God Bless Your Way: A Christmas Journey

by Emily Belle Freeman

Based on the song by Hilary Weeks. Mary and Joseph weren't the only ones turned away from the inn at Bethlehem. In this new Nativity story, a widower named Micah travels the crowded road to return to the town of his birth. Just in front of him a young woman, heavy with child, rides in the back of a donkey. Her husband leads the way, walking slowly to make the ride smoother. Every so often the young woman turns toward Micah, offering gentle words of encouragement as he hobbles along behind them. And each time they stop for water, she makes sure that her husband offers Micah a sip. When they arrive at Bethlehem, Micah and the young couple go their separate ways. Micah wearily wanders the streets for shelter, a place to eat, and some way to fill his loneliness. Although he doesn't receive what he wants, he does receive what he needs--a warm quilt, a loaf of bread, and in the end, an invitation to come inside a small stable.

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Lds, Religion, Holiday, Childrens, Historical Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 10, 2007

About the author

Emily Freeman and Simon Dewey collaborated on the bestselling book The Ten Virgins. For nearly 20 years, Emily has addressed groups of women as a writer, songwriter, and motivational speaker. Her deep love of the scriptures comes from a strong desire to find their application in modern-day life. Emily and her husband, Greg, are the parents of four children and live in Lehi, Utah.

Reviews

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the rich vocabulary used in the writing, even though the story isn’t long or wordy. Good word count to picture ratio, keeping the pages turning at just the right pace. The kids had time take in each gorgeous illustration without it being too long before turning the page to enjoy the next one. Very sweet tale focusing on a fictional character on the periphery of the nativity story.

[Loryn Tindall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really interesting, following an old man traveling to Bethlehem behind Mary and Joseph. It showed humble sacrifices, and how the small things count and can be great blessings. One of the best Christmas stories.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book offers a trifecta of artistic pleasure....a heart-warming story, beautiful music, and enchanting illustrations. It's a lovely new story of sacrifice and kindness to Micah, an old man traveling, like Mary & Joseph, to Bethlehem.

[Daciana Washburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to this with my kids - cute nativity story

[Jennybug · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book about an elderly man that is journeying yo Bethlehem. He ends up being able to meet the new born babe Jesus Christ.

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice addition to the Christmas collection. The emotions of the old man, Micah, are touching.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An annual Christmas story jar read.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Micah has a long journey to Bethlehem, but as he travels he notices the kind woman traveling on a donkey and her husband walking alongside. Micah stops, hoping to find food and shelter, at different homes/inns. Each time, he is treated with compassion and given a small gift and wished "God bless your way." Each of us also has a difficult journey, but each of us can also find hope and peace from the Prince of Peace...and can hopefully share compassion and love with those we may meet. Beautiful illustrations accompany this book and it also contains a CD with 5 Christmas songs from Hilary Weeks.

[Alexis Burmeister · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a heartwarming story about a man who was inspired by Mary, Joseph and their newborn baby Jesus. It was such a sweet story. This has probably been one of my most favorite Christmas/ Religious children's book that i have ever read. It was so genuine and fills your heart with the Spirit. i would seriously recommend this book to anyone at any time of the year.

[Karrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book that I bought for family members this past year. It's also the book that I recommended to EVERYONE after I read/listened to it. The music CD that comes with it, has the story set to song. It touched my heart like nothing else did during the Holiday Season.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book about a fellow traveler on his way to pay his taxes at the time of the birth of Christ. There is a music CD by Hilary Weeks that comes with the book and has a song written from the text of this book.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful Christmas story about a man who travels in the same company as Joseph and Mary toward Bethlehem. Worrying about their well-being and Mary's upcoming delivery, he later gets an opportunity to see the Christ child and share meaningful gifts with the young family. Beautiful illustrations!

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

what a wonderful way to end my Christmas book marathon!! The pictures are amazing!! and the story is a beautiful story of the first Christmas from a new point of view-- Micah who also needs a place to stay in Bethlehem.

[Madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a sweet little story! I really loved reading it. It actually brought tears to my eyes at the end. The old man gave up all he had in gratitude for being able to stay in the stable with the Savior and his family that first Christmas night.

[Jesica · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautifully written Christmas story about Christ's birth.

[Mandee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was able to hear the artist of this book speak about his experiences while working on this project. It is a beautiful story and I love the illustrations.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE this book! It is a new perspective of the christmas story.

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new top favorite. The book comes with a CD with five songs from Hillary Weeks. The first song, God bless your way, follows the story of the book and is just beautiful.

[Wendyslc · Rating 4 out of 5]

with the right connections anyone can write a book.

[Marcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story! I love the music cd that came with this & the sweet story of giving.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet little story with beautiful illustrations.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful Christmas story for young and old with a great CD included.

[Heather C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Christmas book to add to the collection.

[Mashell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful story we read every year at Christmas time.

[Swhe641200 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nov 2010. Sweet story.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Christmas story! I loved it!

[Heather B Blair · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Christmas favorite! Love the pictures...and the song makes me cry.....

[Shelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

simple, but sweet...music cd with it

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now that is a Christmas book!! Possibly the best I've read. Easy 5 stars, highly recommended!

[Morgan Bradshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this story and the point of view that it is written in. It brought a new view of the birth of Christ for me.