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Light from Heaven
Light from Heaven displays the infinite worth of a praying mother. Set in the days of early rural American, this graphic drama realistically depicts human struggles and victories.
458 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1948
8 people are currently reading
252 people want to read
About the author
Christmas Carol Kauffman
38 books50 followersChristmas Carol Kauffman (December 25, 1901 - January 30, 1969) was a Mennonite author of inspirational Christian literature. Kauffman was best known for her semi-biographical novels, and her writings were largely based on the life stories of people she met through the mission work she performed with her husband, pastor Nelson E. Kauffman. She is mother of James Kauffman. -wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
September 18, 2010
I was surprised to come across this book title after years of searching!
This book profoundly impacted my life in ways beyond the scope of a review. I was a teenager in the seventies when I read it. It was given to me by another teenager, who was not only a very happy person all of the time (sans drugs), but also a very wounded one, just like me. This book led to my salvation.
Strange story perhaps, but books speak differently to different people :)
Anyone interested in reading stories set in rural America, or those concerned with understanding the tole of emotional and physical abuse on others might be interested in reading this book. It is a touching story, incredibly sad, often unfair, but with small victories akin to real life for those who look to the Light in Heaven.
This book profoundly impacted my life in ways beyond the scope of a review. I was a teenager in the seventies when I read it. It was given to me by another teenager, who was not only a very happy person all of the time (sans drugs), but also a very wounded one, just like me. This book led to my salvation.
Strange story perhaps, but books speak differently to different people :)
Anyone interested in reading stories set in rural America, or those concerned with understanding the tole of emotional and physical abuse on others might be interested in reading this book. It is a touching story, incredibly sad, often unfair, but with small victories akin to real life for those who look to the Light in Heaven.
March 31, 2023
When I was in my early teens, I remember reading several of Christmas Carol Kauffman’s books. Her writing style is gripping, and for many years, she was one of my favorite authors. I know I read almost all of her books back then, but somehow, I never got around to reading this one. So recently when I was looking for a book to fit a reading challenge, I saw this one and decided it would be a good choice.
I really enjoyed this story. The main character was someone I could relate to to some extent, and I loved how his heart for the Lord came through so much. His mother was the kind of long-suffering person I admire (although I don’t know that I agree with all her decisions), and the story was well-written and engaging. I did find it a bit moralistic, though, which was somewhat disappointing. Overall, this was a good story; it’s not my favorite of Kauffman’s titles, but it was worth reading. I came away encouraged to keep seeking the Lord no matter what, and that, I think, is worth something! Recommended, if you enjoy Christian fiction.
I really enjoyed this story. The main character was someone I could relate to to some extent, and I loved how his heart for the Lord came through so much. His mother was the kind of long-suffering person I admire (although I don’t know that I agree with all her decisions), and the story was well-written and engaging. I did find it a bit moralistic, though, which was somewhat disappointing. Overall, this was a good story; it’s not my favorite of Kauffman’s titles, but it was worth reading. I came away encouraged to keep seeking the Lord no matter what, and that, I think, is worth something! Recommended, if you enjoy Christian fiction.
March 14, 2016
I first read this book as a child and my memory of it was of a 5 star book. Reading it to my children, I had a different perspective. This time around I only saw an abused wife who should have taken her children, who were also abused by their father, and sought help for all of them. Instead, she remained in the home with the children. This book did give us the opportunity for many discussions, which was good and the biggest take-aways for my children were that anger and bitterness are never the answer, forgiveness is key, and the power of prayer.
October 13, 2018
This is seriously one of the most amazing books I've ever read!!
July 2, 2022
Besides my Bible, this is my favorite book of all time that I have read! Inherited by my grandma years ago, the copies of the books i have by this author, are among my most treasured possessions! i've read them each several times, and am now passing them on to my children.
August 9, 2023
Well written, thought provoking book. My heart ached and triumphed with the main character of this book. It challenged me in many ways, as a mother, as a Christian, as a home maker. Loved this book. Highly recommend.
February 10, 2017
personal review
I really enjoyed this book. It was sad in parts and happy in others, and it was very descriptive so you could imagine it all.
