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An Angel's Story: The First Christmas from Heaven's View
Spiritual beings populate the stories of Scripture. Angels singing. Demons infecting. Heavenly hosts fighting . . . Ignore the armies of God and Satan and you ignore the heart of Scripture. Ever since the snake tempted Eve in Eden, we've there is more to this world than meets the eye. In this classic Christmas novella, best-selling author Max Lucado imagines the spiritual conflict that surrounded the coming of Christ. Surely there was much. If Satan could pre-empt Christ in the cradle, there'd be no Christ on the cross. Journey back in time to the very throne of God ... and witness firsthand the glory, the wonder, and the battle that took place on the very first Christmas.
83 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2002
134 people are currently reading
506 people want to read
About the author
Max Lucado
1,206 books5,479 followersWith more than 150 million products in print and several NYT bestsellers, Max Lucado is America's bestselling inspirational author. He serves the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, where he lives with his wife, Denalyn, and their mischievous mutt, Andy. His most recent book published in August 2024 and is titled What Happens Next.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
April 26, 2011
In 82 small pages, Max Lucado tells an incredible fiction story of the battle between Santan's legions and the angels as the birth of Christ unfolds. Satan, of course, wants to stop the birth of the Christ Child but God once again overcomes evil. Inspirational read.
December 7, 2019
Max Lucado is a talented writer; his books both entertain you and make you think. Many of his writings have helped me read between the lines of Scripture, and see what was implied.
Such was the case here. We all know the story of the Nativity; we've seen it in yard displays, in children's pageants, and even portrayed in movies and television shows. However, there was more going on than just a baby being born in a stable; Mr. Lucado draws back the curtain to show us what was going on unseen.
The one complaint I have is the space-wasting format; the edition I have had way too wide margins. It was like a Game-Boy-sized picture on an iPad's screen. If it weren't for that annoyance, I could have given this a higher score.
Such was the case here. We all know the story of the Nativity; we've seen it in yard displays, in children's pageants, and even portrayed in movies and television shows. However, there was more going on than just a baby being born in a stable; Mr. Lucado draws back the curtain to show us what was going on unseen.
The one complaint I have is the space-wasting format; the edition I have had way too wide margins. It was like a Game-Boy-sized picture on an iPad's screen. If it weren't for that annoyance, I could have given this a higher score.
December 17, 2019
I found this short, fictionalized account of the fist Christmas, from a heavenly perspective, very thought provoking. It made me ponder the miracle of Christ with a renewed heart of thankfulness. If you’re looking for a quick read with some depth that focuses on Christ at Christmas I would highly recommend picking this novella up.
December 26, 2025
A short and sweet little book about the birth of Jesus from the point of view of one of the most well known messengers of all time. An uplifting read that reinforces what Christmas really means.
December 25, 2025
Listening to my future wife read this with the puppies sleeping and drinking coffee from Israeli brings joy to the life Christ gave to us now and forever
January 7, 2025
This was a fun and creative little read that took me back to CS Lewis’ fantasy works, like the Space Trilogy or Till We Have Faces.
I can imagine some people being bothered by the creative license of it all, but it’s fantasy fiction, not a theology/doctrine book, and I can appreciate that.
I found it interesting to consider the birth scene, not from the perspective of the nativity in Luke’s or Matthew’s gospel, but from John’s Revelation, in Revelation 12. I can’t say I’ve read that cosmic battle that raged and connected it to the birth of Jesus before - that was new to me. I’m certainly not a Revelation scholar. I’d like to read up more on the history of that interpretation.
The only major negative came on the very last page…
“He also tells us who matters. You do. Imagine, if God will fight such a fight to save you… He must really think you’re worth the effort.”
Yes, we have immense value as image bearers…but this feels a little too…I’m not sure. Me-centered, maybe? I think I I just cringe when we describe God’s rescue mission in terms that highlight our value and worth, rather than highlighting His chief objective: to highlight His glorious grace. His highest priority in this plan isn’t to affirm the value of the ones being saved, but to highlight the glory of the One doing the saving. The primary effect of the gospel isn’t for us to say “Wow, I’m special” but “Wow, He’s good.”
His arrival and sacrifice for mankind as a huge demonstration of HIS love, grace and mercy - not our worthiness.
