A Christmas Eve children’s homily preached at Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish in Solomons has been transformed into a fully illustrated digital storybook, bringing a personal childhood memory of the parish’s pastor to life through the artwork of local students.
“Baby’s First Christmas,” written by Father Robert Kilner, pastor of Our Lady Star of the Sea, is based on a homily he has shared with children during the parish’s Christmas Eve children’s Mass. The story, which Father Kilner refined from homilies he has preached over the years, recounts a moment from his own childhood when, as a 10-year-old, he quietly carried his baby sister downstairs on Christmas morning and discovered a deeper understanding of Christ’s presence in the stillness of the moment.
The story was adapted into a digital flip book illustrated by students from Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic School. Each student contributed original artwork to accompany the story’s scenes, from a glowing Christmas tree and nativity set to a quiet moment of reflection beside the manger.
The illustrated flip book was assembled as a collaborative project that preserved Father Kilner’s original text while pairing it with student artwork. The result is a visual retelling of a homily that emphasizes the heart of Christmas as a celebration of Christ’s nearness and love.
The illustrated Catholic Christmas story for children is available in this post as both a digital flip book and a PDF.
To view the PDF version of Baby's First Christmas by Father Kilner please use the link below.