Summary
Annie really wants a child and Bennett hates children. Annie was always praying to have a baby and one day God blessed her with a baby boy. She named the boy Joseph. Joseph got really sick and Bennett wouldn't take Joseph to the doctor. Annie eventually convinced Bennett to have the doctor come to the house to see Joseph. The doctor said Joseph wouldn't survive but Annie kept praying for her child. Joseph eventually became better and Annie was so happy with God. Annie teaches Joseph about God and all of his wonderful stories inside of the bible. By the time Joseph is four years old his father starts making him do hard labor on the farm. They have a hired hand and Joseph was curious what was inside of the mans suitcase. So Joseph was curious and he went inside of the trunk. Bennett beat Joseph because he went inside the trunk. When Joseph reached seven he worked in the field without any breaks for water or food from five in the morning to seven at night. Bennett didn't care that he was making Joseph work so hard. But it hurt Annie to see her little boy work so hard. Annie had another baby a girl this time. When Virginia was four she had to work around the house and help her mom because Bennett forced her to. Bennett moved the whole family out west for a small house with land for grazing cattle. He heard it was making good money. They still went to church every single Sunday at a new church. Annie had another baby there and named him Lowell. Joseph went to school when his dad would let him. Joseph did all the janitorial work for the school. Bennett went to Chicago to sell the cattle and he seen a man named Squire Mcracken. He said he was renting out ten acres of his grape orchard. He said it made a lot of money so Bennett agreed to rent the orchard for three years. He sent Joseph back to work on the grapes by himself. Joseph stayed at the Batoms place while he worked in the orchard. Every Sunday Joseph went to his old church and he had to walk six miles to get there. Sol Batom seen Joseph going every Sunday and he let Joseph use his horse. Joseph started dating a girl at the church named Delores. He would go over to her house after church every Sunday and he would take her to church at night. Bennett came down when it was time to harvest the grapes and found a hired hand to help Joseph to harvest. Bennett moved the entire family back to there old town where Joseph had been working and found a house and bought it. Joseph made his dad mad because he had a girlfriend so he kicked Joseph out of his house. Joseph would be twenty one in a week. Before Joseph left Bennett wanted Joseph to get the wagon from the neighbors. So Joseph went to do that and on the way home the horses became startled and had a run away. It crashed the wagon and it left Joseph in a coma. Josephs aunt and uncle brought Joseph into there house and had there son go get the doctor. The doctor said they didn't know if Joseph would survive. Annie came down to her sisters house to stay until her son would wake up. Joseph woke up a week later. He was confused when he woke up and very week. After Joseph got better he found a job. He proposed to Delores and she said yes. They got married and found a house to rent the renter lived in one half of the house they lived in the other. They also rented some land from the man. Joseph father rented a one hundred acre farm out west to Joseph because Annie begged him to and Joseph Delores and Annie all prayed for a house to rent. They moved out there and they had a child. Joseph found a house out there and bought his own farm. They had another child also. Josephs mother died and Joseph went back home to say his last goodbyes to his mother. When they went back home Joseph became a assistant pastor. He became really famous and everybody loved listening to him preach. Joseph father died and they went and buried there father.
Character Description
Joseph in the beginning of the book is abused by his father and his mother always takes him to church. At the end of the book Joseph is a loving father and a pastor. His wife loves him along with his kids.
Annie in the beginning of the book wants a child and she gets Joseph. She follows Jesus and loves teaching his word. At the end of the book she is dead and in heave.
Bennett in the beginning of the book is abusive towards his children. At the end Bennett is dead.
Recommendation
I recommend this book for young christian readers who are looking for a good romodole for a christian life. I also recommend this book to teenagers who haven't learned of Jesus.
I really enjoyed this book. It was sad in parts and happy in others, and it was very descriptive so you could imagine it all.
