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Touching Wonder: Recapturing the Awe of Christmas
An instant classic that breathes new life into the familiar Nativity storyThis lovely little book invites readers to rediscover both the strangeness and the delight of the Nativity story through a bold retelling of Luke 1-2. To Eugene Peterson's The Message Bible translation, John Blase adds his own storytelling voice, exploring the familiar events from multiple first-person viewpoints. What emerges is the intimate story of unlikely people--a frightened teenage girl, a worried carpenter, a collection of senior citizens, a disillusioned young shepherd--meeting up with the divine as they move toward the realization that the little one just born is the One. It's truly strange and wonderful, this retold story of Word made flesh, and it invites readers to react appropriately--with eyes opened wide in wonder, jaws dropped in amazement, and hearts rejoicing. The beautiful design and Amanda Jolman's lively line drawings make this book a fitting gift as well as a potential heirloom.
122 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2009
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554 people want to read
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December 27, 2025DNF @ 20%.
I don’t think there’s anything wrong with a bit of “what if-ing” or imagining what those present at the first Christmas were thinking. But this? Idk. Too many things added to the actual storyline that clearly aren’t there in the Scripture. Too many liberties taken, to the point that the line between truth and fiction is blurred at best.
- 12/2025
I don’t think there’s anything wrong with a bit of “what if-ing” or imagining what those present at the first Christmas were thinking. But this? Idk. Too many things added to the actual storyline that clearly aren’t there in the Scripture. Too many liberties taken, to the point that the line between truth and fiction is blurred at best.
- 12/2025
December 17, 2020
This was a moving read for Advent. The author says it best: “for some reason or reasons, I lost the eyes to see or ears to hear, or maybe the heart to wonder. I set out this year (2007) to read them in The Message in hopes of recapturing a slacked jaw. As I read I was struck by how earthy the stories are; in other words, how utterly human. Even in the day and age of “real” and “authentic”, I fear we keep these stories in the realm of card stock and porcelain figurines. If these stories did not happen to flesh and blood and bone and sinew, then we of all people are to be most pitied.” He captures the earthiness. Very well. Each chapter has a reading from The Message, the author’s narrative putting flesh on the passage and then the author’s personal prayer. I will read this one again.
did-not-finish
December 21, 2023I like reading the Bible in different versions from time to time to see a story with fresh eyes. However, The Message, just makes me want to get out my red pen and make corrections. I just couldn't get past the fact the message was used here.
December 24, 2021
A beautiful retelling of various parts of the Nativity story that had me considering the people involved in new ways, as well as considering my own role as one of the current 'messengers' of God's glorious gospel.
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
December 10, 2024
I love this author. No notes!
January 8, 2022
I read this every year before Christmas. Beautifully raw interpretation of Christ’s birth. Author’s goal is to recapture the awe of Christmas and, for me, he is successful!
November 29, 2012
This book was a pleasure to read. Blasé is concerned that many have lost the sense of wonder of the nativity, and so this book is a bold attempt at reclaiming our lost appreciation of the humanness of the events described. Blase takes on several characters and retells the story with vivid imagination--and many of the characters are not who you would expect. Throughout the background of this story is another story of someone dealing with doubt and faith--you will find them to be engaging, and at the end of each section. The artistic embellishments to the text of Scripture must be taken with a grain of salt, as you consider the possible reactions of angelic visitors. I found myself agreeing with most of the interpretive moments. I've never liked the 'mother-of-God' description for Mary, because of the potential for theological drift, but this is a minor annoyance. I've included an excerpt below for those who might to catch a sample of the style. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.
"The theologians have rendered us mindless God-slaves, wisps of cloudy wings, doing nothing but the bidding of the Mighty One. Theologians. There is much they do not know. I found her just as He said she would be found: sitting on her bedding, barefooted, knees pulled up to her chest, arms wrapped tightly around them, chin resting on her knee-tops. I saw why she had gained the favor of the Mighty One. I liked this daughter-of-Eve-to-be-the-mother-of-God.
But how? I’ve never slept with a man.
I expected this. But unlike that old priest’s, hers was not the doubting of a skeptic but rather the wondering of a child.
But how? I can’t see it.
‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, the power of the Highest hover over you. Mary, you have nothing to fear.’ The Mighty One had expressly said, ‘Herald the news, Gabriel. Don’t report it.’ I would have liked to elaborate further, but Mary would have to live out the details of my news in days to come. Truth not lived is not truth.
