Janette Oke's Reflections on the Christmas Story

by Janette Oke, Jim Connelly (Illustrator)

A unique look at the birth of Christ through the eyes of a novelist reveals that the story of Christmas has all the ingredients of classic fiction--drama, suspense, love, conflict, tragedy, even a little humor. IP.

Genres: Christmas, Christian, Christian Fiction, Inspirational

111 pages, Hardcover

First published October 31, 1994

About the author

Janette Oke is a Canadian author known for her inspirational fiction, often set in a pioneer era and focused on female protagonists. Her debut novel, Love Comes Softly (1979), became the foundation for a successful series, followed by over 75 other novels. The first book in her Canadian West series, When Calls the Heart (1983), inspired the popular television series of the same name.
Born in Champion, Alberta, to farmers Fred and Amy (née Ruggles) Steeves during the Great Depression, Oke went on to graduate from Mountain View Bible College in Didsbury, Alberta, where she met her future husband, Edward Oke, who later became the president of the college. The couple has four children, including a daughter who has collaborated with Janette on several books.
A committed Evangelical Christian, Oke has authored numerous works exploring themes of faith. She has received various accolades for her contributions to Christian fiction, including the 1992 President's Award from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association and the 1999 CBA Life Impact Award.

Reviews

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this. Too often, do we leave ourselves (the adults) out of reading Christmas stories as if we reserve that for children (of course, children's books can speak to adults and do beautifully). But as I was reading one of several Christmas books to my children, I realized it's just as important to be reading Christ-centered Christmas on my own. I was pleased to have found this book.
She does a lovely job telling the Christmas story by dissecting the parts of story and explaining it that way. It was a new way to look at each character. And a true way- they are all part of a story- God's great story.
I especially enjoyed the parts about Elisabeth and Mary. What a rejuvenating, affirming friend Elisabeth must have been! Affirming Mary in God's destiny for her and a boon to her heart. I want to be an Elisabeth to my friends.
The climax section was refreshing, affirming and convicting. The Christmas season is so centered on Christ's birth, we forget the climax is yet to come!!
I enjoyed the read and plan to read every year during the season!

[Grant Fawcett · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked this little book up because I thought it might be good to read through with my daughters over Christmas. We gave up a few pages in (I decided to finish it tonight on my own). It is presented as a charming narrative approach to the Christmas story, but what it amounts to is a fairly surface level topical commentary. It isn’t “bad” or wrong, but it isn’t what it appears to be and what it is isn’t great.

[Elizabeth Meadows · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very interesting analysis of The Christmas Story broken down much like a writer divides a book they are writing. It discusses all the parts of the story including the plot, the theme, the setting, etc. The longest section is a discussion of the characters (or actual people) involved.
I read most of this while I was waiting to perform my part in a live nativity at our church. So it was a very appropriate time to reflect on all of this.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author chooses to explore the Christmas story from the viewpoint of a writer. Points that are covered are plot, theme, time, setting, characters, and climax. It is a unique approach and is very enjoyable. It may cause you to think a bit more about the Christmas story.

[Debyi Kucera (Book&BuJo) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice look at each of the people and groups involved in the Christmas story. It is a nice reminder of what we celebrate during this time of year.

[Monica Lit · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful book with some amazing historical information about the people in the story when Christ waz born. A great gift for someone and an interesting book.

[Janelle]

Note to self, vision Australia lists this as Reflections on a Christmas story

[Ken Bickley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best-selling Christian author Janette Oke turns her novelist's eye to the Christmas story. She describes plot, characters, timing, etc. very effectively, while pulling together the major prophecies that foretold the birth of Christ as well as the Gospel accounts and some passages from Paul's letters to the churches. And she does it all reverently and accurately -- in 111 pages. This is a very good way to give yourself a little boost for your Christmas spirit. Highly recommended.

[Marla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Should be read every year. New insights into familiar scripture.

[Partridge Public]

Oke, Janette