Longtime Chadron resident Emily Klein has authored a children’s book, Waiting for Baby Jesus. The book features cheerful rhymes that tell the story of Advent—the season of waiting that leads up to Christmas. This is Emily’s first book, and her daughter-in-law, award-winning illustrator Amy Klein of Estes Park, Colorado, has beautifully illustrated it. The book is designed to help young children understand Advent, the time of waiting for the birth of Baby Jesus, the reason for Christmas.
Emily was the sixth of eight children born to James and Caroline Kouma, who raised their family in a strong Catholic tradition on a farm. Six of their children graduated from Catholic schools, and Emily herself graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas Central Catholic High School in David City, Nebraska. She fondly remembers the small country church where she grew up and often shares the story of the large nativity set at the front of the church. While she’s not sure whether the nativity was intentionally set up in stages or assembled as volunteers had time, she recalls how families would visit the set each Sunday morning, discussing what they saw.
“The first Sunday of Advent, canvas was painted with rocks, and paths were created with small tables of varying sizes placed under the canvas. Sometimes the stable was also there. On the second Sunday of Advent, the shepherds, sheep, goat herders, and goats would appear in different areas. By the third Sunday, straw and animals had arrived at the stable. On the fourth Sunday, Christmas trees were placed behind the stable. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the trees were lit with blue lights, and the Holy Family was front and center. The star shone brightly over the stable, surrounded by shepherds, goat herders, their flocks, angels, and kings, all honoring the newborn King, Jesus. Families would proudly stop to honor Baby Jesus.”
“My goal in writing the book was to bring back the excitement of waiting, celebration, and Christmas love that our family experienced,” Klein said. “Advent was a special time for our family—a time of anticipation and togetherness. Partnering with my daughter-in-law, Amy, has been a delight. I am also so honored to be the caretaker of the vintage cardboard nativity set that graced the top of our upright piano every Advent when I was growing up. It is the focal point of our Christmas season.”
“My Christmas wish for you is that you share the Gift of Christmas Love that comes to us each year from the Christ Child.”
Waiting for Baby Jesus is available through Perpetual Light Publishing on Amazon.com.
A book signing event is scheduled for November 30 at 10 a.m. at the Bean Broker in Chadron.