"Be prepared in this book to meet the people of the biblical Christmas story in ways you have never encountered them before. Through the literary gifts of Ruth Boling, one of our most imaginative and faithful writers, Zechariah, Joseph, Mary, the Bethlehem Innkeeper, and others step forward from the pages of scripture and speak directly to our lives, our minds, and our hearts. This volume will allow the hope of Christmas to shine even brighter."
-Thomas G. Long, Professor Emeritus of Preaching, Candler School of Theology
"Take a look at your nativity scene and imagine all the characters coming alive and speaking to you. Ruth Boling creatively invites you into Christmas in a new way with letters from those present at Jesus' birth written to readers today. If you are looking for a contemplative way to engage the familiar in refreshing new ways, this book is for you."
-Rev . Dr. Elizabeth Caldwell (she/hers), Professor Emerita of Pastoral Theology, McCormick Theological Seminary
"It's been a very long time since I have read a book that has so moved me with the full wonder and beauty, challenge and mystery of Christmas. These imagined letters take us deep into the heart of Scripture but ever deeper into the heart of God's love. This book will open your eyes. It will change you. Boling imagines Mary inviting us to 'give Christmas your full consent. Allow the God who came at Christmas to come to you, delight you, and meddle with your life.' I can't think of a better way to do that than to spend time with this lovely book."
-L. Roger Owens, Hugh Thomson Kerr Professor of Pastoral Theology, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, and author of Everyday Contemplative: The Way of Prayerful Living
"Ruth Boling brings together critical biblical interpretation and creative writing to create a lens through which to see the story of Christmas in a new light. Each chapter features a letter from a biblical character, followed by thoughtful questions, journal prompts, and prayers that help us to reflect more deeply on the meaning of Christmas. This book is intelligent and imaginative, inspired and invitational, insightful and incarnational. What a gift to help us prepare our hearts for the advent of Immanuel."
-Donna Giver-Johnston, Professor and Director of the Doctor of Ministry program, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
