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The Modern Magi: A Christmas Fable
In a fable about the true meaning of gift giving and sacrifice, waitress Annabelle Perkins dreams of traveling to Bethlehem and bringing a gift to the birthplace of Jesus
90 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1994
111 people want to read
About the author
Carol Lynn Pearson
93 books125 followersFrom http://www.clpearson.com/about_me.htm
In fourth grade, in Gusher, Utah, I won four dollars in a school district essay contest on “Why We Should Eat a Better Breakfast.” And yes, this morning I had a bowl of my own excellent granola, followed by a hike in the hills near my home in Walnut Creek, California.
In high school I began writing in earnest. I have now in my files a folder marked “Poetry, Very Bad,” and another, “Poetry, Not Quite So Bad.” Writing served a good purpose for that very dramatic, insecure adolescent. Also at that time I began to keep a diary, which I still maintain and which has been indescribably useful to me both as a writer and as a pilgrim on the earth.
After graduating from Brigham Young University with an MA in theatre, teaching for a year in Utah at Snow College, and traveling for a year, I taught part-time at BYU in the English department and was then hired by the motion picture studio on campus to write educational and religious screenplays.
While performing at the university as Mrs. Antrobus in Thornton Wilder’s “The Skin of Our Teeth,” I met and fell in love with Gerald Pearson, a shining, blond, enthusiastic young man, who fell in love with me and my poems.
“We’ve got to get them published,” he said on our honeymoon, and soon dragged me up to the big city, Salt Lake City, to see who would be first in line to publish them. “Poetry doesn’t sell,” insisted everyone we spoke to, and I, somewhat relieved, put publishing on the list of things to do posthumously.
But not Gerald. “Then I’ll publish them,” he said. Borrowing two thousand dollars, he created a company called “Trilogy Arts” and published two thousand copies of a book called Beginnings, a slim, hard-back volume with a white cover that featured a stunning illustration, “God in Embryo,” by our good friend Trevor Southey, now an internationally known artist. On the day in autumn of 1967 that Gerald delivered the books by truck to our little apartment in Provo, I was terrified. I really had wanted to do this posthumously.
Beginnings
Today
You came running
With a small specked egg
Warm in your hand.
You could barely understand,
I know,
As I told you of Beginnings–
Of egg and bird.
Told, too,
That years ago you began,
Smaller than sight.
And then,
As egg yearns for sky
And seed stretches to tree,
You became–
Like me.
Oh,
But there’s so much more.
You and I, child,
Have just begun.
Think:
Worlds from now
What might we be?–
We, who are seed
Of Deity.
We toted a package of books up to the BYU bookstore, and asked to see the book buyer. “Well,” she said, “nobody ever buys poetry, but since you’re a local person, let me take four on consignment.” As they came in packages of twenty, we persuaded her to take twenty--on consignment. Next day she called and asked, “Those books you brought up here. Do you have any more of them?”
I had anticipated that the two thousand books, now stacked in our little closet and under our bed and in my Daddy’s garage, would last us years and years as wedding presents. But immediately we ordered a second printing. Beginnings sold over 150,000 copies before we gave it to Doubleday and then to Bookcraft.
Beginnings was followed by other volumes of poetry: The Search, The Growing Season, A Widening View, I Can’t Stop Smiling, and Women I Have Known and Been. Most of the poems from the earlier books now appear in a compilation, Beginnings and Beyond. The poems have been widely reprinted in such places as Ann Landers’ column, the second volume of Chicken Soup for the Soul, and college textbooks such as Houghton Mifflin’s Structure and Meaning: an Introduction to Literature. That first little volume of verse, and my husband’s determination, laid the foundation for my entire career.
Another characteristic of my husband was to have a profound effect on both
In fourth grade, in Gusher, Utah, I won four dollars in a school district essay contest on “Why We Should Eat a Better Breakfast.” And yes, this morning I had a bowl of my own excellent granola, followed by a hike in the hills near my home in Walnut Creek, California.
In high school I began writing in earnest. I have now in my files a folder marked “Poetry, Very Bad,” and another, “Poetry, Not Quite So Bad.” Writing served a good purpose for that very dramatic, insecure adolescent. Also at that time I began to keep a diary, which I still maintain and which has been indescribably useful to me both as a writer and as a pilgrim on the earth.
After graduating from Brigham Young University with an MA in theatre, teaching for a year in Utah at Snow College, and traveling for a year, I taught part-time at BYU in the English department and was then hired by the motion picture studio on campus to write educational and religious screenplays.
While performing at the university as Mrs. Antrobus in Thornton Wilder’s “The Skin of Our Teeth,” I met and fell in love with Gerald Pearson, a shining, blond, enthusiastic young man, who fell in love with me and my poems.
“We’ve got to get them published,” he said on our honeymoon, and soon dragged me up to the big city, Salt Lake City, to see who would be first in line to publish them. “Poetry doesn’t sell,” insisted everyone we spoke to, and I, somewhat relieved, put publishing on the list of things to do posthumously.