Perhaps this is too nit-picky - after all, I understand the sentiment to affirm others’ value and inherent worth. Forgive me if I’m being unfair. But I just believe that our greatest need isn’t to tell the story in a way that highlights our worth, but to tell it in a way that captures our imagination and deepens our affection for the glorious grace of a God who loves us with a ridiculously inexplicable love – us! People who DON’T deserve it and aren’t worthy.
When we emphasize our spiritual neediness, it highlights His grace. But when we speak of our worthiness, it feels like it dims His grace and steals from His light, moving the spotlight slightly toward us.
I’d love to change the line from “He must really think you’re worth the effort” to “He must really be full of unimaginable love and grace to leave heaven and come for people like you and me..”
I can imagine some people being bothered by the creative license of it all, but it’s fantasy fiction, not a theology/doctrine book, and I can appreciate that.
I found it interesting to consider the birth scene, not from the perspective of the nativity in Luke’s or Matthew’s gospel, but from John’s Revelation, in Revelation 12. I can’t say I’ve read that cosmic battle that raged and connected it to the birth of Jesus before - that was new to me. I’m certainly not a Revelation scholar. I’d like to read up more on the history of that interpretation.
The only major negative came on the very last page…
“He also tells us who matters. You do. Imagine, if God will fight such a fight to save you… He must really think you’re worth the effort.”
Yes, we have immense value as image bearers…but this feels a little too…I’m not sure. Me-centered, maybe? I think I I just cringe when we describe God’s rescue mission in terms that highlight our value and worth, rather than highlighting His chief objective: to highlight His glorious grace. His highest priority in this plan isn’t to affirm the value of the ones being saved, but to highlight the glory of the One doing the saving. The primary effect of the gospel isn’t for us to say “Wow, I’m special” but “Wow, He’s good.”
His arrival and sacrifice for mankind as a huge demonstration of HIS love, grace and mercy - not our worthiness.
Perhaps this is too nit-picky - after all, I understand the sentiment to affirm others’ value and inherent worth. Forgive me if I’m being unfair. But I just believe that our greatest need isn’t to tell the story in a way that highlights our worth, but to tell it in a way that captures our imagination and deepens our affection for the glorious grace of a God who loves us with a ridiculously inexplicable love – us! People who DON’T deserve it and aren’t worthy.
When we emphasize our spiritual neediness, it highlights His grace. But when we speak of our worthiness, it feels like it dims His grace and steals from His light, moving the spotlight slightly toward us.
I’d love to change the line from “He must really think you’re worth the effort” to “He must really be full of unimaginable love and grace to leave heaven and come for people like you and me..”
June 9, 2022
5 stars- English Ebook
Max Lucado, like few humans before him, has the amazing ability to write as though God himself were sitting in the room, dictating the book to him. He has opened himself up to the voice of heaven, and truly hears what needs to be said and what will touch his readers hearts.
This book is an incredible example of this gift. Though He tells the story of Christ's birth, one we hear every Christmas, this time it is told through the eyes of the angels. It schould be read in every household out lout at christmas.
Each chapter is more moving then the last. Causing tears and shouts of joy, as the angels bring God's gift to earth, fight the armies of hell and sing over the newborn King.
I recommend this book to adults and children alike. It will touch you in ways you maybe haven't been touched in awile and will remind you of what God did to bring you to himself. Even when then we where his foe! I am most certain it will remind you of how much He truly loves you.
Max Lucado, like few humans before him, has the amazing ability to write as though God himself were sitting in the room, dictating the book to him. He has opened himself up to the voice of heaven, and truly hears what needs to be said and what will touch his readers hearts.
This book is an incredible example of this gift. Though He tells the story of Christ's birth, one we hear every Christmas, this time it is told through the eyes of the angels. It schould be read in every household out lout at christmas.
Each chapter is more moving then the last. Causing tears and shouts of joy, as the angels bring God's gift to earth, fight the armies of hell and sing over the newborn King.
I recommend this book to adults and children alike. It will touch you in ways you maybe haven't been touched in awile and will remind you of what God did to bring you to himself. Even when then we where his foe! I am most certain it will remind you of how much He truly loves you.
December 23, 2024
Coming this fall, from the director of "G.I. Jesus" and "High-Tech Tribulation Force" -
He came to them in the Garden...
