One Wintry Night

by Ruth Bell Graham

A classic Christmas picture book, One Wintry Night tells the story of a mountain boy who is injured in a snowstorm and seeks refuge in a cabin. While he waits out the storm, the woman who lives there tells him the Christmas story. Starting with the very creation of the world and ending with the resurrection, the boy discovers the big picture of God's plan for his people and situates the nativity within the scope of history. Breathtakingly illustrated by renowned artist and author Richard Jesse Watson, One Wintry Night is the perfect gift for the young and the young-at-heart.

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Fiction, Childrens, Christian, Holiday, Christian Fiction

72 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Ruth Graham was born in China; her parents were American medical missionaries at the Presbyterian Hospital 300 miles north of Shanghai. Ruth was a Christian from an early age. She graduated from Wheaton College, Illinois, where she met her future husband Billy Graham. They were married on August 13, 1943 in Montreat, NC when she was 23. Her husband became a full time evangelist preaching the gospel all over the world. She loved to move behind the scenes, away from the spotlight, and helped him craft and research sermons and even books. She wrote as an emotional release, while her husband was so often on the road. Ruth convinced Billy to move the family to Montreat, near her parents, when their first child was on the way. Her ministry flourished in the mountains of western North Carolina, where she built the family homestead and raised five children. Ruth and Billy were married over 65 years and had 19 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. Ruth Graham died at the age of 87.

Reviews

[Sharon Barrow Wilfong · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took the illustrator four years to make the highly detailed, richly colored and ornate paintings for this book and it is truly a gem for that alone.

A young boy sprains his ankle while wandering in the woods during a cold winter day. He stumbles upon a cabin. Inside is an old lady who takes him in and cares for his foot. While he is recouperating, the lady tells him of Christmas time and its true meaning. For this she starts at the very beginning of time.

This is a wonderfully illustrated book that speeds through Genesis to modern times to show why Christmas happened.

[Karen (Living Unabridged) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read aloud to my nine year old son which we savored over several mornings in December when just the two of us were up. We loved the gorgeous illustrations in this one and I loved the brief but deft treatment of how the whole Bible is leading up to the Savior.

Detracting one star for the needless addition of the "Aaron and Anna" characters in the last two chapters. The book as a whole is telling the Bible as history and then inexplicably inserts two fictional characters at both the manger scene and the crucifixion. They seem to belong to a different book altogether.

[Jodie Pine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliantly written Christmas story for all ages that goes back to the Garden of Eden and highlights Old Testament stories that lead up to the need for a Savior. Gorgeous illustrations greatly enhance the story. Highly recommend for family reading and for gift giving.

[Shanna Gonzalez · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are a many well-written, poorly illustrated Bible storybooks, and even more well-illustrated versions which drift from the original meaning of the original text. Ruth Bell Graham's Christmas Bible storybook, illustrated by award-winning artist Richard Jesse Watson, is visually one of the best Bible picture books I have seen, while remaining close to the original text of the Bible.

The book opens with a boy hurting his ankle during a blizzard in the mountains, near a mountain home that his grandfather helped build. He respectfully knocks on the door and the woman who lives there puts him up until the storm abates. While he enjoys the warm security of the home, she tells him Bible stories beginning with the Creation and ending with Jesus' resurrection. This meta-plot of an adult caretaker telling a Bible story to an eager young listener is quite overused in Christian literature, but in this case we can overlook it because the stories the old lady tells are so good. Graham's own grandmotherly voice comes through clearly, and you can imagine her practicing these stories on her grandchildren. The stories progress from the Old Testament into the New, building to a climax with Jesus' birth, life, death and resurrection, and a clear presentation of the Christian Gospel, the "real meaning of Christmas, the joy and glory of it." Watson's illustrations are breathtaking, full of vigor and splendor, with an unusual originality and excellence of artwork that is still true to the original spirit of the stories.

