Author visits Sacred Heart School to discuss meaning of Christmas

LYNN – With each tick of the clock, the first snowfall of the season creeps closer, and with it comes thoughts of the holidays, family and joy for young children.But certain members of Rev. Robert Baker’s family feel the symbols of Christmas are beginning to disappear from everyday life this time of year, with the attention re-directed toward the “holiday season” rather than the traditions of Christmas.Inspired by his nephew, who was worried that Christmas was disappearing, Baker penned his first children’s book, “What Happened to Merry Christmas?” which he read for students at the Sacred Heart School Wednesday afternoon.Baker, who is originally from Georgia but living in St. Louis, made his first trip to the Boston area this week to share his new book with the students and attend conferences in Boston. Along with practicing part time at an urban St. Louis parish, Baker works as an editor for Concordia Publishing House, the company that helped produce his first book.The personable reverend took center stage in front of a microphone, and a tough crowd, in the Sacred Heart gymnasium Wednesday. He shared the story with younger students, engaging them in conversation about Christmas tradition.The book is a tale of a young boy named Sam, who gets concerned that Christmas is disappearing because he does not see any of the usual symbols in stores, which are dominated by other holidays. With each page comes a new lesson on family and the true meaning of the holiday, and provides a retreat to the joy and innocence that children feel during the holiday season.When specifics of the Christmas story came up in the book, Baker tested the student’s knowledge on Jesus, the Three Wise Men and the true meaning of the holiday.Children followed his reading with a series of questions, ranging from “Is the story true?” to “Who is Santa Claus and why does he bring us presents?””They were a great group of kids,” said Baker. “I will have to make it a little more exciting for the fourth and fifth graders though. I suspect their questions will be a little bit more difficult.”Baker says his book is carried mostly by religious bookstores, as the market for children’s books, especially around the holidays is very tough. He is taking a small tour of different areas in the country, stopping at conferences and schools to share his book along the way.Along with Boston and Lynn, he will be heading to Chicago, Tennessee and Florida in the coming months.Children at Sacred Heart will have an opportunity to purchase a personalized copy of the book through the publishing company.Baker’s appearance made him one of many authors who come through the doors of the school, which routinely hosts local authors during the day and at its annual author’s night held each year.