This book is one for the ages. It improves with each reading, as more and more of the subtle pieces Ms Loft weaves into the story fit together. In addition to the principle story line already mentioned, I am fascinated with the way all the peripheral characters allude to characters in other Biblical stories. The inn keeper's story seems to be the man the Good Samaritan saved, for example. I can imagine Jesus hearing these stories as a child, and using them later in his ministry. Very believable. For lots of reasons - this book stays with you! I really hope I can find another copy.

I have read this book almost every Christmas since I first got it as a teenager. It is wonderful, and heartwarming. Each character comes to life in the book. I would like to get a more permanent copy because my old one is torn and falling apart and a few years ago the last page fell out and is now missing. I continue to read the book every Christmas, but without the last page it is very frustrating. Please, re-publish this book. I may even get several copies as gifts.

I also read this book many years ago and would very much love to read it again. Any review I would compose would only echo the reviews before this one. This book would make an excellent Christmas gift.

This is a wonderful book for both children and adults. It was written by a second grade teacher for her class to perform and it goes through each letter of the alphabet in order telling the Christmas story. "A is for Augustus who sent out the decree..." I originally discovered it because it was recommended in "The Godparent Book", when I found the library I was in awe. It is one of the few intelligent books the aims to tell the who Christmas story without dumbing it down or putting in overly cutetsy or sentimental pictures. The pictures are lavish and brightly colored. It goes far beyond the standard alphabet format so that even adults will enjoy reading and re-reading it year after year. My family reads one Christmas story every day leading upto the 25th, this is a definate must have for your collection if you do the same thing.

This is a beautifully illustrated book with a simple and wonderful text. I find it a joyful experience to look at the colorful and interesting illustrations. I share it with my daughter, but I purchased the book for myself!

This book is beautifully written and illustrated. It depicts the glory of the Christmas season. Not only is this my favorite Christmas story for children, it is also my daughters' favorite Christmas story.

I could not put the book down. I have never read a book of this genre before and I found it absolutely compelling. Whether or not you agree with the intrinsic philosophy, you will find yourself learning a tremendous amount, historically and about current affairs, as well as caring very much about the futures of the various characters. A great read!

I found "The Last Star" to be one of the best books I have ever read in the realm of Christian fiction. It seemed to provide just the right amounts of suspense and credibility. The technical descriptions surrounding the unusual star phenomena were very believable without being overbearing. As a reader who normally likes authors such as Clancy and Ludlum, I was delightfully surprised to find such a suspenseful and riveting novel written in a Christian venue. I couldn't put it down once I started reading it. I do hope that there will be more novels by William Proctor to follow!

I found the enigma of "The Last Star," by William Proctor, so engaging that I couldn't wait to discover the outcome.

If you like mystery and espionage stories, mixed with a Christian theme, you will enjoy "The Last Star." If you think you are not interested in such a story, you'll change your mind after you read this novel.

A special team gathers in a historical land to investigate a strange light that appears in the sky. The puzzle is challenging. As the story of this unusual celestial object unfolds, so does the nature of each person in the group. The characters are very real and it is entertaining to follow their dialog.

From the beginning of the novel, to the last page, Mr. Proctor leads you through a plot filled with interesting scientific, historical and theological information. The setting, which takes place in Israel, enhances the storyline.

So, what is this strange light? What does its appearance mean to the world? Will the research team succeed in finding all the answers to their questions? Who will reveal and stop the villains?

It's worth reading the book to find out!

Fafa Demasio

Enthralling poems for young and old. You are touched, amused, startled, and may be moved to tears at the musings of the beasts who witness the birth of the Babe.

Here it is, October, and my children are begging me to read from "The Beasts of Bethlehem". Even though the poems don't follow a typical children's poem meter, they love it just the same. They enjoy picking out their "favorite" animals and having me read that animal's poem. Wonderful book!!