He came to them at Sinai...
Now, He's coming back...
...and this time, it's personal.
Gabriel is on a secret mission -- a mission no one saw coming. He's been asked to deliver a very special vial filled with the very essence of God to the womb of a young Hebrew woman. Along the way, he and his posse of angels will cross distant galaxies, battle ferocious demons, and guide Mary and Joseph through almost certain disaster, all to carry out God's plan to give His people a hero.
Starring Dawyne "The Rock" Johnson as the mighty Gabriel,
Chris Hemsworth and Henry Cavill as angelic warriors Paragon and Aegus,
Keanu Reeves as the wise Sophio.
Tom Hiddleston as the dragon Phulmar - deceiver of angels!
And Joaquin Phoenix as Lucifer, the prince of darkness.
Sound cheesy?
Exactly.
I wanted to like this book.
I didn't.
He came to them in the Garden...
He came to them at Sinai...
Now, He's coming back...
...and this time, it's personal.
Gabriel is on a secret mission -- a mission no one saw coming. He's been asked to deliver a very special vial filled with the very essence of God to the womb of a young Hebrew woman. Along the way, he and his posse of angels will cross distant galaxies, battle ferocious demons, and guide Mary and Joseph through almost certain disaster, all to carry out God's plan to give His people a hero.
Starring Dawyne "The Rock" Johnson as the mighty Gabriel,
Chris Hemsworth and Henry Cavill as angelic warriors Paragon and Aegus,
Keanu Reeves as the wise Sophio.
Tom Hiddleston as the dragon Phulmar - deceiver of angels!
And Joaquin Phoenix as Lucifer, the prince of darkness.
Sound cheesy?
Exactly.
I wanted to like this book.
I didn't.
December 19, 2018
Loved it! This book reminded me in a new way how amazing God’s Love is for us and gave me a new perspective.
December 25, 2023
We read this every Christmas season. It's a unique perspective of what Jesus's birth may have been like for the angels.
December 12, 2025
I listened to this book on Audible. It was a brilliant dramatisation of the angels' perspective of the moments leading up to the birth of Jesus and what it might have looked like. A very fitting story to read or listen to during the Christmas season.
January 16, 2012
Max Lucado, in a tiny book titled An Angel’s Story, describes his vision of the cosmic war that probably surrounded Christmas Day and The Event that we celebrate with gifts and carols and candle light. Legions of angels protect the vial that Gabriel is carrying to Mary. Swords are brandished and lies revealed as Sophio and Aegus and Paragon battle not only with demons but Lucifer himself as they protect Mary and the baby on the way to Bethlehem.
It is an amazing and vivid telling of the Christmas story from a viewpoint I had never thought about before.
So, we started a new Christmas tradition last year.
We have always enjoyed special Christmas readings for the month of December in our family devotion times, but it has usually consisted of poems. A couple of years ago, though, we discovered An Angel’s Story. Now, the week before Christmas, we read one chapter each evening – only one chapter, despite the children’s begging. It is quick and easy to read – the entire book is only about 70 pages – and doesn’t keep the children up late. This tradition has become our favorite, setting the tone for Christmas Day, drawing our hearts to the Person we celebrate with awe, reverence, and goose-bumps. Above all, I pray that my children will learn this lesson: “I could not comprehend God’s plan, but my understanding was not essential. My obedience was.” (p. 17)
It is an amazing and vivid telling of the Christmas story from a viewpoint I had never thought about before.
So, we started a new Christmas tradition last year.
We have always enjoyed special Christmas readings for the month of December in our family devotion times, but it has usually consisted of poems. A couple of years ago, though, we discovered An Angel’s Story. Now, the week before Christmas, we read one chapter each evening – only one chapter, despite the children’s begging. It is quick and easy to read – the entire book is only about 70 pages – and doesn’t keep the children up late. This tradition has become our favorite, setting the tone for Christmas Day, drawing our hearts to the Person we celebrate with awe, reverence, and goose-bumps. Above all, I pray that my children will learn this lesson: “I could not comprehend God’s plan, but my understanding was not essential. My obedience was.” (p. 17)
December 9, 2014
This was so disappointing especially after all the good reviews. It was cheesy. I felt like I was reading a Percy Jackson book.
