I appreciate retellings when they give "fresh eyes" to view stories I've heard or read countless times. This is especially true when Biblical stories are retold to include cultural and historical context, probable emotions, and other details to "flesh out" the narrative. In The First Christmas, Stephen Mitchell recounts the best known Gospel story in vivid and imaginative ways.

This small volume contains a wealth of insights as it reimagines the birth of Christ from the point of view of the primary participants:

- the Innkeeper
- the Ox
- the Shepherds
- Mary (Maryam)
- Joseph (Yosef)
- the Wise Men
- the Donkey

While some of the concepts don't align with my beliefs, I'll include some of Mr. Mitchell's insights into future readings of the Christmas story from the gospels of Luke and Matthew. A resource that brings greater depth to my faith life is priceless. Thank you to Stephen Mitchell for writing this thought-provoking novel and to St. Martin's Essentials for the review copy.

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