Then she paused and looked away. I have spoke to many of God’s children and their eyes are always transfixed on me. They should be. I am Gabriel, the sentinel of God. But Mary’s gaze wandered for a moment. But what I initially took for a distracted mind was rather a devoted heart.
Her eyes returned to me. “Let it be with me.” Ah, the Mighty One had chosen well. Her words were not resigned, but faith-full. The faith of a child. Of such is the Might One’s kingdom.
“Cousin Elizabeth? Really? Old Elizabeth? But How?”
I laughed. “Nothing, you see, is impossible with God. Mary, you have nothing to fear. I have told you all you need to know for now. You are more ready than you realize, stronger than you know. God is with you. Now I must go.”
But I did not want to go. Faith is rare, at least true faith. Yes, the word is often used, but the reality is hard to find. Yet here I found it, in an earthen vessel surrounded by an earthen room. I like Mary.
I left her just as He said I would: barefooted, sitting on her bedding, knees pulled up to her chest, arms wrapped tightly around them, chin resting on her knee-tops. She looked older now. Human eyes would not recognize this, but mine have seen much.
The Mighty One had revealed glimpses to me, what days ahead would hold for this glorious girl. Her cousin’s leaping womb. Joseph’s broad shoulders. The back of a borrowed burro. Herods’ jealous-red face. The cries of the innocent. The breath of stable animals. The agony of pushing the Mighty One out into this world.
I found myself praying for the favored one. Mary had so much to carry."
"The theologians have rendered us mindless God-slaves, wisps of cloudy wings, doing nothing but the bidding of the Mighty One. Theologians. There is much they do not know. I found her just as He said she would be found: sitting on her bedding, barefooted, knees pulled up to her chest, arms wrapped tightly around them, chin resting on her knee-tops. I saw why she had gained the favor of the Mighty One. I liked this daughter-of-Eve-to-be-the-mother-of-God.
But how? I’ve never slept with a man.
I expected this. But unlike that old priest’s, hers was not the doubting of a skeptic but rather the wondering of a child.
But how? I can’t see it.
‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, the power of the Highest hover over you. Mary, you have nothing to fear.’ The Mighty One had expressly said, ‘Herald the news, Gabriel. Don’t report it.’ I would have liked to elaborate further, but Mary would have to live out the details of my news in days to come. Truth not lived is not truth.
Then she paused and looked away. I have spoke to many of God’s children and their eyes are always transfixed on me. They should be. I am Gabriel, the sentinel of God. But Mary’s gaze wandered for a moment. But what I initially took for a distracted mind was rather a devoted heart.
Her eyes returned to me. “Let it be with me.” Ah, the Mighty One had chosen well. Her words were not resigned, but faith-full. The faith of a child. Of such is the Might One’s kingdom.
“Cousin Elizabeth? Really? Old Elizabeth? But How?”
I laughed. “Nothing, you see, is impossible with God. Mary, you have nothing to fear. I have told you all you need to know for now. You are more ready than you realize, stronger than you know. God is with you. Now I must go.”
But I did not want to go. Faith is rare, at least true faith. Yes, the word is often used, but the reality is hard to find. Yet here I found it, in an earthen vessel surrounded by an earthen room. I like Mary.
I left her just as He said I would: barefooted, sitting on her bedding, knees pulled up to her chest, arms wrapped tightly around them, chin resting on her knee-tops. She looked older now. Human eyes would not recognize this, but mine have seen much.
The Mighty One had revealed glimpses to me, what days ahead would hold for this glorious girl. Her cousin’s leaping womb. Joseph’s broad shoulders. The back of a borrowed burro. Herods’ jealous-red face. The cries of the innocent. The breath of stable animals. The agony of pushing the Mighty One out into this world.
I found myself praying for the favored one. Mary had so much to carry."
December 24, 2012
This is an excellent little devotional book, helping the reader re-focus on the birth of Jesus & the affect it had on those who lived it. Each chapter begins with a reading from Eugene Peterson's The Message dealing with one of the "essential-to-the-story characters" such as Zechariah, (John the Baptist's father), Elizabeth (John's mother), Mary, Joseph, etc.
The author's reflections on the passage follow. Blase is a sensitive story teller, taking the reader into the emotional heart of the person being considered. The halos are off---this is a believable, fleshed out look at what may well have been going through the minds of the very real people in the story of the nativity. I was effectively pulled into the re-telling of the story, renewing my appreciation of the One who is "fully God", but also "fully man", as well as those surrounding His birth.
This is one Christmas book I wholeheartedly recommend.
