miracle of Christmas. When Pastor McDougall emerges, he finds his congregation glowing from the same message delivered to them by Saint Nick.

Synopsis

For ordinary folks, the true meaning of Christmas can get lost in the shuffle of December's manic shopping, travel, and party planning. Even mindful, practicing Christians like Pastor McDougall at Spring Lane Creek Church can get overwhelmed by the details of Christmas services and temporarily lose sight of the real celebration that is Christ's birthday.

In Steven L. Layne's Preacher's Night Before Christmas, the Christmas Eve service is about to be performed at Spring Lane Creek Church, yet the last-minute rehearsal reveals several glitches. Poor Pastor McDougall finds himself in the middle of arguments, tears, and temper tantrums from his congregation. Between disagreements over the perfect child to play baby Jesus, the choir's dislike of their robes, and the copy machine's breakdown, even the most faithful have become frustrated.

Enter Saint Nick. With a Bible in hand, he encourages Pastor McDougall to take some quiet time to revisit the passages that will remind him what Christmas is truly about. Moments later, revived by the lessons of the Good Book, Pastor McDougall returns to his congregation to inspire the same in them. Miraculously, they are already transformed. Smiling through their tears, they apologize for their behavior and rejoice in the glorious significance of Christmas.

Publishers Weekly

Adding to their popular Clement C. Moore-inspired books with a Southern setting, Pelican introduces Preacher's Night Before Christmas by Steven L. Layne, illus. by Carol Benioff. Pastor McDougall of the Spring Lane Creek Church finds himself "in quite a lurch" when nearly everything concerning the Nativity play goes awry. Luckily, Santa himself stops by to restore the holiday spirit. Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

About the Author, Steven L. Layne

Award-winning author and educator Steven L. Layne serves as associate professor of literature and education at Judson College in Elgin, Illinois. He is a respected literacy consultant, motivational keynote speaker, and featured author at conferences and literary events worldwide. He has written a variety of books for children and young adults, including Teacher's Night Before Christmas, published by Pelican.

Carol Benioff is a native San Franciscan artist and illustrator living in Oakland with her two cats. Her work combines digital techniques with traditional printmaking, drawing, and painting mediums.

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Editorials

Publishers Weekly

Children's Literature - Sheilah Egan

A small mouse and a cat lead the reader through this Christmas romp. Using Clement Moore's "Night before Christmas" poem as a template, the author has created a behind-the-scenes look at church preparations for the annual Christmas program. I suspect that everyone will be able to identify with the difficulties that often beset even the most loving of congregations. The pastor is trying to juggle all of the situations while remembering the reason for the entire event in the first place. The infant cast as Baby Jesus is ill and the director of the play rejects all of the substitutes as unsuitable—the illustration of her is not very flattering as she looks quite strident and aggravated. The choir director wants the singers to wear traditional black robes, but they want to wear colorful costumes. The office copy machine is not working properly and the volunteers are disgusted with trying to print the evening's programs. And to top it all off, the secretary announces that the preacher needs to go to his office immediately to deal with a fellow claiming to be Santa Claus. After all of this unhappy build up, Santa prompts Pastor McDougall to read from the Bible in order to remind everyone that "this night tells a tale for the ages." Magically, Santa is also visiting the cast and choir and has reminded them that they have "lost sight of the reason we all should rejoice in this glorious season." Of course, everyone finds themselves filled with the Christmas spirit and their troubles are forgotten. Some of the rhyme scheme has to really stretch to make the poem work; but, this twist with Santa reminding the people to think of the birth of Jesus will be read aloud frequently. Children willlove finding the cat and mouse on each page and determining that they are really playful friends.