December 6, 2023
LOVE THIS! Even reading this for the second Christmas season, my heart is still burning with wonder and hope!
January 2, 2023
All in all, I really enjoyed reading this classic Christmas story from a different viewpoint. It was intriguing to imagine how difficult it might have been to ensure the coming of Christ.
Max Lucado is able to personify the story of the first Christmas from the unique perspective of an Angel. While fictional, this short story helps you read between the lines of scripture and seeks to shed light upon the spiritual drama that likely took place before and during the birth of Jesus Christ.
Lucado illustrates the story beautifully from the perspective of Gabriel giving us a peek into what it must have been like to receive and execute this heavenly mission. Gabriel and his entourage of angels encounter many trials meant to test their faith but each time they prove victorious and their faith intensifies. Lucado allows the reader to get a sense of how earnestly Satan and his minions must have fought against the coming of Christ while drawing a clear picture of how deceptive and manipulative Satan can be to further his agenda. But…have no fear! As always, God prevails.
Max Lucado is able to personify the story of the first Christmas from the unique perspective of an Angel. While fictional, this short story helps you read between the lines of scripture and seeks to shed light upon the spiritual drama that likely took place before and during the birth of Jesus Christ.
Lucado illustrates the story beautifully from the perspective of Gabriel giving us a peek into what it must have been like to receive and execute this heavenly mission. Gabriel and his entourage of angels encounter many trials meant to test their faith but each time they prove victorious and their faith intensifies. Lucado allows the reader to get a sense of how earnestly Satan and his minions must have fought against the coming of Christ while drawing a clear picture of how deceptive and manipulative Satan can be to further his agenda. But…have no fear! As always, God prevails.
December 18, 2019
We saw (in Branson, Missouri) the Sight and Sound Theatre’s production of “The Miracle of Christmas”. I had never really given much thought to the spiritual warfare that could have surrounded Christ’s birth until I saw a similar scene in that production. A friend reminded me of this book by Max Lucado on that same theme, so I wanted to read his “creative retelling” of this.
I found this book thought-provoking and extremely interesting. It goes without saying that Max Lucado knows how to write a good story. I came away from reading this with a sense of wonder and praising God for His provision for us. There’s a scene in this book that depicts Jesus’ power even in the womb. The author, at the end of the book, describes the sources for his ideas in this story. So let this little book fire your imagination during this Christmas season and let your heart praise the King of Kong’s and Lord of Lords.
I found this book thought-provoking and extremely interesting. It goes without saying that Max Lucado knows how to write a good story. I came away from reading this with a sense of wonder and praising God for His provision for us. There’s a scene in this book that depicts Jesus’ power even in the womb. The author, at the end of the book, describes the sources for his ideas in this story. So let this little book fire your imagination during this Christmas season and let your heart praise the King of Kong’s and Lord of Lords.
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December 14, 2020Inspired story telling... that's true!
I've read this contribution to Christmas by Max Lucado every Christmas Season for years as "Cosmic Christmas." I've given copies to several folks over the years. I was so disappointed when I no longer found that it was in print... until I saw that it was printed under a new title. So grateful it wasn't lost. Couldn't recommend this enough to you. Read it for your own edification. Read it to your children and grandchildren. Make it a part of your Christmas every year!
I've read this contribution to Christmas by Max Lucado every Christmas Season for years as "Cosmic Christmas." I've given copies to several folks over the years. I was so disappointed when I no longer found that it was in print... until I saw that it was printed under a new title. So grateful it wasn't lost. Couldn't recommend this enough to you. Read it for your own edification. Read it to your children and grandchildren. Make it a part of your Christmas every year!
December 31, 2023
What A Different Approach to An Angel's Viewpoint!
We've all heard of or read of this miraculous event. It is refreshing to read it from the Angel's point of view! It was charming, thought-provoking, and a real awakening during the moments when the demons acted like they were invincible and sly! Their powers are dangerous until you realize God is watching their every move and has the final say.
Thank you for writing a new novel approach opening up a beautiful piece of HIS-STORY!
BLESS YOU . . .
We've all heard of or read of this miraculous event. It is refreshing to read it from the Angel's point of view! It was charming, thought-provoking, and a real awakening during the moments when the demons acted like they were invincible and sly! Their powers are dangerous until you realize God is watching their every move and has the final say.
