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Christmas Hope #5.5
The Christmas Journey
The eighty-mile journey of a common carpenter and a simple peasant girl is one of the most powerful stories in history. As books go out of print and stories fade from memory, the journey of Joseph and Mary and her delivery inside a common barn continues to bless and inspire hope in people around the world. Donna VanLiere’s retelling shows that the story of the Nativity is alive in our modern world.
Audio CD
First published January 1, 2010
25 people are currently reading
928 people want to read
About the author
Donna VanLiere
78 books1,340 followersDonna is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author. She's an in-demand conference speaker and gifted teacher and has 14 published books including four that have been adapted into movies.
Donna is the recipient of multiple industry awards including a Retailer's Choice Award for Fiction, a Dove Award, a Silver Angel Award, two Audie Awards for best inspirational fiction, a nominee for a Gold Medallion Book of the Year and is an inductee in the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges Hall of Excellence joining such luminaries as Coretta Scott King, Hugh Downs, Dr. Norman Vincent Peale and Senator John Glenn.
Learn more about Donna by visiting www.DonnaVanLiere.com and stay up-to-date and in-touch by subscribing to her free Friendship List.
Donna is the recipient of multiple industry awards including a Retailer's Choice Award for Fiction, a Dove Award, a Silver Angel Award, two Audie Awards for best inspirational fiction, a nominee for a Gold Medallion Book of the Year and is an inductee in the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges Hall of Excellence joining such luminaries as Coretta Scott King, Hugh Downs, Dr. Norman Vincent Peale and Senator John Glenn.
Learn more about Donna by visiting www.DonnaVanLiere.com and stay up-to-date and in-touch by subscribing to her free Friendship List.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews
December 17, 2022
And so, in that little town of Bethlehem so long ago, a simple peasant girl and her carpenter husband quietly sang lullabies to the King of kings as he drifted off to sleep.
An intimate portrait of the journey to Bethlehem for Joseph and Mary. They reflect on their conversations with angels. Dangers lurk along the way from other travelers and wild animals. Once they reach their destination, there is no room in the inn. What was it like to give birth in a dirty, smelly stable? VanLiere's artwork accompanies this thoughtful volume.
Yet in they dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight. ~ O Little Town of Bethlehem
An intimate portrait of the journey to Bethlehem for Joseph and Mary. They reflect on their conversations with angels. Dangers lurk along the way from other travelers and wild animals. Once they reach their destination, there is no room in the inn. What was it like to give birth in a dirty, smelly stable? VanLiere's artwork accompanies this thoughtful volume.
Yet in they dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight. ~ O Little Town of Bethlehem
November 27, 2024
This is a lovely retelling of the journey that Mary and Joseph made to Bethlehem just before Jesus was born. Based on the scripture from Luke we see how Mary was so close to giving birth when they arrived at the stable and what the two couple went through on the way-the looks Mary was getting and yet her strength and commitment to follow the angel's direction. It is a quick novella length listen to get in the true spirit of Christmas, narrated by the author.
December 5, 2022
A lovely re-telling of the long journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem and the couple Mary & Joseph who undertook it.
The author does a wondrous job of adding depth to a story that in this day and age is remembered only in it's barest of bones, if it is remembered at all. She doesn't change the story or it location or the era it takes place in, but she gives it life, she puts the emotion back into the story, the feeling of hope and faith. This is the way I will remember the story for the rest of my life.
The illustrations, although quite simple are breath taking and add so much to the story without rising above the story.
A must read if you are lucky enough to get your hands on it.
The author does a wondrous job of adding depth to a story that in this day and age is remembered only in it's barest of bones, if it is remembered at all. She doesn't change the story or it location or the era it takes place in, but she gives it life, she puts the emotion back into the story, the feeling of hope and faith. This is the way I will remember the story for the rest of my life.
The illustrations, although quite simple are breath taking and add so much to the story without rising above the story.
A must read if you are lucky enough to get your hands on it.
December 16, 2022
A sweet and simple retelling of the Christmas story. A bit overly simple for my tastes, but then it is impossible to improve upon the original.
December 12, 2019
A very quick read but so much detail I never really thought about. Donna has made this famous story so real with her details of this journey. I very much loved this book. So glad I finally read it.
December 26, 2017
3.5/5
Really quick book. A more detailed and narrative version of the classic nativity story.
Really quick book. A more detailed and narrative version of the classic nativity story.
March 12, 2023
A beautiful retelling of Mary and Joseph and the long journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem.
In addition, the story includes beautiful illustrations.
In addition, the story includes beautiful illustrations.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2022
This short narrative reads between the lines of the verses in Luke 2 regarding the birth of Christ. Seen through the perspectives of Mary and Joseph and deals with the realities of the circumstances and what it might have been like for them without the whitewashed prettiness we're so used to seeing in Christmas cards.
