Often the birth of a child can prompt parents to turn more intentionally to God. They think about nurturing their child's faith, but soon discover that their children have much to teach them as well. This book will help parents (and grandparents, aunts and uncles) deepen their relationship with God and with their children by providing short reflections based on everyday experiences to which parents of young children can easily relate, such as bath, bed, fears, and food. All parents of young children will easily be able to relate these experiences to their own.

Each devotion contains a scripture passage, a reflection based on the authors' experience as parents, questions for reflection, and a prayer.

This book was prompted by the tragic death of the Holtom's two-year old son, Lucas, who was killed in a tornado in the summer of 2000. In an effort to capture the memories of their lives with him, they wrote down the many daily activities and experiences they shared, and these form the core of the manuscript. It is not a manuscript for grieving parents, but rather a way for anyone to take the time to celebrate the gift that children are to us.

Jamie Holtom has been a United Church minister for the last 16 years at one of the most vibrant United Churches in Canada, North Bramalea United Church. He and his wife, Katrina, have also published a devotional book for parents called The Gift of a Child.

Jamie Holtom's profile page

Katrina Holtom's profile page

This gentle devotional book by his parents lets memories of Lucas lead the way to an appreciation of God’s lasting love. Lucas emerges both as a distinct personality and as every child, so his life lessons will touch many readers.

Muriel Duncan, The Observer

The Gift of a child is a wonderful tool to aid in the devotional time of all those who delight in the honesty and happiness of a young child.

Elaine Ingalls Hogg, Glad Tidings