Summary
Annie really wants a child and Bennett hates children. Annie was always praying to have a baby and one day God blessed her with a baby boy. She named the boy Joseph. Joseph got really sick and Bennett wouldn't take Joseph to the doctor. Annie eventually convinced Bennett to have the doctor come to the house to see Joseph. The doctor said Joseph wouldn't survive but Annie kept praying for her child. Joseph eventually became better and Annie was so happy with God. Annie teaches Joseph about God and all of his wonderful stories inside of the bible. By the time Joseph is four years old his father starts making him do hard labor on the farm. They have a hired hand and Joseph was curious what was inside of the mans suitcase. So Joseph was curious and he went inside of the trunk. Bennett beat Joseph because he went inside the trunk. When Joseph reached seven he worked in the field without any breaks for water or food from five in the morning to seven at night. Bennett didn't care that he was making Joseph work so hard. But it hurt Annie to see her little boy work so hard. Annie had another baby a girl this time. When Virginia was four she had to work around the house and help her mom because Bennett forced her to. Bennett moved the whole family out west for a small house with land for grazing cattle. He heard it was making good money. They still went to church every single Sunday at a new church. Annie had another baby there and named him Lowell. Joseph went to school when his dad would let him. Joseph did all the janitorial work for the school. Bennett went to Chicago to sell the cattle and he seen a man named Squire Mcracken. He said he was renting out ten acres of his grape orchard. He said it made a lot of money so Bennett agreed to rent the orchard for three years. He sent Joseph back to work on the grapes by himself. Joseph stayed at the Batoms place while he worked in the orchard. Every Sunday Joseph went to his old church and he had to walk six miles to get there. Sol Batom seen Joseph going every Sunday and he let Joseph use his horse. Joseph started dating a girl at the church named Delores. He would go over to her house after church every Sunday and he would take her to church at night. Bennett came down when it was time to harvest the grapes and found a hired hand to help Joseph to harvest. Bennett moved the entire family back to there old town where Joseph had been working and found a house and bought it. Joseph made his dad mad because he had a girlfriend so he kicked Joseph out of his house. Joseph would be twenty one in a week. Before Joseph left Bennett wanted Joseph to get the wagon from the neighbors. So Joseph went to do that and on the way home the horses became startled and had a run away. It crashed the wagon and it left Joseph in a coma. Josephs aunt and uncle brought Joseph into there house and had there son go get the doctor. The doctor said they didn't know if Joseph would survive. Annie came down to her sisters house to stay until her son would wake up. Joseph woke up a week later. He was confused when he woke up and very week. After Joseph got better he found a job. He proposed to Delores and she said yes. They got married and found a house to rent the renter lived in one half of the house they lived in the other. They also rented some land from the man. Joseph father rented a one hundred acre farm out west to Joseph because Annie begged him to and Joseph Delores and Annie all prayed for a house to rent. They moved out there and they had a child. Joseph found a house out there and bought his own farm. They had another child also. Josephs mother died and Joseph went back home to say his last goodbyes to his mother. When they went back home Joseph became a assistant pastor. He became really famous and everybody loved listening to him preach. Joseph father died and they went and buried there father.
Character Description
Joseph in the beginning of the book is abused by his father and his mother always takes him to church. At the end of the book Joseph is a loving father and a pastor. His wife loves him along with his kids.
Annie in the beginning of the book wants a child and she gets Joseph. She follows Jesus and loves teaching his word. At the end of the book she is dead and in heave.
Bennett in the beginning of the book is abusive towards his children. At the end Bennett is dead.
Recommendation
I recommend this book for young christian readers who are looking for a good romodole for a christian life. I also recommend this book to teenagers who haven't learned of Jesus.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2018
"'He found him in a desert land, & in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye. As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings: So the Lord alone did lead him, & there was no strange god with him'"
"He said, 'There are some fine young men & women in this group before us today. God only knows, but in this group there may be some future Sunday-school teachers, deacons, ministers, bishops, or foreign missionaries. With every soul born into this world, his work is born with him.'...'With every work born with a soul, God provides the tools with which to do that work, but the sad part is that some people are too lazy, or too blind, or stubborn to use those tools, & many die with their work undone!'"
"The gods we worship write their names on our faces."
"He said, 'There are some fine young men & women in this group before us today. God only knows, but in this group there may be some future Sunday-school teachers, deacons, ministers, bishops, or foreign missionaries. With every soul born into this world, his work is born with him.'...'With every work born with a soul, God provides the tools with which to do that work, but the sad part is that some people are too lazy, or too blind, or stubborn to use those tools, & many die with their work undone!'"
"The gods we worship write their names on our faces."