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
December 10, 2012
Donna VanLiere always give us something for Christmas that is fantastic. The Christmas Journey is the retelling of the Nativity Story but with a much more realistic presentation. As she says, "No glamorized, sanitized, commercialized version". From cow patties to scratchy, smelly hay to an anxious, unprepared husband, accompanied by wonderful illustrations, this story tells of the birth of the Christ child with truth and reality. It is a very short read (about 30 mins), and I think would be a wonderful family book to read aloud every single Christmas.
December 4, 2018
This is an extremely short, speculative, retelling of the nativity story. The author tried to express the discomfort and fear that Mary and Joseph may have felt during their travels and also as they endured the possible realities of giving birth to Christ in a stable. On one hand I really liked it, but my over all feeling, once I finished it, was an uncomfortableness in some of the details brought out. Maybe this is how the setting and actions played out, but, maybe not.
December 14, 2010
Written as a narrative for a church banquet several years ago, The Christmas Journey by Donna VanLiere invites readers to break away from the consumerism and industrial marketing of Christmas.
This simple yet profound book takes us back to the true meaning of Christmas and helps readers regain their focus as to what the season is really all about Beautiful illustrations accompany the lyrical text which retells the birth of Christ as recorded in Luke, Chapter 2.
Though I’ve read the Christmas story many times over and have heard it read in church services, I still found myself captivated when reading it from this book. There’s a calm and a sense of peace as Donna writes in a very relevant format, detailing the thoughts and feelings of Mary and Joseph. This isn’t a sweet, sugar coated story and it reinforces that our Lord and Savior came to earth in humility, because of His great love for us. Donna writes so vividly that I could almost smell the dank, musty manger and hear the crunching of the hay, as the animals settled in.
This book would make a wonderful addition to any family library and while its simple enough for children to understand, I think that entire families reading it will be touched and reminded of the reason we celebrate Christmas. By far, this is one of the best books I’ve read based on the Christmas story.
Donna has written other titles such as The Christmas Shoes, The Christmas Blessing and The Christmas Hope. The Christmas Blessing is also available on DVD which I recently found at my local library. Make sure you have the tissues handy, if you watch it or read the book! It is a wonderful, heartwarming story as well.
This simple yet profound book takes us back to the true meaning of Christmas and helps readers regain their focus as to what the season is really all about Beautiful illustrations accompany the lyrical text which retells the birth of Christ as recorded in Luke, Chapter 2.
Though I’ve read the Christmas story many times over and have heard it read in church services, I still found myself captivated when reading it from this book. There’s a calm and a sense of peace as Donna writes in a very relevant format, detailing the thoughts and feelings of Mary and Joseph. This isn’t a sweet, sugar coated story and it reinforces that our Lord and Savior came to earth in humility, because of His great love for us. Donna writes so vividly that I could almost smell the dank, musty manger and hear the crunching of the hay, as the animals settled in.
This book would make a wonderful addition to any family library and while its simple enough for children to understand, I think that entire families reading it will be touched and reminded of the reason we celebrate Christmas. By far, this is one of the best books I’ve read based on the Christmas story.
Donna has written other titles such as The Christmas Shoes, The Christmas Blessing and The Christmas Hope. The Christmas Blessing is also available on DVD which I recently found at my local library. Make sure you have the tissues handy, if you watch it or read the book! It is a wonderful, heartwarming story as well.
November 18, 2010
Interesting take on the traditional Christmas story. We (believers) don't often consider the details of what it must have been like in reality for the teenage Mary, young mother of the Savior of all mankind. In the Jewish society of her day, it would have been a terrible thing indeed to be unmarried and pregnant. Most of her village neighbors would likely have judged immediately that she had broken God's laws of morality...wrongly, of course, but unknowingly.
Two things I didn't care for about this book. First, I much prefer the beauty of the language in the King James version for the introductory part of the book, rather than the more modern language that the author employed. Second, it only took me 30 minutes, perhaps less, to read the whole book. I wish the author had explored her themes more deeply to describe the conditions of that time and the likely effects on Mary and Joseph.
On the whole, though, it was a thought-provoking book. And as short and simple as it was, it would be a terrific little book to read with children, followed by an age-appropriate discussion of it's ideas.
Two things I didn't care for about this book. First, I much prefer the beauty of the language in the King James version for the introductory part of the book, rather than the more modern language that the author employed. Second, it only took me 30 minutes, perhaps less, to read the whole book. I wish the author had explored her themes more deeply to describe the conditions of that time and the likely effects on Mary and Joseph.
On the whole, though, it was a thought-provoking book. And as short and simple as it was, it would be a terrific little book to read with children, followed by an age-appropriate discussion of it's ideas.
