If Jesus Came to My House
illustrations by
on Goodreads (295)
What’s inside...
If Jesus Came to My House is a children's book by Joan Gale Thomas that tells the story of a young child imagining what it would be like if Jesus came to visit their home. The child thinks about the various activities they would do together, such as playing, reading, and sharing a meal. The child also considers how they would offer Jesus the best chair and be on their best behavior. The book conveys a message of hospitality, kindness, and the importance of treating others with love and respect, reflecting the values that Jesus embodies. Through the child's innocent and sincere perspective, the story encourages young readers to consider how they can welcome and serve others in their daily lives, just as they would if Jesus were a guest in their homes.
Age
1-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Boy
Jesus
Discussion points
How would you feel if Jesus came to visit our house?
What kind of activities would you like to do with Jesus if he was a guest in our home?
Why do you think being kind and welcoming is important when we have visitors?
Can you think of ways we can make our home welcoming for all guests, just like the boy in the book?
How do you think showing love and kindness to others can make a difference in their day?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by reading the book together, allowing your child to explore the illustrations and express initial thoughts. Use expressive and animated tones to make the story lively and engaging. After reading, relate the scenarios in the book to your child’s own experiences with guests at home. Encourage them to think about the moral implications of the story and how they can apply them in their daily interactions. Praise thoughtful responses and guide them gently to reflect deeper if they struggle with answers.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and kindness
Explanation: The protagonist imagines welcoming Jesus into their home and considers how they would treat Him with love and kindness. This illustrates the importance of treating everyone with respect and compassion.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by sharing and being considerate towards their friends and family members in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Hospitality and sharing
Explanation: In the story, the child shows how they would share their favorite things and make Jesus feel comfortable. This teaches children the value of sharing and being good hosts.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to share their toys or snacks with peers, and to be welcoming to new classmates or friends at school.
Example Lesson: Importance of imagination
Explanation: The book centers around a child’s imaginary interaction with Jesus, which emphasizes the power of imagination in learning moral values.
Real-World Application: Children can use their imagination to think of ways to help and care for others, thereby nurturing their creative and empathetic skills.
Example Lesson: Spiritual growth
Explanation: Through contemplating a visit from Jesus, the child reflects on religious and spiritual values, fostering early spiritual development.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore their own family’s spiritual beliefs and discuss what kindness and love mean within their own cultural or spiritual context.
Example Lesson: Reflection on personal actions
Explanation: The story encourages children to think about how they would act if an important figure were present, prompting personal reflection on their daily actions.
Real-World Application: This can help children think before they act and consider the consequences of their actions in a broader social and moral context.