The author's reflections on the passage follow. Blase is a sensitive story teller, taking the reader into the emotional heart of the person being considered. The halos are off---this is a believable, fleshed out look at what may well have been going through the minds of the very real people in the story of the nativity. I was effectively pulled into the re-telling of the story, renewing my appreciation of the One who is "fully God", but also "fully man", as well as those surrounding His birth.
This is one Christmas book I wholeheartedly recommend.
December 24, 2014
Most everyone has heard the story of Jesus's birth, if only from the Charlie Brown Christmas show. But this little book tells the story with additional narratives from the people who lived it. Granted, we don't know if this is really what Mary was thinking or Joseph was feeling but there is power in the imagination that helps make these narratives seem real. From the perspective of the shepherds and even the angels who sang praises at His birth, Jesus is the center of the story but it is a story that includes us as well.
I was offered this book as a freebie on BookShout and I'm so glad I took the offer. It was a quick read but a wonderful reminder of God's love for me and the true joy of Christmas.
I was offered this book as a freebie on BookShout and I'm so glad I took the offer. It was a quick read but a wonderful reminder of God's love for me and the true joy of Christmas.
December 26, 2018
If you're looking for something to turn your heart towards Christ's birth, I want to recommend this little book. It filed me with joy, brought tears that I almost didn't realize were there, and gave me goosebumps. Several times each.
I think this will become a yearly tradition for me, and for someone who only re-reads her very favorites, that's saying something.
I think this will become a yearly tradition for me, and for someone who only re-reads her very favorites, that's saying something.
December 27, 2013
While the story of Christ's birth has always been a favorite of mine, this dramatization rekindled the urgency, danger and beauty of it all.
It's a short read (as in a one sitting short read), but this narrative of the book of Luke had a real, physical affect on me.
Beautiful.
It's a short read (as in a one sitting short read), but this narrative of the book of Luke had a real, physical affect on me.
Beautiful.
December 25, 2014
What a beautiful book to refocus our hearts at Christmas! A new favorite that will be part of my preparations for many Christmases to come.
December 17, 2015
Great way to get into the Christmas season. Blase writes poetically of the story of Christ's birth.
December 26, 2023
BIBLICAL QUOTATIONS FOLLOWED BY COMMENTARY
Author John Blase wrote in the Prelude to this 2009 book, “There was a time in my life when the stories surrounding the birth of Jesus left me in the same state. However, for some reason or reasons, I lost the eyes to see or the ears to hear, or maybe the heart to wonder… Even in this day and age of ‘real’ and ‘authentic,’ I fear we keep these stories in the realm of card stock and porcelain figures… Each entry [in this book] begins with a passage from [Eugene Peterson’s Bible translation] ‘The Message’… Each reflection is followed by a short prayer… I do believe that every once in a while, there is an intersection of the divine with the human, and in those moments something akin to the word ‘incarnation’ happens.” (Pg. 15-16)
He observes, “The theologians have rendered us mindless God-slaves, wisps of cloudy wings, doing nothing of the bidding of the Mighty One. Theologians. There is so much they do not know.” (Pg. 37)
He has ‘Mary’ reflect, “A part of me had expected divine expectation, a lightening of the burden of birth. But it never came. For the Son of the Highest to also be the Son of Man, he had to be tested in all ways as we are. Including in His birth.” (Pg. 88)
He has an Angel reflect about the murder of the innocents, “Many do not sing of this horror at Christmas. That is understandable; it was an unspeakable deed. But I remind you His birth was opposed. You have no idea.” (Pg. 100)
Author John Blase wrote in the Prelude to this 2009 book, “There was a time in my life when the stories surrounding the birth of Jesus left me in the same state. However, for some reason or reasons, I lost the eyes to see or the ears to hear, or maybe the heart to wonder… Even in this day and age of ‘real’ and ‘authentic,’ I fear we keep these stories in the realm of card stock and porcelain figures… Each entry [in this book] begins with a passage from [Eugene Peterson’s Bible translation] ‘The Message’… Each reflection is followed by a short prayer… I do believe that every once in a while, there is an intersection of the divine with the human, and in those moments something akin to the word ‘incarnation’ happens.” (Pg. 15-16)
He observes, “The theologians have rendered us mindless God-slaves, wisps of cloudy wings, doing nothing of the bidding of the Mighty One. Theologians. There is so much they do not know.” (Pg. 37)
He has ‘Mary’ reflect, “A part of me had expected divine expectation, a lightening of the burden of birth. But it never came. For the Son of the Highest to also be the Son of Man, he had to be tested in all ways as we are. Including in His birth.” (Pg. 88)
He has an Angel reflect about the murder of the innocents, “Many do not sing of this horror at Christmas. That is understandable; it was an unspeakable deed. But I remind you His birth was opposed. You have no idea.” (Pg. 100)
October 9, 2024
I'm trying to rekindle wonder and renew my faith. I decided few things could fuel those goals as well as John Blase's writing and Christmas. The short book brings the substories of Christmas to life in a fresh, tactile way. The writing is beautiful, the reflections built my awe, and the prayers at the end felt moving. If you want an honest, raw advent reading that refreshes your faith, read this one! I may just read it annually, we'll see.
