"Who were those who stood at the manger the night Jesus was born? What are their stories? What of the carpenter who built the manger? Or the midwife who helped Mary deliver the child? What is the origin of the swaddling clothes that wrapped the babe? At the The Stories of Those Who Were There is a collection of inspirational tales which poses possible answers to these questions. Residents of Bethlehem and travelers from Rome alike, stand as witnesses in the stillness of the night to the profound, humble birth. Through their own trials, those blessed to be present at the Nativity are woven into a fabric of mutual dependence and ultimate redemption. And through great personal sacrifice, gifts are laid at the foot of the crib while the reciprocal treasures of liberation, peace, and love blossom in the hearts of the givers. Experience the joy of Christmas by taking a journey back in time and partaking of the lives of those first to greet the newborn babe. At the Manger shares the gentle reminder that giving is an act of love, and ennobles us most when it is a gift of self."--

Through poems, stories and prayers the author describes the thoughts, feelings, questions, and dreams of those who gathered around that manger of long ago, as well as the faces that have been there since. Original.

"The perfect introduction to the Christmas story for the very young. . . Excellent, also, for both religious and nonreligious families." - BookPage One day, a long time ago, Mary and Joseph went on a long journey. They had to walk very far, to the city of Bethlehem. The king wanted to count all the people in his country. Among them were Joseph, Mary and the child that was still in Mary's womb. A simple version of the Christmas tale with colorful illustrations. Recommended for young children.

A small cat reminisces about events that took place around the manger where it was sleeping on the night the baby Jesus was born.

Based on a true event which the author had reported on, this lighthearted story follows one reluctant nativity star, Esther the cow, on a special Christmas journey. Besides discovering her importance in the Christmas story, Esther teaches us how God has made us each special in His world. Mildred "Mitzi" Probert Mitzi grew up on a farm near the small town of Yorkville, OH. Her love of animals led her to Ohio Wesleyan University where in 1985 she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in zoology and journalism. After 10 years as a reporter/editor, Mitzi served as director of a World Vision-sponsored program in Jefferson County, OH and continued freelance writing. She and her husband, Eric, reside in Steubenville, OH with their two sons, Kyle and Carson, dog Bubba and hamster, Spot Jr. They attend Wintersville United Methodist Church. Esther is based on one of her last feature stories while working with The Wheeling (WVa) Intelligencer/News-Register. Richard "Ty" Schafrath Ty earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in drawing from Ohio State University in 1988, but a visit to MGM Studios and the Feature Animation Tour a year later in Orlando would change the course of his life. After numerous setbacks, Ty eventually landed a job with Nickelodeon Animation Studios in Hollywood in 1995 as a Storyboard Artist through 2002, when the industry slowed from its frantic pace. "Esther" is Ty's second book in 2010. In addition to illustration, he is a freelance storyboarder, painter, and a caricature artist. Ty, his wife, Jeni, and his step-daughters Aliyah, Alycia, and Sophia, and their dog Kirby, reside in Orlando. Ty is a follower of Jesus Christ and is a member of Harvest Bible Chapel in nearby Windermere.

There is a legend that describes how, at midnight on Christmas Eve, all creatures are granted the power of speech for one hour. In this rich collection, Lee Bennett Hopkins and a dozen other poets imagine what responses they might offer. The poems represent a diverse group of animals, but all come together with one singular purpose: celebrating the joy of the miraculous event. This collection of graceful poems provides readers with a Nativity story unlike any other -- at times gently humorous, at times profound, but always inviting readers to appreciate the wonder of Christmas. This book is a perfect gift for the holiday season. Includes poems by... Lee Bennett Hopkins Joan Bransfield Graham Amy Ludwig VanDerwater X. J. Kennedy Jude Mandell Marilyn Nelson Jane Yolen Ann Whitford Paul Prince Redcloud Rebecca Kai Dotlich Michele Krueger Alma Flor Ada Alicia Schertle

Travel through the alphabet with this beautiful rhyming storybook that tells the story of Jesus' birth. Begin with the angel who tells Mary that she is God's chosen vessel and follow along until you reach the zillions of stars that paled in comparison to the star that announced the birthplace of the newborn King. Beautifully illustrated and written, this book will be a classic for parents to read to their children every Christmas season. --Publisher