Christian education begins at birth. An introduction to church life is important for the development of a little Christian, but it is even more important to read books that are correct in the Orthodox sense. In literature of such a plan, children's Christian stories play an important role.
The role of Christian literature in the issue of education
On the example of stories, stories and verses of the Orthodox sense, it is much easier to develop good qualities in children. Such literature awakens the best feelings, teaches kindness, forgiveness, love, strengthens faith and hope, helps you not to be discouraged, understand your feelings, behave correctly with your peers, and not only. Books in which children's Christian stories are printed should be in every family where there are children. Such works are written by both domestic and foreign authors, among which there are ordinary people, priests and even monks.
Tales of the good that all triumphs
One of the most striking in order to encourage a child to do good deeds are stories of this kind. Here, for example, is a story called "The Little Lamp" by John Paton. He tells the story of a little girl who still does not go to school, but, without suspecting it, does a very necessary and good deed, visiting her old grandmother. Lena (that was the name of the baby) even asked her mother what she was doing, why the elderly woman was happy, calling the baby a sunbeam and her comfort.
Mom explained to her daughter how the presence of a girl is important for an old grandmother, because she feels so alone, and Lena consoles her with only one appearance. The baby learned that her little good deed was like a candle, from which a huge torch was lit on a lighthouse, showing the way to the ships in the darkness. And without this light, there would simply be no big flame. So the good deeds of every person, child, no matter how inconspicuous they may be, are simply necessary in this world and pleasing to the Lord.
Short stories for the little ones
O. Yasinskaya wrote short Christian instructive stories for kids. They have everything that the Orthodox need. One of the stories entitled “The Mystery” from the collection “Little Christian Girl” teaches to be compliant, selfless, to do good and good to another, always to be ready to help. In the story of the two sisters, the secret of a happy life is hidden according to Christian laws. And nothing more is needed in the relations between people for a peaceful and engulfed in love and understanding of life.
And the story “What the bees teach us” on their example shows how children should love their parents and take care of them, especially if illness or old age limits their strength. After all, this is the commandment of the Lord, "Honor your father and your mother." It is always necessary to remember about it.
Christian poems, stories
In addition to instructive stories for children, there are many poems and riddles written for the little Orthodox Christian. For example, Marina Tikhonova writes not only Christian stories, but also poems and riddles. Her collection "Orthodox Poems for Children" is permeated with the happiness of family life, good and light. The collection includes several poems, riddles about God and everything that is connected with Him, and the story “At the Christmas Tree”. He tells the story of a family who decorates the Christmas tree with a garland, toys, rain and a star before the holiday. Parents explain to children what Christmas and New Year mean, a festive tree, decorations on it. The whole family thanks the Lord for the wonderful gifts each received. The story evokes such strong emotions and feelings that I want to take the jewelry myself, hang them on the Christmas tree and thank God for everything, like the heroes of history.
Where did I come from?
Perhaps this is the most embarrassing question for parents from an older son or daughter. But the children persistently ask about everything. Christian stories will help to find an answer to this little listener, and his mom and dad will tell you what to say in such cases. The story about the boy Mitya, which is called "The very first dad," was written by Andrei Ermolenko. This story contains a clue to parents and an explanation to the child about who the Heavenly Father is, where the children come from. A very moving and instructive story. It should be read by everyone who has children.
Athos for a children's heart
This is the name of the book written by the monk Simeon of Athos. In fact, all Christian stories are a kind of sacred mountain Athos, which destroys pagan temples in every heart, erecting the fortress of God's truth, strengthening faith, spirit, nourishing all the best that is in a child or an adult.
The monk through his stories unobtrusively introduces children to the common truths of the Lord. At the end of each story is the conclusion that follows from it. The stories are all small, even the smallest Christian can easily listen to them to the end. The book teaches children (and parents too) humility, faith in God, goodness, love of the Lord, see miracles in the familiar, draw conclusions from everything that happened, think primarily about others, judge yourself for your mistakes, do not try to blame others for something, not to be proud, to be courageous in practice, and not in words. In addition, the book teaches that sometimes misfortune also brings good, and a simple life is already happiness. To find the kingdom of heaven, you need to work hard. For the sake of true Love, you need to give everything, and then Heaven will become closer. So the monk teaches.
And in this light, the strength and depth of Children's Love is revealed - here it is, the wisdom of God, because the child does not love for anything. Preserving a child’s heart is not easy, but it is precisely such people who are saved. The monk teaches not only kids, his Christian stories, stories - and adult science.
It would be useful to read the work "On the Frog and Wealth". The main idea of the story is as follows: if you want to take it, you will live an earthly life, and if you have a spiritual life in your heart, learn to give. The monk of Athos wrote many more wisdom in the form of stories instructive and interesting. This book is useful to everyone who has taken the righteous path.
Christian stories are needed at every age as an aid to the path to God. Reading to the child, parents themselves learn the bright and the good, which helps them to take the right path and lead the children. May God abide in every heart!