Following on from her bestselling Women of Holy Week, Paula Gooder uses her extensive biblical expertise and storytelling skills to recreate the events of the nativity, from the promise of a future people to Sarah, to the presentation in the temple and the encounter with Anna, the prophet.

The story is told from the perspective of nine women in all including Mary, Elizabeth, Rachel, and others whom scripture records or tradition has imagined, such as the innkeeper’s wife. As we hear the familiar stories afresh through their words, the wonder of the incarnation and its consequences for good and for ill, come to vivid life in a new way.

Each story is accompanied by a painting by the priest-artist, Ally Barrett. This will be widely welcomed by all who love Paula’s writing and respect her biblical expertise as well as those looking for fresh inspiration for seasonal services from Advent to Candlemas.

Contents

Introduction

About the Paintings

The Stories

The First Sunday of Advent - Sarah's Story

The Second Sunday of Advent - Huldah's Story

The Third Sunday of Advent - Abigail's Story

The Forth Sunday of Advent - Mary's Story

Christmas Day - Shiphrah's Story

The Holy Innocents - Rachael's Story

The Naming & Circumcision of Jesus - Elizabeth's Story

The Ephiphany - Mariamne's Story

Candlemas - Anna's Story

Each story also has an accompanying Bible passage, reflection and discussion questions.