January 21, 2022
This is a more realistic version of the birth narrative...condemnation from neighbors, labor pains, messiness of birth, and more. It shows the strength of Joseph, who could have had Mary stoned for her pregnancy, but chooses otherwise.
Of course, there was no inn (that is a misnomer since the 'inn' is the open area where people could stay when traveling), and thus no innkeeper. On the other hand that place was full.
Still, VanLiere presents a story worth reading because it will open the eyes (and maybe hearts) to the realities of the new family.
Of course, there was no inn (that is a misnomer since the 'inn' is the open area where people could stay when traveling), and thus no innkeeper. On the other hand that place was full.
Still, VanLiere presents a story worth reading because it will open the eyes (and maybe hearts) to the realities of the new family.
December 21, 2010
This short book describes a little of what it must have really been like for Mary and Joseph to travel to Bethlehem with Mary ready to give birth. Having had 5 children it made me appreciate the reality of what they must have gone through. Traveling eighty miles on the back of a donkey just days before having a baby, no thank you. What a miserable journey that must have been.
http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot....
http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot....
December 9, 2025
What a sweet and short little love of a book. This story is amazing and so is the God who inspired it. While there are some liberties here, I appreciate the reflections of how Mary and Joseph might have been feeling when Jesus was born. What a miracle all of this is. What a blessing!!
“This is HE of whom the prophets spoke, seeking nourishment from His mother.”
Praise God!!!
“This is HE of whom the prophets spoke, seeking nourishment from His mother.”
Praise God!!!
December 21, 2019
Was a good book
December 23, 2020
A very short #retelling of the Nativity story; wish she would have expanded on the retelling.
March 31, 2021
Wonderful Book. I really Enjoyed It. Nice retelling of Jesus's Birth. Highly Recommend It.
I read it in one sertung. ♦️
I read it in one sertung. ♦️
November 30, 2025
4* Stars ..A Story of the True Meaning of Christmas
January 9, 2015
Reviewed for THC Reviews
So much can get lost in the commercial hustle and bustle of the Christmas holiday that it's nice to take a step back and remember the real reason for the season. That's exactly what Donna VanLiere has endeavored to accomplish in The Christmas Journey. The story of the nativity is familiar to millions worldwide, but nativity scenes have become so sweet and perfect, how often do we really think about that arduous journey that Joseph and Mary undertook? This book begins with the biblical passage from Luke that recounts this journey, and then Ms. VanLiere gives her own take on it. Written from the perspective of Joseph and Mary, it takes a look at how they must have felt and what it must have been like for them.
The trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem could have taken up to a week, and Mary endured it on the back of a donkey while nine months pregnant. Even before the trip, Mary had likely dealt with disdainful looks if not outright hostility because her of perceived indiscretion, and despite receiving messages from the angels, both prospective parents may have been frightened or feeling inadequate at the thought of caring for and raising such a special child. Then of course, there was the fact that Mary had to give birth in a lowly and probably dirty stable with no one to attend her but her husband. This little book drives home the unvarnished truth of Joseph and Mary's experience on that blessed night, and it's all presented in a lovely way. The story is beautifully illustrated by Michael Storrings and laid out in a very pretty design. However, I should point out that anyone who is expecting one of Donna VanLiere's typical novels should be aware that this is a short story, more akin to a children's picture book, although written for a slightly older audience. The Christmas Journey is more of a gift book that would make it a great present for this or any holiday season and something that can be shared with the family as a Christmas tradition.
So much can get lost in the commercial hustle and bustle of the Christmas holiday that it's nice to take a step back and remember the real reason for the season. That's exactly what Donna VanLiere has endeavored to accomplish in The Christmas Journey. The story of the nativity is familiar to millions worldwide, but nativity scenes have become so sweet and perfect, how often do we really think about that arduous journey that Joseph and Mary undertook? This book begins with the biblical passage from Luke that recounts this journey, and then Ms. VanLiere gives her own take on it. Written from the perspective of Joseph and Mary, it takes a look at how they must have felt and what it must have been like for them.
The trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem could have taken up to a week, and Mary endured it on the back of a donkey while nine months pregnant. Even before the trip, Mary had likely dealt with disdainful looks if not outright hostility because her of perceived indiscretion, and despite receiving messages from the angels, both prospective parents may have been frightened or feeling inadequate at the thought of caring for and raising such a special child. Then of course, there was the fact that Mary had to give birth in a lowly and probably dirty stable with no one to attend her but her husband. This little book drives home the unvarnished truth of Joseph and Mary's experience on that blessed night, and it's all presented in a lovely way. The story is beautifully illustrated by Michael Storrings and laid out in a very pretty design. However, I should point out that anyone who is expecting one of Donna VanLiere's typical novels should be aware that this is a short story, more akin to a children's picture book, although written for a slightly older audience. The Christmas Journey is more of a gift book that would make it a great present for this or any holiday season and something that can be shared with the family as a Christmas tradition.
