Part of Christmas Hope, book 5.5
First published 2010
Joseph the carpenter walks beside Mary as they make their way toward Bethlehem. The young peasant woman carries their unborn child while they cover eighty miles of difficult terrain. They must reach the town for the census, but Mary's time draws near. When they arrive, no inn has room for them. Joseph searches desperately for shelter as Mary's labor begins. They find refuge in a simple barn among the animals. There, surrounded by hay and humble surroundings, Mary gives birth to Jesus. The story follows their physical journey across the countryside and their spiritual journey toward the most significant birth in history. VanLiere tells this ancient story through detailed illustrations that bring the Nativity to life. She shows how Joseph and Mary's experience connects to modern readers who face their own difficult journeys and uncertain circumstances.
Genres: christian-fiction, christmas, historical-fiction
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: faith, found-family
Setting: Bethlehem
Period: Ancient
96 pages · Kindle Edition · St. Martin's Press