If you are wondering what to read for Advent, or what to give your children in their Christmas stocking, we recommend a beautiful new book by Katy Morgan. The Promise and the Light is a retelling of the nativity story. It’s written for children aged 8-12, but it’s pretty good for adults too! From the very first page Katy pulls us right into the story, introducing us to Mary, Joseph and Zechariah as they experience the events of the first Christmas – not as cardboard characters but as real, living people with their own thoughts, feelings and voices.

The story is told in 25 short chapters, ideal for reading during the 25 days of Advent. It’s been very well received:

• “Fed up with school nativities and sentimental Christmas cards? Then The Promise and the Light is for you. It’s a fantastic retelling of the Christmas story from the perspective of those who witnessed it first-hand. It’s historically informed and beautifully reimagined. The result is an engrossing tale through which the message of Jesus shines.” – Tim Chester
  

• “If you’re looking for a family read-aloud this Christmas, or for a book for your kids to read for themselves, this book captures the wonder of Christmas while retaining the power of the biblical narrative” – Courtney Reissig
  

• “Fire your imagination with a story full of wonder, amazement, confusion and shocks” – Ed Drew

Katy Morgan is an Editor at The Good Book Company, which is dedicated to helping Christians and local churches grow. She holds a master’s degree in classical Greek literature, and previously worked in a ministry role as part of a school chaplaincy.

The Promise and the Light can be ordered direct from the Good Book Company here. Or listen to Katy talking about the book in a ‘Faith in Kids’ podcast here. “It’s not preaching about Christmas,” Katy says; “it’s immersing yourself in Christmas.” The whole podcast is great – and Katy comes on about 7 minutes in.