Snark & Sensibility

Special Author Interview

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Tuesday’s Treasure

Annie Yorty Author Interview

Tell a little about yourself and what inspired you to write 25 Symbols of Christmas: Finding Jesus.

I’m a wife and a mom with three children who are now more or less grown. My oldest has Down syndrome, and she still lives at home with us. For a long time, I’ve been an advocate who spoke about the good news of Jesus or about disability awareness. Several years ago, God called me to write for His glory, and He has given me plenty of opportunities to publish articles and, now, two books.

I homeschooled my kids for sixteen years, and our December activities often included unit studies about the symbols of Christmas and the names of Jesus. Teaching my children to know and trust in Jesus was my top priority, but I also felt the pressure of a calendar filled with holiday activities.

As I studied the Bible, I noticed how Jesus often used parables about everyday objects to connect to spiritual truths. For example, in a culture where vineyards were common, Jesus illustrated our need to remain joined to Him in the same way a grape branch must attach to the vine to receive nutrients to live.

This habit of Jesus led me to realize the symbols and traditions of Christmas could be used to turn our attention toward Jesus rather than distract us from Him. As I prayed over my ideas, God inspired me to write a devotion about one symbol per day to cover the days of Advent. In about ten minutes per day, readers can focus on a specific character quality of Jesus through the lens of a symbol or tradition of Christmas. Those few minutes per day will keep our hearts and minds devoted to Jesus throughout the holiday season.

Who is the audience for 25 Symbols of Christmas: Finding Jesus?

Both young and more mature women will naturally connect with the devotions in 25 Symbols of Christmas: Finding Jesus. Parents and children will also enjoy a daily read-aloud from the book with family discussion. Each devotion has suggestions to apply the biblical truth in a practical way. Women’s groups may enjoy organizing a Christmas tea based on the symbols and messages in the book. At my website, I have some free resources to help women plan an event.

How does each devotion help the reader find Jesus?

We have evidence of Jesus all around us, but we sometimes need a nudge to look up and refocus on Him. The daily devotions in 25 Symbols of Christmas: Finding Jesus give a time out to pause and notice God at work in our lives.

Each devotion only takes about five minutes to read, but I’ve packed them with truth you can meditate upon throughout the day. Because God’s Word is our source for all truth, each reading begins with a Bible verse. Next, I share a warm holiday story that features one symbol or tradition of Christmas. The story leads into a discussion of the history or use of the symbol and how it directs us to an attribute of Jesus. Each day closes with a life application, a question for reflection, and a prayer.

Why did you include a holiday story in each devotion?

Our traditions may vary depending on our upbringing, but we all have Christmas stories. Many are heartwarming, but some may be uncomfortable. All our stories help us understand our shared humanity.

The stories in my devotions set a mood and show how the threads of symbols and traditions weave through the fabric of our lives. We’ll see how we can embrace and enjoy our Christmas activities without being distracted from Jesus. Even better, celebrating with our symbols and traditions can add to our awareness and appreciation of Him.

Can you give us a sneak peek into a few of the symbols and traditions to see how they point to Jesus?

Some connections may seem obvious, such as candles that remind us Jesus is the true light. Other devotions may reframe our traditional thinking. The flower center of the poinsettia points to Jesus as the unexpected Messiah. When we construct gingerbread houses, we remember Jesus is our strong foundation.

Do you have any resources for readers who want to go deeper in their relationship with Jesus this Christmas?

On my YouTube channel, @AnnieYorty, I have posted special content to complement 25 Symbols of Christmas: Finding Jesus. Readers will find a three to five-minute video to go along with each day’s devotion in the book—twenty-five in all. The videos provide even more information about the symbol along with additional ideas to apply the spiritual truth found in the devotions.

At my website, AnnieYorty.com, you will find a free printable journal page and coloring book for 25 Symbols of Christmas: Finding Jesus. Click the Books tab and you will find links to those resources.

My website also has many other free resources to encourage you to grow to know God better. I publish a blog there twice a month. You can also access an encouraging podcast for moms of children with special needs (Ordinary Moms of Extraordinary Kids). Readers can subscribe to receive free updates.

For the homeschoolers in my audience, I also co-host a podcast, Empowering Homeschool Conversations, your authority in navigating the world of homeschooling diverse learners.

What do you hope for your readers this Christmas season?

The name of our holiday bears the name of the Savior whose birthday we celebrate. Yet I’m painfully aware of how easily I am distracted from Jesus at Christmas.

I hope 25 Symbols of Christmas: Finding Jesus gives us all a daily time of refuge in God’s Word throughout the month of December. I pray our symbols and traditions reframe our thinking and refocus our hearts on Jesus throughout each day.

Ultimately, I hope each one of us knows and loves Jesus better by the beginning of the new year.

MORE ABOUT 25 SYMBOLS OF CHRISTMAS: FINDING JESUS 

Our culture seems to increasingly commercialize Christmas and its symbols. If we are not careful, the emphasis on lights, bells, wreaths, stars, and other trimmings of the season may cause us to miss the wonder, joy, warmth, and love of the true meaning of Christmas.

Annie Yorty finds Jesus in twenty-five Christmas symbols by tracing their meaning and history. She demonstrates how each one points to a spiritual truth readers can apply to their hearts and lives to refocus on Christ at Christmas.

“While there are many Advent-themed devotionals on the market, Annie Yorty’s 25 Symbols of Christmas: Finding Jesus fulfills the promise of its title in a unique way. As readers unwrap the gift of each of the 25 stories, they will discover the spiritual connection of common Christmas symbols and traditions to the Christ of Christmas. This lovely resource will serve as a faith-filled guide for believers as well as a unique gift for those seeking the true reason behind the season.”

—Maggie Wallem Rowe, author of This Life We Share

ABOUT ANNIE YORTY

Annie Yorty writes and speaks to encourage others to perceive God’s presence in the unexpected twists and turns of life. Married to her high school sweetheart and living in Pennsylvania, she mothers three adult children (one with intellectual disabilities), and a furry beast labradoodle. She has written From Ignorance to Bliss: God’s Heart Revealed through Down Syndrome and a devotional, 25 Symbols of Christmas: Finding Jesus, and she has contributed to other books such as Chicken Soup for the Soul. She also contributes devotions and articles at Crosswalk.com and cohosts Empowering Homeschool Conversations, the authority in homeschooling diverse learners. Annie would love to connect with you at AnnieYorty.com, Facebook, and Instagram.

Links

Website: https://annieyorty.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnnieYorty2020

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annieyorty/

X: https://x.com/AnnieYorty

Crosswalk: https://www.crosswalk.com/author/annie-yorty/

25 Symbols of Christmas: Finding Jesus: https://www.amazon.com/25-Symbols-Christmas-Jesus-Devotional/dp/B0DJWB65C6/ref=

Empowering Homeschool Conversations: https://www.spedhomeschool.com/podcast

Books on my website: https://annieyorty.com/books/

Copyright ©2024 Annie Yortyfin