But not Gerald. “Then I’ll publish them,” he said. Borrowing two thousand dollars, he created a company called “Trilogy Arts” and published two thousand copies of a book called Beginnings, a slim, hard-back volume with a white cover that featured a stunning illustration, “God in Embryo,” by our good friend Trevor Southey, now an internationally known artist. On the day in autumn of 1967 that Gerald delivered the books by truck to our little apartment in Provo, I was terrified. I really had wanted to do this posthumously.
Beginnings
Today
You came running
With a small specked egg
Warm in your hand.
You could barely understand,
I know,
As I told you of Beginnings–
Of egg and bird.
Told, too,
That years ago you began,
Smaller than sight.
And then,
As egg yearns for sky
And seed stretches to tree,
You became–
Like me.
Oh,
But there’s so much more.
You and I, child,
Have just begun.
Think:
Worlds from now
What might we be?–
We, who are seed
Of Deity.
We toted a package of books up to the BYU bookstore, and asked to see the book buyer. “Well,” she said, “nobody ever buys poetry, but since you’re a local person, let me take four on consignment.” As they came in packages of twenty, we persuaded her to take twenty--on consignment. Next day she called and asked, “Those books you brought up here. Do you have any more of them?”
I had anticipated that the two thousand books, now stacked in our little closet and under our bed and in my Daddy’s garage, would last us years and years as wedding presents. But immediately we ordered a second printing. Beginnings sold over 150,000 copies before we gave it to Doubleday and then to Bookcraft.
Beginnings was followed by other volumes of poetry: The Search, The Growing Season, A Widening View, I Can’t Stop Smiling, and Women I Have Known and Been. Most of the poems from the earlier books now appear in a compilation, Beginnings and Beyond. The poems have been widely reprinted in such places as Ann Landers’ column, the second volume of Chicken Soup for the Soul, and college textbooks such as Houghton Mifflin’s Structure and Meaning: an Introduction to Literature. That first little volume of verse, and my husband’s determination, laid the foundation for my entire career.
Another characteristic of my husband was to have a profound effect on both
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
December 18, 2024
A sweet, short Christmas book that I read with my daughter. I thought she might find it corny, but was pleasantly surprised by how much she enjoyed it.
February 16, 2020
One review for two very short books.
Ok, I admit it. I'm an atheist and only read these two books for a challenge. I have been moved by several beautiful Christian and other theist works, but neither The Christmas Box or The Modern Magi did much for me. Simple-minded writing and characters, and egregiously preachy.
Ok, I admit it. I'm an atheist and only read these two books for a challenge. I have been moved by several beautiful Christian and other theist works, but neither The Christmas Box or The Modern Magi did much for me. Simple-minded writing and characters, and egregiously preachy.
December 5, 2019
Short and sweet, I read it in one sitting. Completely predictable, especially if you know the original Gift of the Magi by O. Henry.
December 26, 2025
A sweet fable set in modern times. The gifts we want to give are not always the gifts being asked of us.
December 28, 2025
A simple but sweet read ❤️
December 14, 2016
Annabelle felt fulfilled at the end and I was both happy and sad .... sad that her life had been so small and happy because her life had been so expansive . This is a great story of where sympathy and generosity can lead us, perfect for this season of avarice, acquisition and giving a little something to the poor to soothe our consciences. I have to say that I liked it a lot, as much for the theme as for the poetic, easy telling.
December 21, 2011
This was an unsatisfying Christmas novel. The main character gives to others, but when someone finally gives to her, she is not there to benefit. The main character would claim that the ending was good, while I would argue that is was a sad ending.
December 18, 2017
Another book by Carol Lynn Pearson that I have had for several years, but finally read this week. It is a wonder book. I think it's every better than A Stranger for Christmas and I loved that one, too. I definitely will read these every year to feel the Spirit of Christmas in my life.
December 15, 2023
This short story used to be one that was read to me a lot as a kid. The story has a lot of sentimental value, however, after being at the level of reading that I am currently this book is mediocre. There was a lot of lacking in the writing of the characters and in the plot itself. I think the story does have some value, but it just doesn't stick out or feel as magical as it once did. Christmas stories such as A Christmas Carol, are iconic. The story has substance and the characters are deeper not as shallow as the ones in The Modern Magi. I would give this book 3 stars just because it lacked the holiday feeling I was hoping for and even though it is sentimental to me, it just didn't have as much of an impact.
December 9, 2019
I think that was supposed to be a "feel good" ending but I just felt sad for that poor woman. I get that "sacrifice" and "selflessness" are the very best qualities you can aspire to but...this story was just ...sad.
August 3, 2017
Sweet, predictable, but lovely for Christmas.
December 23, 2017
Cute, short book. Can read in one or two sittings. Sweet but/and simple.
December 27, 2019
Christmas tale of a woman all alone who decides to save for a trip to Bethlehem, but each year a voice tells her to give away the money to someone in need.
June 4, 2020
Another beautiful book by Carol Lynn Pearson! I just completed A Stranger for Christmas by the same author. Both books were wonderful, magical stories.