October 2, 2015
Light From Heaven tells the story of a little boy whose father did not want children, who, in fact, loved nothing except money. Young Joseph, however, had a mother who loved him dearly and taught him to love God with all his heart, soul, mind and strength. As the years went by and his father abused him, belittled him, and scorned everything he did, Joseph learned to pray and take his cares to his Heavenly Father. He also learned to forgive, even when his father did all he could to break up Joseph’s courtship with the woman he believed was God’s choice for him.
Read my full review here.
October 6, 2009
I really enjoyed reading this book. It spoke to my heart as a mother. This book makes you look at your life and how things could be so much worse. I don't know how Annie or Joseph did not become very bitter people. Yes, I do.. The Grace of God. This book convicted me on how much I pray for children and their walk with God. I wish that I was half the woman that Annie was!! The way her husband treated her and her kids and she never told anyone! She just kept praying that God would change her husband. I am not more actively praying more for my children and not complaining so much about my life.
July 26, 2011
Wow. Just plain wow. <3 My grandpa gave me this book to read, having read it as a little boy. It is (apparently) true/factual/biographical but don't let that fool you. It is a beautifully written, heart wrenching story, reflecting an early pioneer time. The story itself is about Joseph, from his birth to his life as a pastor. It is a Christian book, but the way it dealt with praying and God was completely inspiring and simple. It wasn't over the top, but it sure rang true. This is an oldie but goodie, having been written in the forties. Wow!
May 31, 2009
A sad and a happy book. Sad because Joseph's life was absolutely horrible in the way his father treated him, I could not imagine how bad it must have been.
Happy because he had a godly mother who encouraged him and lifted him up in the Lord as well as being a wonderful example of longsuffering and endurance.
The author did a good job of realistically portraying things and balancing the interesting read with the spiritual depth and lessons of the book.
Happy because he had a godly mother who encouraged him and lifted him up in the Lord as well as being a wonderful example of longsuffering and endurance.
The author did a good job of realistically portraying things and balancing the interesting read with the spiritual depth and lessons of the book.
December 2, 2014
This book has stayed with me since I first read it as a young girl, not yet a teenager. I have never forgotten the impact it had on my life and the encouragement it gave me to survive my own childhood which was a living hell. Finally, after more than 30 years I have found a copy again and am so blessed and encouraged to read Joseph's story again. God is great and he is with us through the darkest of journeys... even when it is difficult to see the light from heaven above.
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May 3, 2016Oh, you'll tear up, smile, sigh with pleasure and with sorrow and feel many emotions during this one but I promise it's all worth it. So inspiring.
You can have the worst life and it can be made good.
You can take the sorrow and have it turned to joy.
You can have unrest and find peace.
All in Jesus.
Thank God for mothers' prayers.
You can have the worst life and it can be made good.
You can take the sorrow and have it turned to joy.
You can have unrest and find peace.
All in Jesus.
Thank God for mothers' prayers.
January 29, 2008
It was good but kinda boring. I read a little more than half of it and then skimmed to the end. It would be a good book for guys though. I think that's really who it was directed to and that's why it bored me.
May 1, 2011
This was a good read. It is very Christian for someone who likes a wholesome story. I felt pulled in by the plot and the plight of Joseph and his mom. I was not totally satisfied with the ending, but it was realistic.
June 20, 2011
Finally finished this true story of Jospeh Armstrong's becoming a strong, well-liked man of God despite enduring a loveless relationship with his father. His example, and that of his mother, is great but I can't say the book is worth reading twice.
September 5, 2012
This one was a REAL Favorite!
I LOVE it!
In a way it is sad......But it is still REALLY good!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The only thing i don't like was the ending.....Wish there was more!!!!
But every book has to end!
I LOVE it!
In a way it is sad......But it is still REALLY good!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The only thing i don't like was the ending.....Wish there was more!!!!
But every book has to end!
June 12, 2013
If it was possible to give four and a half stars, I would of... (I loved the story, that's why it still got 5 stars, but the writing style was a little choppy at times.) Anyway, I'd still recommend it to anyone!
February 25, 2017
This is one of my all time favorite books. I first read it as a child of about 11. It is a wonderful story of faith and forgiveness. This had a huge impact on my life. I have re-read this book many times and I still love it.
January 21, 2010
These are my VERY VERY favorite books
September 9, 2015
Wonderful story of how God shaped out a strong Christian out a family with problems with love!