Not everyone will love Graham's and Watson's interpretations of the Bible stories: in giving them conversational warmth and visual detail each author has added a lot of details that are not in the original Bible. The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil is renamed the Testing Tree. When Cain kills Abel, Adam and Eve "wept till there were no tears left, and awoke the next day to weep again." Noah and his family, on exiting the ark, feel an impulse to "run and jump and turn cartwheels." Watson's glorious scene of Eden gratuitously includes half-inch-tall back views of a naked Adam and Eve, and (strangely enough) the angel which guards the Garden of Eden against their re-entry resembles a female New-Age Native American. Because of these and other interpretive choices, I recommend that adults read the book ahead of their audience to ensure that they agree with the way the Bible stories are presented.

Even with its minor faults, this book makes an excellent read-aloud for the Christmas season, and a good Christmas gift for most families.

[Kathy Grimm · Rating 5 out of 5]

"One Wintry Night" by Ruth Bell Graham. The book is published by Baker Books and lavishly illustrated by Richard Jesse Watson. It is the retelling of Jesus' birth within the prophetic context illustrated in scripture. Their are eleven chapters in the book and I recommend that it be read aloud over eleven days. The book is very thorough and age appropriate for children younger than twelve. It is not written in a condescending manner or illustrated as a trendy juvenile picture book. There was great thought given to it's production and it should be considered an American Christmas Classic. The illustrations are magnificent and the story-telling style of Ruth Bell Graham is straight forward and easy to understand. After reading this story aloud, your children will, without a doubt, understand the true meaning given to Christmas by all of Christendom.

[Luisa Knight · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book that fully captures and explains the real reason we are so joyous at Christmas! Because God sent us a Savior, in the form of a baby, who would one day grow up to pay a glorious sacrifice.

The story begins with a little boy who sprains his ankle in the woods. He's found be an older lady who welcomes him into her home and tells him the story of Christmas. From the beginning of Creation to the Resurrection, she highlights the Bible's narrative of God's salvation plan.

I love that Graham wrote this in ten short chapters. Each chapter begins and ends in such a way that it makes it ideal for starting just 9 days before Christmas, reading a chapter a day, and ending with the last one on Christmas.

Ages: 4 - 10

Cleanliness: "Doggoneit" and "Goleee!" are exclaimed. A picture of Adam and Eve (small image) shows their backsides.

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[Molly Gould · Rating 2 out of 5]

One Wintry Night is the story of a boy who, stuck in a snow storm, is taken in by an older woman who tells him the Christmas story starting from the creation and fall, touching on significant biblical stories (such as Noah's ark), and ending with the birth and resurrection of Christ.

The illustrations by Richard Watson were stunning, but my low star rating is due to the retelling of the bible stories by Graham. Graham took liberties that are frankly inappropriate because they don't reflect the teachings of the bible (especially the fall). I started reading this to my children but soon quit because I do not agree with Graham's loose and careless interpretation of the scriptures. Very disappointing.

[Meredith Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite Christmas books. The drawings are the best I've ever seen. After years of reading it, we have found that there is a pill bug hidden in every picture. There is also a cat in most, if not all, and a horse and frog can occasionally be found. You should get this just to look for the bug!
BONUS! can you find the impression of the face of god in the picture of creation?!?!

[Ursula · Rating 5 out of 5]

 
This is simply one of the most delightful books I have read. It is beautiful with its story and message and makes the heart so full and warm. Enjoy the CHRISTmas story like you have never before--especially with some amazing illustrations. Be sure to put this on your list to share and enjoy with eager anticipation! :)
 

[TransparentFilter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since Seth is a teenager this year, we skipped reading all the "little guy" books for Christmas. He insisted I read this one though. I am so glad I did. I didn't realize this is part of our tradition. <3

[Linda Galella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Exquisite illustrations but the narrative took me by surprise…

I’ve been wanting to read this book for years and have finally wrestled it from my TBR pile. The concept of telling the importance of Christmas by tracing the history of Christ from creation thru his death and resurrection is solid and gave many opportunities for illustrator, R. J. Watson, to create absolutely stunning pictures to reinforce the storytelling. Unfortunately, the storytelling left me wanting.

