The Praises of Christmas takes readers on a journey to the first Christmas through the eyes of those who were there, focusing especially on their response of praise to God's gift of a Savior:

• Mary, sure of God's goodness but unsure about all the implications of this baby
• Zacharias, humbled by his doubts but rejoicing in God's work
• The angels, marveling that their Creator would come to earth in such a vulnerable way
• The shepherds, despised in society yet being first to receive the good news for all people

• The elderly Simeon and Anna, rejoicing to see the young Messiah after waiting so long.

  Their memories are not of candles and presents and meals and family togetherness but of God at work in a way that almost made them speechless.