December 4, 2010
So we are all familiar with the story of Mary, Joseph and the birth of Jesus but what version of this story are you familiar with? There is only one true story. With Christmas being so commercialized like any other holiday, we may all sometimes forget the true meaning of Christmas. Author, Donna Van Liere helps reminds us with The Christmas Journey. The Christmas Journey is the perfect story to share with everyone. The pictures were nice. Mrs. Van Liere really brought to life the story of May, Joseph and baby Jesus.
December 9, 2014
This is the retelling of the story of the birth of Christ. It is told in a manner to help us understand the discomfort and pain that Mary went through. The book gives the story from the Bible in the beginning then retells it in a more modern way.
I like this. Sometimes it is easy to whitewash over the pain and the fact that Jesus was born in a barn. This brings to life the reality part. The pain, the smells and the lack of simple comforts. I will remember this retelling of a very familiar story.
I like this. Sometimes it is easy to whitewash over the pain and the fact that Jesus was born in a barn. This brings to life the reality part. The pain, the smells and the lack of simple comforts. I will remember this retelling of a very familiar story.
December 22, 2015
wonderful story of Joseph and Mary's journey to Bethlehem and the birth of Jesus.
Read
October 2, 2016This book was very short but sweet, story of Mary and Joseph and the birth of the Christ child.
December 7, 2016
A perfect book that depicts the true meaning of Christmas and what really happened on that holiest of nights in Bethlehem
December 9, 2017
This book isn't what I expected. I should have read the jacket a little closer before I started reading.
If I had, I wouldn't have picked it up.
I've no issue with her writing ability. The problem I have is with the story itself. As a rule I don't read stories where someone takes a biblical story and 'enhances' it with narrative, emotions, and events that aren't recorded in the bible. It feels very wrong to me. At the very least it's arrogant to think that we can know what happened or how people felt or were treated beyond the pieces of the story we are given. At the most it's blasphemous to add to a story that God had given us as a complete telling.
Maybe that's extreme, but I'll take my bible as is, without embellishments from anyone else no matter how well intentioned they are.
If I had, I wouldn't have picked it up.
I've no issue with her writing ability. The problem I have is with the story itself. As a rule I don't read stories where someone takes a biblical story and 'enhances' it with narrative, emotions, and events that aren't recorded in the bible. It feels very wrong to me. At the very least it's arrogant to think that we can know what happened or how people felt or were treated beyond the pieces of the story we are given. At the most it's blasphemous to add to a story that God had given us as a complete telling.
Maybe that's extreme, but I'll take my bible as is, without embellishments from anyone else no matter how well intentioned they are.
December 28, 2018
Okay, so, I have become this year of 2018 a HUGE fan of Donna VanLiere's work...this has been evidenced by the fact that this is #6 of the Christmas series that I have read! (And, I intend to finish the series prior to the stroke of midnight 1/1/19!!!)
This story is one of familiarity - the story of Christmas in the New Testament, Luke, Christian tradition/belief. However, what VanLiere presents in her version of Luke's story is a relatability to Mary's plight, the humility of the birth of Jesus (with regard to the unkempt, horrific conditions of His birth), and the reminder of exactly why the angel tells Joseph "Do not be afraid..."...and, in the process, gives a eye-opening appeal to cast aside doubts/worries in our own lives and instead believe that all is right and good.
This story is one of familiarity - the story of Christmas in the New Testament, Luke, Christian tradition/belief. However, what VanLiere presents in her version of Luke's story is a relatability to Mary's plight, the humility of the birth of Jesus (with regard to the unkempt, horrific conditions of His birth), and the reminder of exactly why the angel tells Joseph "Do not be afraid..."...and, in the process, gives a eye-opening appeal to cast aside doubts/worries in our own lives and instead believe that all is right and good.
December 19, 2019
Reading this book was a little preview into what we really know happened at Christ's birth and the surrounding days, and also some wonderful insights into how it surely also was, although the Bible doesn't go into such details for us. As the author states, it's a great reminder. This is one of those books you read and ponder, and read the scriptures along with, although she even includes them IN her book, so that's handy and nice, and you really could read this every year as you prepare Him room. I mean, he IS the room, you know?! It's CHRISTmas. Not always easy to follow Him or surrender so that His will is first, but...always, always worth it! I love that God loves us so much He sent us Immanuel, so we are never alone. He is here, still being with us!
December 7, 2020
The author presents her interpretation of what transpired during Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem. She gives sweet emotions to the overwhelmed Joseph and the anxious Mary, who fret about what life-changing event will be happening very soon. VanLiere stays true to the New Testament scriptural account found in Luke chapter two, but allows the passages to read like a story. The author wrote the text to deliver to her own church congregation during the holidays, which I can imagine was very well received.
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