Although the main topic of this book is the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, Fr. Faber's discussion runs the gamut of Catholic devotion and faith. The whole Christmas story is here: the Father's eternal love, Mary's virtue and freedom, the wise men, the shepherds, and so on, until we find we have come back full circle to the Father's love.

There is a common tone whilch runs through all Faber's books, and it is one of gladness and gratitude. A verse from a song runs through my mind as I contemplate this book and others by him: "In only a moment, we both will be old; we won't even notice the sun growing cold. And so in this moment, with sunshine above, my cup runneth over with love." Faber's books tell of love and joy in the warm bright sunshine of God's love for us, a sunshine which will never grow cold. That warmth and brightness is caught and savored as we reflect on our own love for Jesus and Mary, our family and friends, and those others who may touch our loves only briefly and then move on. Our love for each other and God's love for us: a circle of radiant joy and gladness pervades this peaceful and gentle book, telling the age-old story as only Fr. Faber can, with theology, poetry, and music morphing in unexpected ways one into another.

BETHLEHEM. Fr. Faber. Explores the hidden meanings of Our Lord's Incarnation, birth, infancy and early life, and Fr. Faber expands his theme to a wide-ranging discourse on the entire Catholic Faith from the point of view of the Sacred Infancy. Nothing that Jesus did or allowed Himself to undergo is without meaning, and Fr. Faber explores those hidden meanings with a profundity one would hardly believe possible. Fr. Faber was one of the 19th century masters of English literature and well as a fount of rare spiritual insights. 432pp. PB. Imprimatur.

This is by far one of the best books I've read in a long time. It was wonderfully written. As the truely unique characters come to life, you'll be unable to put the book down.

Superbly written by journalist and freelance writer Nancy Crowe, Bethlehem Road a unique small-town America novel with a very special twist. Two women return to their Midwestern roots, Naomi Bittner, a mother who has been spurned by her daughter Marina, and Ruth Greene, a lesbian lover who has also been rejected by Marina; neither fully understands why they have been pushed away, yet both become absorbed in reconnecting with the past and stumbling upon others who closet their lifestyle in secrecy. Bethlehem Road is a truly thoughtful, demonstrably well-written novel and highly recommended addition to the growing library of contemporary lesbian fiction.

My 3 year old received this book from his Godmother for Christmas. It is now March and we still have to read it daily. It's little activities on each page keep him so involved, he just loves it! A great gift!!

This is a great Christmas adventure. It tells the true story of Christmas in a way that gets the kids involved and looking forward to each new page. Truly one of our family's favorite Christmas books. Will be a part of our Christmas Eves for many years to come.

I think that this item is great! In fact I even made a play with the characters! this item is really great!

This is so adorable I'm buying more as gifts. It's actually a large fold out cover with a scene inside that holds several small "ornament" books, each telling the story of different roles during Christ's birth. For example, there's the angel, Joseph, Mary, the star, etc. Each looks kind of like a doll and doubles as an ornament. There's a handle to carry it all around with, and it's very large. Great for kids of all ages!

This book is one of the most beautiful depictions of the birth of our Lord. The images are so emotion-filled. The one I like particularly well is of Joseph and Mary and the infant Savior. Mary is holding the baby in her arms while Joseph looks at him with love, amazement and a little curiosity. Priceless!! A must have!

Absolutely beautiful, poignant pictures accompany the scriptural telling of the Saviors birth. I read these same scriptures to my children every christmas, how nice it will be to have them all together with pictures to go with them. This a brilliant artist whose paintings seem to come to life. One can feel the emotions on Mary and Joseph's faces and the pictures of the Christ Child are fantastic. LDS readers will enjoy this book best because some references are made from LDS scriptures .

This provocative book offers images of Christ from Christian writers across the twenty centuries since the birth of Jesus. The contents are arranged by century. The variety is intense and wonderful. Samples from writers as varied as Augustine, Patrick, Anthony of Egypt, Catherine of Sienna, Margery Kempe, Julian of Norwich, Evelyn Underhill, and Howard Thurman. A book to read devotionally. A gift for yourself. A gift for others.