Thank you for writing a new novel approach opening up a beautiful piece of HIS-STORY!
BLESS YOU . . .
December 26, 2019
I liked this book in concept, but didn't love its execution. I'm a fan of Lucado, but this wasn't my favourite of his works. The idea that there was a battle between good and evil for Christ to be born is interesting, but I think it could have been done better. Certainly a quick read, and I don't regret it, but I'm also not going to rush out to the nearest bookstore to get copies for everyone I know.
November 6, 2022
Gabriel the angel is given a special task: to tell Mary that she is going to have a son and she is to name Him Jesus. Lucifer does not want Gabriel to complete this task. He and his demon angels will try all kinds of lies and tricks to hinder God's mighty plan for saving the world. This is an interesting view of the Christmas story: from the angels' view. One thing we learn from reading this is that praising God and saying or singing the Words of God can defeat Lucifer and his legions.
December 31, 2020
Una manera simple y hermosa de entender el amor de Dios por nosotros.
Max Lucado, inspirado por la visión de Juan, plasmada en el libro de Apocalipsis, relata la historia del nacimiento de Jesús, pero imaginando la perspectiva del ángel Gabriel. Basándose en la Biblia, cuenta la lucha que se desató en el mundo espiritual desde el momento en que Dios decidió enviar al mundo a Jesús, el salvador.
Max Lucado, inspirado por la visión de Juan, plasmada en el libro de Apocalipsis, relata la historia del nacimiento de Jesús, pero imaginando la perspectiva del ángel Gabriel. Basándose en la Biblia, cuenta la lucha que se desató en el mundo espiritual desde el momento en que Dios decidió enviar al mundo a Jesús, el salvador.
December 11, 2025
Short and to the point unfolding of the tale of good and evil behind the Christmas story.
This will stretch your thinking, your faith and your understanding of Christmas and the best gift ever.
I’d have said 5 stars but the fictional sides of this seemed cliche for me. But also what would I know, it’s simply the imagination side of the parts we don’t know.
This will stretch your thinking, your faith and your understanding of Christmas and the best gift ever.
I’d have said 5 stars but the fictional sides of this seemed cliche for me. But also what would I know, it’s simply the imagination side of the parts we don’t know.
March 29, 2019
I can only give it a four star right now because I really don't remember much about this one other than the fact that I enjoyed this at the time I read it and I really liked the concept. I'm hoping to do a reread around Christmas this year, so we'll see if the rating changes.
November 11, 2018
This book made me think about what it was like for the angels and demons when Jesus was born. What conflicts did they have and how did they respond? It’s a short read that pierces your inner being and makes you think.
December 25, 2019
This book was the perfect start to my Christmas morning. I loved reading an albeit fictional behind the scenes account of what may have happened leading up to the Savior’s birth. A wonderful well written story.
July 10, 2020
This book was really strange. It is narrated by Angel Gabriel and tells about a conversation between God and Satan, a battle in heaven, and the birth of Christ but I didn't like the way the events were portrayed.
December 29, 2020
This is the Christmas story told from an interesting point of view, that of the angel Gabriel. Though I'm familiar with the story, this fresh perspective provided an illuminating look, though fictional, at what measures may have been required to ensure Jesus' arrival on Earth. Yes, I would recommend the book to those interested in Biblical fiction, supernatural and/or the fight of good vs. evil.
December 4, 2023
What a wonderful way to start of the Christmas season of reading than with An Angels Story. This is a short tale of the birth of Christ from an angels perspective. It’s a great reminder of the season of Christmas and a very short story to get you in the holiday mood!
December 14, 2023
This was such a well written thought provoking story on how it must have been for the Angel Gabriel who was sent to deliver the message to Mary that she would be the mother of Jesus. It gives a whole new depth to Christmas the celebration of Christs birth. Will be reading more from Max Lucado.
December 6, 2025
Wonderful!
Everyone should read this book. I am saved and have been a Christian for many years. I have read many of Max Lucado's books, but this book stirred my heart and soul in ways that surprised me. Praise God for what He has done for us.
Everyone should read this book. I am saved and have been a Christian for many years. I have read many of Max Lucado's books, but this book stirred my heart and soul in ways that surprised me. Praise God for what He has done for us.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews