"Home for Christmas" (Various Authors)

TITLE: Home for Christmas: Stories for Young and Old
AUTHOR: Various Authors
PUBLISHER: Walden, NY: Plough Publishing House, 2021, (339 pages).
 

Twenty short stories. Twenty contributors. One theme. As many popular singers croon the Christmas song, "I'll Be Home For Christmas," this collection of stories warms the hearts as many people prepare for another busy Christmas season. Just like many of us remember well how a song goes, we too could remember stories better than mere theories or concepts. Stories like "Brother Robber" remind us about forgiveness. The "Three Young Kings" tells of the gospel touches us in spite of our mischiefs and misdeeds. Madeleine L'Engle writes about a "Sister Egg" whose name is often a conversation starter as she ministers to the homeless on the streets. Nikolai Lesskov shares the story of how one could be eloquent about the faith and yet unable to overcome the hurts over injustice. It takes a new revelation of the meaning of Christ's coming that unlocks the path toward healing. Pearl S Buck shares the story of a Christmas Day morning and how a son gave his father a lovely Christmas surprise. Henry Van Dyke begins the story of the three wise men before dropping in a surprise fourth "Wise Man." This man journeyed in faith, playing catch-up after failing to keep up with his three other friends. Adding some drama into the gaps between the birth of Jesus and the trial of Jesus, the story details how this man follows the Person and Life of Christ, to offer his gift of ministry. All the stories were told around what was revealed in Holy Scriptures. From the birth narrative of Jesus, the parables Jesus taught, to the life of Jesus' ministry, the twenty authors focus on a unique theme of the coming of Jesus to show us a compelling picture of the reason why Jesus came to earth. 

Apart from the authors mentioned above, some of the other authors come from countries such as Cuba, Germany, Siberia, Palestine, Denmark, Spain, as well the USA, and descriptions of Canada. The stories are intriguing because not only do they come from the pens of some of the most creative literary writers, they are seen from the lens of ordinary people, about the meandering thoughts surrounding Christmas. The story of Barney Hatch the panhandler is one prime example. Like a chain of Christmas lights, author BJ Chute strings together some of the most familiar Christmas symbols such as Church bells, church towers, wreaths, Christmas decorations, Christmas shopping sprees, pine trees, jingles, and even Santa Claus. As the panhandler shifts from asking for donations to becoming a Santa Claus at a store promising to give wishes, he realized that having a few more dollars in his pocket led to a tough call between buying for a little boy a harmonica he promised and a bottle of whisky he wanted for Christmas. It prompts us with the question: "What would you do with your limited resources? Bless someone or to bless yourself?"

Stories have that special touch to communicate anything. The Christmas message has always been about the birth of Jesus, but for much of the world, it continues to be about the busyness of shopping, commerce activities, year-end festivities, and other secular forms of celebrations. With biblical themes flowing through the veins of these stories, readers will enjoy the rich reminders about the spirituality of Christmas. We have all been bombarded by messages that Christmas is a time of giving, of gifting, and of forgiving. This book does not only these but elevates the message through multiple cultures and creative literary lenses. Here's a hint: Don't rush through the stories. There is more than one message within each story. The longer and slower you dwell in them, the more you would discover. 

Rating: 4.25 stars of 5.

conrade

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This book has been provided courtesy of Plough Publishing House and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.