Ruth Bell Graham has taken literary license too far, for my liking. Yes, the story is fictional but the scripture is not. I’m not going to detail all my issues but one big point of contention is her elevation of Mary; not only in Christ’s birth scenes, (J & M’s arrival to Bethlehem plus the manger scene), but his death, as well.

At the end of the book, RBG creates a story within a story that becomes clunky. When added to the rushed nature, it felt unsatisfying rather than a final AMEN and Hallelujah, for the Savior of the World📚

[Karen]

Gorgeous illustrations. Quite long for little ones but still loved it!

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like all the Jesus stories and I feel really nice when I read it.

[Victoria Frow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good. Nice story with beautiful illustrations.

[Amber (Her Home and Hearts) Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Through His death and resurrection, the baby born that night in Bethlehem had become Lord of all. This is the real meaning of Christmas, the joy and glory of it!"

This beautifully illustrated chapter book captures the true meaning of Christmas in a heartfelt way. It's perfect as a family read-aloud or for independent readers ~10+ This is the story of a young boy who's lost and injured in a fierce snowstorm. His kind rescuer tends to both his body and soul, sharing the beautiful story of God’s plan—from Creation all the way to the birth of Christ.
Every December, this treasure finds its way back into our favorites basket! It’s more than a story—it has become a cherished Christmas tradition to share together.
5/5 ⭐️ For this heart touching tale that reminds us what Christmas is truly about.

[Rhoda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful, wonderful book that would be excellent to read aloud to children, whether they are in one's own family or a Sunday school class. The illustrations (by Richard Jesse Watson) are so beautiful. They make you want to sit and try to spot every tiny detail. I loved how the story unfolded with a young boy taking shelter in an older woman's home on a cold winter's night and how she began to explain to him the true meaning of Christmas, starting with the creation and ending with the resurrection. What a great way to introduce children to the scarlet thread of redemption in the Bible (loved this!). And in a day and age when churches are starting to say that the Old Testament is irrelevant. No, it all points to Christ! Highly recommended!

[Nicole Felten Castillo · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took the illustrator 4 years to do the pictures for this book, and I definitely see why! The typography and illustrations are beautiful, but the story is good as well. It starts with the story of Adam and Eve and goes through an abbreviated version of the Old Testament to explain the meaning behind the story of Christmas. It is a longer book, so plan on spending a few nights reading this if you’re reading to young kids.

[Betsy Cypress · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my absolute favorite Christmas book ever. I’ve heard it many times since it’s publication over two decades ago. It wraps the entire Christmas story together from the creation to the birth to the resurrection and ascension. Read it. You won’t be sorry. ❤️🎄
PS: The artwork is breathtaking.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

The illustrations are spectacular! 5 stars. Wow! The story retells the entire Bible? 3stars.

But the illustrations…..

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a marvelous picture book and one I thoroughly enjoyed, in spite of my own agnosticism. As an old woman weaves the tale of the Bible from Genesis to the birth, death and re-birth of Christ to a spellbound boy, we the readers are also taken on this incredible journey.

But what lifts this book from merely rote rendering of a familiar story are the illustrations. They are simply gorgeous; there’s no other word that does them justice. The color spectrum is beautifully spread out in scenes of bucolic landscapes, animals and people, flora and fauna (the page featuring the frog plague on Egypt has not one amphibian but many different types; it looks like something out of a National Geographic magazine). But black and white is impressively used as well—witness the two-page spread that shows the creation of light in the universe. It’s a stunner, one that ably captures the awesome majesty of this moment.

Sometimes, excess is avoided and the reader must fill in the gaps, as in the story of two floods. In one, we get not just the ark and the water but many of the marine creatures that must have been present—a detail that many people probably don’t consider but is a brilliant inclusion by the artist. In the other, we are limited simply to a splash of spray in one of the most realistic and artful renditions of water that I’ve ever seen. The naturalism of the liquid medium is rendered so well you almost expect the paper to be wet when you touch it.

