What a beautiful storybook. Rather than a play-by-play account of the Nativity, it's a collection of images and voices: brief glimpses into several different people's perspectives. The pages hold golden text and emotional artwork with the quality of sand, shadows, and light.

We see Mary's wonder.
Joseph's anxiety.
Zechariah's contemplation.
Elizabeth's blessed dignity.
And more.

It's an ethereal book made for a thoughtful and joyful kind of story time. ( )

Gabriel “paced the halls of heaven” as he memorized God’s message to Mary. He wondered what she would say.The Christmas story unfolds, as never before, through the voices of those who witnessed the Messiah’s birth. Listen to Joseph’s struggle. Rejoice with Elizabeth and Zachariah. Worship with the magi. Hear the fear in Herod’s voice. Receive the blessing of Simeon and Anna. And, like the shepherds, shout for joy!

A uniquely beautiful rendition of the sacred Christmas story with scripture at the top of the page, large full spread night-view illustrations of pensive individual characters. First person narrative of individual Biblical characters written in verse. The Angel Gabriel, the Virgin Mary, the righteous man Joseph, Elizabeth, Zechariah, a neighbor, the inn keeper, s shepherd, the wise man Gaspar, King Herod and others declare on own page what they thought and did about their part in the events regarding Christ's birth. A unique presentation of the Bible story. The library has it appropriately cataloged in the 800's; the CIP has it as 232.92. Certainly this book is worthy of both locations in school or library collections. Thought provoking illustrations will inspire adults as well as children to reflect on the age old story in new but Biblical ways..