Two most gripping lines of prayer:
"Contentment that cancels out hope is merely a mask for resignation"
"Truths unlived are not truths. Mighty One, I believe these words, but there are days, many days, when I wish it were not so. The living out of Your truths often involves pain and weariness and wrestling. I fear I've misplaced my childlike faith."
Two most gripping lines of prayer:
"Contentment that cancels out hope is merely a mask for resignation"
"Truths unlived are not truths. Mighty One, I believe these words, but there are days, many days, when I wish it were not so. The living out of Your truths often involves pain and weariness and wrestling. I fear I've misplaced my childlike faith."
November 24, 2018
As we grow older we witness more and more Christmas pageants and the tendency is for the nativity story to begin to feel more and more like some kind of "production". For those of us who need to recapture the awe of Christmas, John Blase's Touching Wonder is a gift. Thanks, John, for reminding me that the incarnation is infleshment in more ways than one.
November 15, 2022
A quaint and creative look at the Christmas narrative that uses the voices of nativity characters to add a human flair to the extraordinary event of Jesus’ birth. The chapters are short, reverent and responsibly speculative. I enjoyed the excursions into what Simeon, Joseph or Ana may have been thinking.
December 28, 2018
This was the perfect short devotional for Advent. Blase brought every tiny detail of the Christmas story to life, which isn't always easy for Christians who have heard it all a million times before. This will be a yearly reread for me.
December 25, 2019
My every year devotion
Every year, as I get trapped in the busyness of the holiday season, I turn to this devotion to help me hold perspective and re-experience the wonder of Advent.
The author's ability to connect the account to the reader is both refreshing and personal.
Every year, as I get trapped in the busyness of the holiday season, I turn to this devotion to help me hold perspective and re-experience the wonder of Advent.
The author's ability to connect the account to the reader is both refreshing and personal.
December 15, 2020
Christmas for real!!
I have really enjoyed preparing for Christmas this year with this amazing book. It let me practice the presence and transported me into the scene as it unfolded.
I have really enjoyed preparing for Christmas this year with this amazing book. It let me practice the presence and transported me into the scene as it unfolded.
October 11, 2023
Wonder…
I have read this before and was recently reminded—this reading moved me as little else had in recent days. Thank you Jesus and thank you John Blasé! My heart is full in these days of unrest in Israel. God bless you
I have read this before and was recently reminded—this reading moved me as little else had in recent days. Thank you Jesus and thank you John Blasé! My heart is full in these days of unrest in Israel. God bless you
November 19, 2023
I've read this but don't have lots of memories of it. But a book that forces you to examine new people, new concepts, and aspects of an event that most people raised in the United States have some information about, helps those who follow Christ to review, think anew, and worship in new ways.
December 15, 2017
Nice perspective and insights.
December 29, 2019
#37 of 2019
December 30, 2019
I've read this every year for 6 years during Advent. This is the first year I've finished and I ended it in tears. It's exactly what I need every single year.
January 12, 2020
This is a an Advent treasure! I return to it year after year!
December 13, 2020
Nativity storh
The nativity story told both in bible verses and as a novel. Which leaves me jyst as many questions as when I read the story in the bible.
The nativity story told both in bible verses and as a novel. Which leaves me jyst as many questions as when I read the story in the bible.
December 1, 2022
Grabbed Me
Simple, beautiful language that does more than touch the wonder of Christmas; it grabs your guts so your whole essence feels it.
Simple, beautiful language that does more than touch the wonder of Christmas; it grabs your guts so your whole essence feels it.
February 24, 2024
Excellent. Thought provoking. And it was a friend to me in some difficult days. Highly recommend all of John's works, but this one is my favorite.
December 5, 2025
This book is the author’s creative imagining of the Christmas story based on reading Luke 1 and 2 in The Message translation. Though the book was published in 2009, I just discovered it this year, and I’m so glad I read it. It is filled with beautiful language and word pictures. The author ponders the story, then writes letters to God from his own heart. I enjoyed this creative retelling of the Christmas account. It was a joy to read.
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