Bartholmew's Passage by Arnold Ytreeide is a family advent story about a Jewish boy during the time of Christ. It is one of three books that are tightly tied into each other, so they are best read in order so as not to spoil certain surprises (Jotham's Journey, Bartholmew's Passage, Tabitha's Travels), but this one is by far my favorite! All of them are exciting adventures of kids facing trials and ultimate peril as they draw unknowingly nearer a small stable in Bethlehem. Every year of my childhood, my family would read these out loud during advent. Never was there a villain like Decha of Meggido (that name still makes me shudder) or an awesome hero like Nathan (cheers!). Honestly, these are just great to read no matter the season.
One Wintry Night by Ruth Bell Graham continues to be one of the best Christmas books there is. Caught in a storm, a young boy takes refuge in a warm lodge where the lady of the house takes care of him and tells him the Chrismas story--the entire Christmas story from before Creation to the Resurrection. This accompanied by some of the most beautiful illustrations you will ever find. There are filled with such exquisite detail that you could pour over them for days. And if you do so, you might notice the little pill-bug (rolly-polly) hidden in each one (except the one where the universe is exploding into existence).
Another Christmas story that I still adore is The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomy. The writing is so well done, and the story is so sweet and touching. Plus, the illustrations are just beautiful.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever didn't become a favorite until I was older and could appreciate the humor therein. But now, I read this and go hysterical...and also go into thoughtful silence. Rediscover the wonder of the Christmas story when the Herdmen's (the worst kids in history ever) decide to perform in all the lead roles in the pageant of a priggish little town.
So there are some of my favorites, dear readers! What are some of your favorite holiday reads?
6 comments:
Oh, thank you for the wonderful book recommendations! I never knew there was a candy cane legend, so it will be really interesting to read it. I have to read The Best Christmas Pageant Ever every year. It's hilareous and so poignant. I love when Imogene wears earrings to one of the rehearsals, and when she offers to steal a baby for the manger. The ending is so beautiful. Also love One Wintry Night, especially because it shows the unfolding of God's plan from beginning to end, and the descriptions of the storm contrasted with the coziness of the lady's cabin is so wonderful. Some of my favorite holiday stories are:
1. A Wreath of Snow, by Liz Curtis Higgs.
2. The Littlest Angel, by Martin Tazewell.
3. A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickins.
4. A Candle in the Forest, by Temple Bailey.
5. The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg, (not that I like Santa Claus stories much, but the writing in this one is excellent, and the story is so magical).
6. How the Grinch Stole Christmas, by Dr. Seuss.
7. The Christmas Lamb, by Max Lucado.
8. Cosmic Christmas, by Max Lucado.
9. A Christmas Memory, by Truman Capote.
10. Becoming Naomi Leon, by Pamela Munoz Ryan, (not a story strictly about Christmas, but the ending takes place during the Christmas season. It's a very heartwarming story, and I learned about the Christmas tradition in Mexico of "Las Posadas".
11. Christmas, by Vladimir Nabokov, (a beautiful story dealing with a father's grief during the Christmas season).
12. A Little House Christmas, (from Little House on the Prairie,) by Laura Ingalls Wilder.
Sorry to bombard you, but this is my favorite time of year, so I've read so many Christmas stories. Thanks for recommending some more. God bless.
I found your blog through your Goodreads profile (which I found because you liked my review of Heartless).
I really like most of the books you mentioned in this post, but I'm really commenting just to say that I adore your header. It is so creative and attractive!
Meredith: Wow, thank you for all the recommendations! I've heard of most of them, but not all of them. I think you would really like The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey, if you haven't read it already. I've heard at least one audio version of it that was really nice!
Hannah: Hi! Thank you so much, I really enjoyed making that header! Thanks for stopping by! :)
Will definitely look for the Jonathan Toomey book. Thanks for letting me know it's on audio! Loved the premise of the story. And, I looked up the candy cane legend. Wow! Such beautiful symbolism! And, I never knew that the print letter J was shaped like a shepherd's staff. God bless.
Meredith: Yes, the symbolism of the candy cane is beautiful! Enjoy Christmas!
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey is such a charming book!
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