As picture books go, this is one of the best. You can well believe the illustrator spent four years on its pictorial content.

[Kate Hyde · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book to my 2 1/2 year old daughter, and while the story didn't capture much of her interest - it's a bit long for her - it certainly captured mine. This is a great account of familiar Bible stories from creation until the time of Jesus. The stories are told in much more detail than in the Bible, which really draws you in and helps you to understand what the people were going through. On top of that, the illustrations are AMAZING, and my daughter and I both enjoyed finding the different animals in the Garden of Eden and in the underwater scene from the Noah's Ark story. I originally checked out this book from the local library, but now I'm planning on buying it so we can read it for many years to come.

A wonderful Christmas (or anytime) story!

[elisia conrardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Wintry Night

I love the way Ruth Bell Graham shares the story of Jesus. Perfect not only at Christmas time but any time of the year. i love that she started it not with the birth of Christ, but the revealing of God's plan from the beginning. At first the story within a story of Anna and Aaron bothered me a little as this is not Biblical. Then as I thought about it I realized it was a good way to engage children to enjoy the book. I would recommand this book to everyone, young and old. Maybe some day i will have grandchildren to share this book with. In conclusion I believe there is no more important book than the Bible and I love Mrs. graham's unique way to tell the Gospel Story.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

First - the illustrations are so beautiful...breathtaking actually. I love the way Ruth Bell Graham sets up this story. She says "The first Christmas happened almost 2,000 years ago. That's when the angel appeared to the shepherds outside of Bethlehem. But the story doesn't begin there. It couldn't have because the angel called Jesus a 'savior' or rescuer. Someone must have been in trouble". Then she has us jump into a "time machine" and go so far back that there was no earth. She makes the bible come alive and puts everything in context relating to the birth of Jesus.

[Margaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've had this book since I was really little. Every year, my mom used to read it to me. It basically takes you through the bible from Adam & Eve through the crucifixion. The illustrations are really bright and detailed and it's pretty long (obviously) but it's beautiful. We used to read it over a period of weeks.

The scripture parts are framed by the story of a boy lost in the woods and taken in by a kindly stranger (obviously this title does not play into the whole "stranger danger" idea, but I still love it.

[Becki]

This is a story inside a story. A boy stays at a stranger's house when he can't get home in the snow. And she tells him the story of the true meaning of Christmas. \n\nThe story starts at the beginning in the Garden of Eden, carries, through God's plan for the Israelites, and to Jesus' death and resurrection. It's told in a simple yet engaging manner.\n\nThe illustrations are absolutely beautiful.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you read bible stories to your children as a part of your Christmas tradition, this is a nice progression of the Christmas story that starts with Adam and Eve and ends with the resurrection. BEAUTIFUL illustrations. I am all grown up and still love reading it. Will need to read in pieces to small children.

[Joy Gerbode · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story of a boy caught in a snowstorm, with an older woman who tells him not only the story of baby Jesus, but the entire history of the world, beginning with Adam and Eve, so she can incorporate just why Jesus came, and ends with the telling of His birth. Artfully done, with beautiful illustrations, it's a wonderful story for older children.

[Kathy Ferrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful, beautiful book! Children and adults alike can get lost in the beautiful paintings! One thing I want to point out is that I discovered by accident that the illustrator has hidden little pictures in many of the illustrations. We found a cat of all things hidden in ocean waves. It's like a very sophisticated "Where's Waldo?"

Just gorgeous!

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a pleasant and comfortable adventure setting for introducing children to the concept that there if more to know about Christmas than decorations, Santa and surprises on Christmas morning. It was pleasant reading, but too long for a bedtime story. Better to make a week or more of it leading up to Christmas.

[JOSEPH C MCADAMS · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book for all ages

This story may have been written with the young in mind but it brings the story of salvation to all in the form of us ment to be simple. God never said it was hard or you had to have a degree. But you do have to come in your own and except Jesus love and follow Him.