September 14, 2015
Beautiful Story. I was in tears most of the time. The only thing is that the end leaves you with a mystery. But I still give it five stars.
August 24, 2020
This book affected me very much when I read it a good 6 years ago. It is sad and beautiful at the same time, yet the biggest problem I had with it is that there is truly no Biblical justice in this book. I'm not a Mennonite, but I know a lot about them and the biggest thing they believe is to let God create justice and there is never a time or place when a wife/family should leave an abusive husband. Joseph's dad was so incredibly cruel and abusive, yet his mother stayed with him until she died. It is not healthy nor is it wise to stay in such a toxic relationship. She should have left him, but still forgave and pray for him from a distance. And if she truly cared about her children, she would not have left them at the cruel hand of her husband. It seriously makes no sense. There is nothing wrong with righteous anger and I could never bring myself to read Light from Heaven again because it made me so angry to see zero justice or anyone putting up boundaries and leaving extremely toxic relationships. That said, it made me cry reading it and I appreciated the beauty out of ashes that Joesph rose out of.
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December 13, 2022Even tho and inspite of the fact that imma female, i can relate to this relationship Jesus speaks of those of our household being our foes. How peaceably we conduct ourselves thro it all will certainly determine our position following his steps for the world hated him before it hated us, persecuted an falsely accused: Rejoice an be exceeding glad for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you and great is your reward in heaven.saint Matthew5.12
This account is one of many who have suffered literally/physically at the unmerciful hand of ungodly men an women! Readers, God allows suffering! Hebrews5.8 tells: Though he were a son [Jesus] yet learned he obedience through the things he suffered…the Bible tells me so!
Happily an humbly, i submit; in Jesus’s name, bc; i’m saved,i’m not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ! He’s my elder brother an his Father is my Father ~sisteregina k
This account is one of many who have suffered literally/physically at the unmerciful hand of ungodly men an women! Readers, God allows suffering! Hebrews5.8 tells: Though he were a son [Jesus] yet learned he obedience through the things he suffered…the Bible tells me so!
Happily an humbly, i submit; in Jesus’s name, bc; i’m saved,i’m not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ! He’s my elder brother an his Father is my Father ~sisteregina k
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2023
What another amazing story and testimony from this incredible author!
Such a heart breaking story, but it touched me so much as a mother to young children.
Although it is a story about Joseph Armstrong, it was Annie’s (the Mother) character that spoke to me so much.
A faithful wife, when her husband was not the husband he should have been according to scripture, a loving, kind devoted Christian mother and a great friend in the community.
Absolutely brilliant book - highly recommended!
Such a heart breaking story, but it touched me so much as a mother to young children.
Although it is a story about Joseph Armstrong, it was Annie’s (the Mother) character that spoke to me so much.
A faithful wife, when her husband was not the husband he should have been according to scripture, a loving, kind devoted Christian mother and a great friend in the community.
Absolutely brilliant book - highly recommended!
July 7, 2024
May 2024
I love the introduction by C. F. Yake, Editor. "I count it a privilege to recommend to the public this book for wholesome Christian reading which is entertaining, as well as profitable. "
The main characters Annie and son Joseph Armstrong are overcomes through God Who shines light on them both even in the midst of life-giving long trouble. It gives me hope and no excuses for doing the same in my life. Yes, C. F. Yake, I found it profitable.
I love the introduction by C. F. Yake, Editor. "I count it a privilege to recommend to the public this book for wholesome Christian reading which is entertaining, as well as profitable. "
The main characters Annie and son Joseph Armstrong are overcomes through God Who shines light on them both even in the midst of life-giving long trouble. It gives me hope and no excuses for doing the same in my life. Yes, C. F. Yake, I found it profitable.
November 14, 2024
My favorite book that I first read as a teen, and have read many times since!! Young Joseph had a Godly, praying mother. Those prayers Annie said for her son Joseph kept him from being bitter as he endured abuse and mistreatment from his father. Kauffman shows through us through this story, that God is with us, even in our darkest times.
June 15, 2022
This was a difficult book to read...about physical abuse. There was no escape from the abusive father, ever. Something seemed wrong with this.
September 6, 2022
I just love this book. It is heartbreaking but more than that it is a beautiful story of God's goodness, mercy, faithfulness and compassion to a mother and her children.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews