As a child, the Christmas story for me was mostly fun. I liked babies and loved being part of the Christmas drama at church. I found it hard to identify with the characters in the story. I knew I was celebrating the birth of Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us, but the story itself had little relevance for my life.

I wrote “Can I Hold Him?” to help all ages understand that our precious Christmas story deals with real life issues similar to ours today. I have used my research of the context of the story and my imagination to add the details and feelings that are not mentioned in the Biblical story. My belief is that when you identify with the character, you will find wisdom for your life. For example: In Mary’s story, “Isn’t He Beautiful”, you will discover a young teenager, pregnant before marriage, an outcast in her society. Although today we are more accepting, teenage pregnancy still carries with it a myriad of problems just as it did for Mary. Whether you are a pregnant woman today feeling Mary’s exhaustion and fear the night of Jesus’ birth, or a father identifying with Joseph and his need to care for his beloved Mary, “Isn’t He Beautiful” will speak to you.

I suggest you begin reading Can I Hold Him? about as you begin your preparations for Christmas. Read a story; spend a few days thinking about it. Discuss it with your family or your friend. Think about what it has to say for your life today. When you are ready move on to another story. Even the four contemporary stories can speak to you as you and your loved ones prepare to celebrate Christmas.

I have told these stories as monologues in intergenerational worship, adapted them as Sunday School drama, and even used them for adult bible studies. As a resource for group programs, teen study groups, or fundraisers the unique perspective of these Christmas stories can foster lively discussion as they entertain.