November 4, 2022
Delightful.
December 18, 2022
Sweet story about God’s timing and caring for others despite the sacrifice to self. Wonderful Christmas read.
December 23, 2022
It is a sweet story about being selfless to others and listening to God.
December 24, 2022
Silly silly silly
I read the Gift of the Magi every year - this thing was dreadful.
I read the Gift of the Magi every year - this thing was dreadful.
November 2, 2023
A delightful, heart warming story that reminds one of the real meaning of Christmas. A quick but touching read.
January 9, 2024
Cute little read. Nothing crazy but the meaning behind it was sweet.
December 29, 2025
Beautiful story! Very tender!
December 4, 2007
I read The Modern Magi by Carol Lynn Pearson simply because it was there. I don’t normally indulge in sappy Christmas novels, but I desperately needed a reading fix, and it was my only available option (okay, that’s a bit of an exaggeration).
This book is a perfect example of why I don’t read Christmas novels. Annabelle Perkins dreams of going to the “Holy Land.” She is poor and sick and saves to buy her ticket. Naturally, as the title suggests, when the time comes to travel, she is faced with a situation where she can help someone with her travel funds.
Annabelle is simply too good to be true. I believe in goodness and charity, but Annabelle’s level of kindness lacks authenticity. The entire book, in fact, feels a bit disingenuous. I sensed that Pearson’s sole goal was to make her readers cry. Now, I love to cry in books, but I don’t want to be manipulated into tears (and I didn’t shed any).
The Christmas novel is a specific genre. You know what you’re going to get before you read it (like many other genres), so if you want sickly sweetness mixed with tear-wrenching tragedy, feel free to indulge.
This book is a perfect example of why I don’t read Christmas novels. Annabelle Perkins dreams of going to the “Holy Land.” She is poor and sick and saves to buy her ticket. Naturally, as the title suggests, when the time comes to travel, she is faced with a situation where she can help someone with her travel funds.
Annabelle is simply too good to be true. I believe in goodness and charity, but Annabelle’s level of kindness lacks authenticity. The entire book, in fact, feels a bit disingenuous. I sensed that Pearson’s sole goal was to make her readers cry. Now, I love to cry in books, but I don’t want to be manipulated into tears (and I didn’t shed any).
The Christmas novel is a specific genre. You know what you’re going to get before you read it (like many other genres), so if you want sickly sweetness mixed with tear-wrenching tragedy, feel free to indulge.
December 30, 2013
This is a great Christmas story. All her life, Annabelle Perkins has dreamed of traveling to the Holy Land and bringing a gift to the birthplace of Jesus, the way that the Wise Men did so many years ago. Annabelle saves her money for a year so she can go, but something happens, and she ends up giving her money away. Annabelle saves her money for another year, but again gives it away. She saves her money for a third year, but again some thing happens. Annabelle is finally able to give her gift to Jesus, but not in the way that she expected to. I really liked this book.
December 8, 2010
This was given as a Christmas gift from my brother and sister-in-law. I read this every year and it never fails to pierce my soul and bring me to tears. Carol Lynn Pearson has a way of painting a full picture of this character and this story without mincing words. The irony of the story is particularly poignant, yet without leaving the reader thinking, "If only." Annabelle's sacrifice is not in vain, in fact, it brings greater blessings that she could have ever imagined.
December 2, 2015
Annabelle Perkins, an aging Midwestern spinster looks forward to finally experiencing her lifelong dream of visiting Bethlehem. But each time she gets close to her goal, something happens: a young woman needs financial help to finish her education; a family seeks a kidney transplant; and another family loses all in a house fire.
When Annabelle finally gets a chance to go on tour and give her gift to Jesus it is in a much different way than we expect.
When Annabelle finally gets a chance to go on tour and give her gift to Jesus it is in a much different way than we expect.
August 16, 2009
Annabelle Perkins has a secret. While growing up, she listened to her mother tell the story of the baby Jesus, and together they dreamed of taking a gift to Bethlehem - a little bronze lamb. Now a middle-aged woman alone, Annabelle has spent months saving for her "Christmas Adventure in the Holy Land". For the first time in her life, she is goind to do something remarkable...
March 24, 2008
I hope this is the right version. Not sure of the author. It was a story about a 57 year old woman who was trying to take a trip to the Holy Land and the "obstacles" or opportunities that kept arising.
December 10, 2011
This was my last book by this author that I reread for the season - in some ways, maybe my favorite. Each gift that is called for is harder to give, but the gifts are given and the true meaning of Christmas gifts is remembered in this touching story.
December 10, 2011
My favorite of this author's Christmas books. I loved the heroine of this story as she continues to give the present of Christmas to the Baby Jesus. A story of love and sacrifice and the redeeming grace offered us. This is a book read and reread every year and treasured each time.
January 1, 2017
This is one of my "Christmas" books that I like to read every year. Each of them makes me tear up with the emotion of the Christmas season, but it's a good reminder of what we are celebrating. (December 11, 2011)
Reread in December 2016
Reread in December 2016
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews