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The First Christmas: The Bible’s Nativity Story
Keep Jesus in the center of your family’s Christmas and Advent celebrations with this beautiful nativity storybook from N.T. Wright, one of the world’s most loved and trusted Bible scholars.
With the big-picture approach that readers worldwide have learned to trust, N.T. Wright weaves together the biblical accounts of Jesus’ birth into a thoughtful, hope-filled telling of the first Christmas, from Gabriel’s announcement to the family’s return from Egypt.
The First Christmas features
a faithful telling of the nativity story;gorgeous painted art from award-winning illustrator Helena Perez Garcia;a resource page showing how Old Testament prophecies were fulfilled in baby Jesus’ coming; anda deluxe book with a presentation page.A beautiful keepsake gift for children and adults alike, The First Christmas celebrates Christ’s birth with authenticity, beauty, and joy.
With the big-picture approach that readers worldwide have learned to trust, N.T. Wright weaves together the biblical accounts of Jesus’ birth into a thoughtful, hope-filled telling of the first Christmas, from Gabriel’s announcement to the family’s return from Egypt.
The First Christmas features
a faithful telling of the nativity story;gorgeous painted art from award-winning illustrator Helena Perez Garcia;a resource page showing how Old Testament prophecies were fulfilled in baby Jesus’ coming; anda deluxe book with a presentation page.A beautiful keepsake gift for children and adults alike, The First Christmas celebrates Christ’s birth with authenticity, beauty, and joy.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published September 9, 2025
3 people are currently reading
3108 people want to read
About the author
N.T. Wright
459 books2,920 followersN. T. Wright is the former Bishop of Durham in the Church of England (2003-2010) and one of the world's leading Bible scholars. He is now serving as the chair of New Testament and Early Christianity at the School of Divinity at the University of St. Andrews. He has been featured on ABC News, Dateline NBC, The Colbert Report, and Fresh Air, and he has taught New Testament studies at Cambridge, McGill, and Oxford universities. Wright is the award-winning author of Surprised by Hope, Simply Christian, The Last Word, The Challenge of Jesus, The Meaning of Jesus (coauthored with Marcus Borg), as well as the much heralded series Christian Origins and the Question of God.
He also publishes under Tom Wright.
He also publishes under Tom Wright.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
December 17, 2025
A Beautiful Account of the True Story of Christmas-
This beautifully illustrated, Biblically accurate, picture book of the first Christmas is one that can be enjoyed by all and passed down as a Christmas heirloom. I also appreciated the last pages, as they chronicle God’s Old Testament promises with the New Testament fulfillment in Jesus. These truths are paramount to Christian beliefs in God’s faithfulness to keep His Word and what better time to share them with family and those who need to hear the true account of Christmas.
I received this book from the author/publisher free of charge, with no expectation of a positive review.
This beautifully illustrated, Biblically accurate, picture book of the first Christmas is one that can be enjoyed by all and passed down as a Christmas heirloom. I also appreciated the last pages, as they chronicle God’s Old Testament promises with the New Testament fulfillment in Jesus. These truths are paramount to Christian beliefs in God’s faithfulness to keep His Word and what better time to share them with family and those who need to hear the true account of Christmas.
I received this book from the author/publisher free of charge, with no expectation of a positive review.
October 15, 2025
A large and beautifully illustrated picture book of The First Christmas. The striking, colorful hardcover will immediately catch the children's attention. The hardcover can be wiped clean as needed.
The storyline aligns with the biblical version of Christ's birth. Children can easily understand this well-written version. The interior illustrations are bright and colorful. This would be a wonderful addition to any child's library and one they will enjoy often. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.
The storyline aligns with the biblical version of Christ's birth. Children can easily understand this well-written version. The interior illustrations are bright and colorful. This would be a wonderful addition to any child's library and one they will enjoy often. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.
November 12, 2025
The First Christmas: The Bible’s Nativity Story by N. T. Wright was so well written and true to God’s Word. The picture art and the scriptures referenced with the prophecies of Jesus birth, it will be such an inspiration to the children in your life. Don’t miss this treasure!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed are completely my own.
December 22, 2025
A GORGEOUS picture book and a PERFECT adaptation!
September 6, 2025
Book Review: The First Christmas by N. T. Wright
Rating: 4 Stars
I picked up N. T. Wright’s The First Christmas: The Bible’s Nativity Story with low-key curiosity and left feeling pleasantly moved — it’s a thoughtful, beautifully packaged retelling that earns four stars from me.
Wright takes the familiar elements of the nativity — Gabriel’s startling announcement, Mary and Joseph’s journey, the manger scene, the shepherds, the Magi, and even the family’s flight to Egypt — and stitches them together into a single, coherent narrative. His voice is pastoral and accessible rather than academic; he keeps Jesus unmistakably at the center while guiding readers through the story’s theological resonances and moments of simple human tenderness. The book doesn’t try to be exhaustive or scholarly in a heavy-handed way; instead it presents the events with clarity and hope, showing how the birth of Jesus connects back to Old Testament promises without getting bogged down in textbook exposition.
One of the real standouts is the artwork. The painted illustrations by Helena Perez Garcia are just lovely — warm, textured, and full of quiet detail. They feel like the kind of images you’d happily leave on the coffee table or read aloud with small children gathered nearby. The book also includes a helpful page pointing out how various Old Testament prophecies link to the nativity events, which I appreciated as a useful, succinct guide for further reflection or family conversation.
A few personal notes: first off, that cover is delightful — charming and inviting, exactly the kind of art that made me want to open the book right away. The tone across the pages struck the right balance for me: reverent without being stuffy, informative without losing the intimacy of the story.
Overall, The First Christmas is a warm, reliable nativity book that I’d happily recommend as a family-read or a gift. It centers Jesus clearly, offers beautiful visuals, and gives just enough scriptural scaffolding to prompt further conversation. If you want a lovely, hope-filled retelling to bring into your Advent or Christmas traditions, this one is well worth a place on the shelf.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Rating: 4 Stars
I picked up N. T. Wright’s The First Christmas: The Bible’s Nativity Story with low-key curiosity and left feeling pleasantly moved — it’s a thoughtful, beautifully packaged retelling that earns four stars from me.
Wright takes the familiar elements of the nativity — Gabriel’s startling announcement, Mary and Joseph’s journey, the manger scene, the shepherds, the Magi, and even the family’s flight to Egypt — and stitches them together into a single, coherent narrative. His voice is pastoral and accessible rather than academic; he keeps Jesus unmistakably at the center while guiding readers through the story’s theological resonances and moments of simple human tenderness. The book doesn’t try to be exhaustive or scholarly in a heavy-handed way; instead it presents the events with clarity and hope, showing how the birth of Jesus connects back to Old Testament promises without getting bogged down in textbook exposition.
One of the real standouts is the artwork. The painted illustrations by Helena Perez Garcia are just lovely — warm, textured, and full of quiet detail. They feel like the kind of images you’d happily leave on the coffee table or read aloud with small children gathered nearby. The book also includes a helpful page pointing out how various Old Testament prophecies link to the nativity events, which I appreciated as a useful, succinct guide for further reflection or family conversation.
A few personal notes: first off, that cover is delightful — charming and inviting, exactly the kind of art that made me want to open the book right away. The tone across the pages struck the right balance for me: reverent without being stuffy, informative without losing the intimacy of the story.
Overall, The First Christmas is a warm, reliable nativity book that I’d happily recommend as a family-read or a gift. It centers Jesus clearly, offers beautiful visuals, and gives just enough scriptural scaffolding to prompt further conversation. If you want a lovely, hope-filled retelling to bring into your Advent or Christmas traditions, this one is well worth a place on the shelf.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
December 10, 2025
With care, this book introduces the Christmas story to young listeners.
Starting with the angel's visit to Mary to announce her pregnancy, these pages tell about the birth of Christ. The author sticks close to the Bible and lets the story come across with the same feel and style. Still, the author makes sure to word it just right for younger listeners to understand and enjoy. While the text tells the story, the illustrations let it come to life visually. These also carry enough of a traditional feel to match with the text style, while also adding a lovely, artistic touch. Young listeners can pick this up on their own and follow the story visually. Or those readers, who have a pretty good grip on their words, can go through the tale on their own.
At the end, there are several Bible verses, which give a quick glance at a few prophecies concerning Jesus' birth from the Old Testament. This works especially nice for older readers and adults, since it demonstrates how Jesus' birth was a fulfillment of the promise from the Old Testament.
In other words, this is a lovely read for anyone looking for a book, which concentrates on the Christmas story as loved from the Bible.
Starting with the angel's visit to Mary to announce her pregnancy, these pages tell about the birth of Christ. The author sticks close to the Bible and lets the story come across with the same feel and style. Still, the author makes sure to word it just right for younger listeners to understand and enjoy. While the text tells the story, the illustrations let it come to life visually. These also carry enough of a traditional feel to match with the text style, while also adding a lovely, artistic touch. Young listeners can pick this up on their own and follow the story visually. Or those readers, who have a pretty good grip on their words, can go through the tale on their own.
At the end, there are several Bible verses, which give a quick glance at a few prophecies concerning Jesus' birth from the Old Testament. This works especially nice for older readers and adults, since it demonstrates how Jesus' birth was a fulfillment of the promise from the Old Testament.
In other words, this is a lovely read for anyone looking for a book, which concentrates on the Christmas story as loved from the Bible.
October 15, 2025
I recently bought The First Christmas: The Bible’s Nativity Story (God’s Big Picture Bible Stories) for my family, and it has quickly become one of our favorite children’s books for the holiday season. What I appreciate most is how it takes the biblical account of Jesus’ birth and makes it simple, clear, and engaging for young readers without losing the heart of the message.
The illustrations are bright, warm, and inviting—my kids are instantly drawn in when I open the book. They really capture the wonder of the nativity scene and help bring the story to life. The text is written in a way that even my younger child can follow along, while still offering enough depth for my older child to ask good questions and make connections to the bigger picture of the Bible.
I also love that this book doesn’t just tell a “holiday story,” but it stays true to Scripture and helps children understand why the birth of Jesus matters. It emphasizes God’s promise and His plan, which makes it much more meaningful than just a seasonal picture book.
The illustrations are bright, warm, and inviting—my kids are instantly drawn in when I open the book. They really capture the wonder of the nativity scene and help bring the story to life. The text is written in a way that even my younger child can follow along, while still offering enough depth for my older child to ask good questions and make connections to the bigger picture of the Bible.
I also love that this book doesn’t just tell a “holiday story,” but it stays true to Scripture and helps children understand why the birth of Jesus matters. It emphasizes God’s promise and His plan, which makes it much more meaningful than just a seasonal picture book.
November 11, 2025
I was privileged to receive The First Christmas by N.T. Wright for free in exchange for an honest review. I've been looking forward to it's arrival, and I've not been disappointed.
As a Christian mom of young children, I love this book! I like the way the writer takes the story of Jesus' birth and small boyhood from Matthew and Luke in the Bible, and wrote it in a way that young children will understand and enjoy. I also like how the last 2 pages shows how Jesus' birth fulfilled Old Testament prophecies.
The illustrations by Helena Perez Garcia are well done as well. My children like to point out the things they see in the pictures.
The book is hardcover and appears to be of a good quality. In my copy, there were 2 pages that came with a crease in them. It was noticeable, yet not enough to affect the way I viewed the book.
If you are not into the life of Jesus, you will likely not enjoy this book, but to anyone that is, I would recommend this as a great addition to your home library, as a gift, or as a Christmas tradition.
As a Christian mom of young children, I love this book! I like the way the writer takes the story of Jesus' birth and small boyhood from Matthew and Luke in the Bible, and wrote it in a way that young children will understand and enjoy. I also like how the last 2 pages shows how Jesus' birth fulfilled Old Testament prophecies.
The illustrations by Helena Perez Garcia are well done as well. My children like to point out the things they see in the pictures.
The book is hardcover and appears to be of a good quality. In my copy, there were 2 pages that came with a crease in them. It was noticeable, yet not enough to affect the way I viewed the book.
If you are not into the life of Jesus, you will likely not enjoy this book, but to anyone that is, I would recommend this as a great addition to your home library, as a gift, or as a Christmas tradition.
November 22, 2025
The First Christmas by N.T. Wright is a wonderful treasure for the holiday season. From the very first page, the rich, full-color illustrations capture the attention of young readers, while the retelling of Jesus’s birth is written in clear, age-appropriate language—perfect for children ages 5 and up to gather around and listen as the story of our Savior’s birth unfolds.
What truly sets this book apart is the thoughtful post-story section highlighting God’s promises in the Old Testament and their fulfillment in the New Testament. It beautifully connects the nativity to the larger story of Scripture, helping children understand how Jesus’s arrival was part of God’s plan all along.
This book is not only engaging but faith-building—a perfect read-aloud for families, Sunday school classes, and Christmas Eve traditions. Highly recommend adding this to your Christmas collection!
Disclaimer: I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
What truly sets this book apart is the thoughtful post-story section highlighting God’s promises in the Old Testament and their fulfillment in the New Testament. It beautifully connects the nativity to the larger story of Scripture, helping children understand how Jesus’s arrival was part of God’s plan all along.
This book is not only engaging but faith-building—a perfect read-aloud for families, Sunday school classes, and Christmas Eve traditions. Highly recommend adding this to your Christmas collection!
Disclaimer: I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
November 10, 2025
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
N.T Wright’s The First Christmas is an oversized book, which makes it ideal for the whole family to gather around and listen to God’s story of love this (and every) Christmas. This story includes the angel coming to Mary, the angel appearing to Joseph in a dream, the angels’ proclamation to the shepherds, separate visits from the shepherds and the Wise Men (although Jesus looks to be the same age in both scenes), the escape to Egypt, and the journey to return to Egypt after Herod’s death. Illustrations are beautifully done by Helena Perez Garcia, who also illustrated N.T. Wright’s God’s Big Picture Bible Storybook. The end of the book includes a section with the scripture for God’s Old Testament promise and the New Testament fulfillment! This treasure is a wonderful side-by-side view for children young and old, along with their parents, to see and be reminded that God keeps His promises.
N.T Wright’s The First Christmas is an oversized book, which makes it ideal for the whole family to gather around and listen to God’s story of love this (and every) Christmas. This story includes the angel coming to Mary, the angel appearing to Joseph in a dream, the angels’ proclamation to the shepherds, separate visits from the shepherds and the Wise Men (although Jesus looks to be the same age in both scenes), the escape to Egypt, and the journey to return to Egypt after Herod’s death. Illustrations are beautifully done by Helena Perez Garcia, who also illustrated N.T. Wright’s God’s Big Picture Bible Storybook. The end of the book includes a section with the scripture for God’s Old Testament promise and the New Testament fulfillment! This treasure is a wonderful side-by-side view for children young and old, along with their parents, to see and be reminded that God keeps His promises.
September 25, 2025
It's a good re-telling of the birth of Jesus Christ based on the accounts of Matthew and Luke. The author had a tiny creative freedom that won't make the story like your watching the Chosen. No specific theme nor anything highlighted except on the end the author mentioned OT promises of the coming of the king. I'm a bit concern on the author's choice of writing Mary is an unmarried rather being a virgin while talking to the angel Gabriel. Well I think the adults reading this story to their little ones can add that info. The artwork is superbly rendered but I find illustrations on other pages should have given more love. As far as I'm concern, aside from my little concern, there is no controversial stuff brought up by N. T. Wright in the book for kids. So it's a good and safe read and it will give that warmth Christmas vibe when you open this book to read,
December 9, 2025
The First Christmas by N. T. Wright Illustrated by Helena Perez Garcia is a wonderful book that shares the Christmas story with gorgeous pictures to go along with the text. This picture book is larger making the pictures more engaging to the reader. The book also has shares how God keeps his promises with scripture reference.
This is a stunning book that will be a Christmas treasure for your family. You can have several children or one child gather around and they can easily see the wonderful pictures with the Christmas story. I would recommend this for any child between the ages of 4-8, and honestly older children and adults will also be very engaged. I highly recommend.
I was gifted a copy and not required to write a positive review.
This is a stunning book that will be a Christmas treasure for your family. You can have several children or one child gather around and they can easily see the wonderful pictures with the Christmas story. I would recommend this for any child between the ages of 4-8, and honestly older children and adults will also be very engaged. I highly recommend.
I was gifted a copy and not required to write a positive review.
March 31, 2025
This is a beautifully written and illustrated story book for children. It is not the same as God’s Big Picture Bible Storybook, although a few of the illustrations are reused. I love that it tells the entire story, from angels appearing to Mary and Joseph, to the shepherds in Bethlehem, the wise men at the house, and King Herod and the trip to Egypt. Also included is a section on Biblical promises that have been fulfilled. A lovely book that children and adults will both enjoy and appreciate having in their library.
*I received a complimentary copy of this e-book courtesy of Tommy Nelson Publishers through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
*I received a complimentary copy of this e-book courtesy of Tommy Nelson Publishers through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 20, 2025
The First Christmas, God’s Big Picture Bible Storybook by N. T. Wright and illustrated by Helena Perez Garcia
This classically written account of the First Christmas is brought to life by the beautiful illustrations by Garcia. Every page engages the reader first by inviting us to enjoy the pictures and then engages the reader with the retelling of the story of the birth of Jesus. Throughout the book, God’s promises are revealed and show how God keeps His promises. The last page includes examples of God’s promises including reference verses. This is a large book with beautiful pictures that will be a delight!
#Sponsored I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
This classically written account of the First Christmas is brought to life by the beautiful illustrations by Garcia. Every page engages the reader first by inviting us to enjoy the pictures and then engages the reader with the retelling of the story of the birth of Jesus. Throughout the book, God’s promises are revealed and show how God keeps His promises. The last page includes examples of God’s promises including reference verses. This is a large book with beautiful pictures that will be a delight!
#Sponsored I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 27, 2025
“The First Christmas” is a simply but beautifully told story of the birth of Jesus. Big, gorgeously illustrated in full color, this book can be read every Christmas as a tradition to welcome the holy season and would be enjoyed by the whole family. Definitely a volume that earns a place in any Christian family’s library, not least because the author is one of the world’s leading New Testament scholars and is an award-winning author of many books. Love it.
Will sure be reluctant to put this copy in my church library vs keep it for myself!
Will sure be reluctant to put this copy in my church library vs keep it for myself!
November 5, 2025
Similar to God's Big Picture Bible Storybook, the text and story is clear and simple for children to understand. The illustrations are just beautiful, and you'll want to pause after each page to take them in. As with most nativity stories, the images show the wisemen arriving when Jesus is still a baby rather than a little older as is believed, but I think that discrepancy does not take away from the overall story of Jesus' birth and His arrival into this world. A book to add to the Christmas book collection. (I received this book for free in exchange for my honest review.)
March 18, 2025
What a beautiful book with beautiful story. It has more to the story than just the virgin mother having Jesus in a manger. I’d say this book is for any kid that could sit for longer than 5 minutes (not toddlers but maybe Kindergartners). There’s also a section about Gods promises, which is great.
Thank you NetGalley, NT Wright and Tommy Nelson publishing for the ARC. All opinions stated are my own.
Thank you NetGalley, NT Wright and Tommy Nelson publishing for the ARC. All opinions stated are my own.
October 14, 2025
I received this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. Thank you!
Beautifully illustrated telling of the birth of Christ. Following the story are references to the Old Testament prophesies and the events as told in the New Testament. A lovely introduction to the events preceding and of Christmas for children. The illustrations are colorful and detailed.
The author is a bishop of the Anglican Church and theologian.
Beautifully illustrated telling of the birth of Christ. Following the story are references to the Old Testament prophesies and the events as told in the New Testament. A lovely introduction to the events preceding and of Christmas for children. The illustrations are colorful and detailed.
The author is a bishop of the Anglican Church and theologian.
March 25, 2025
This is just your average run of the mill retelling of the Christmas story in picture book form. The art is good. The retelling is a bit choppy. You should also know that this book represents Jesus as a newborn baby at the time the wisemen come to him. Just in case that bothers you as much as it bothers me. He was closer to two years old at that time. Accuracy matters!
May 4, 2025
A beautiful book and a beautiful telling of the Christmas story. Fully tells the story from the angel appearing to Mary to the trip the Egypt. I also love the section at the end that highlights all of the promises God fulfilled in this story.
This is for kiddos who are at a Jesus Storybook Bible level and above.
Thanks to Tommy Nelson for a digital review copy. All opinions are my own.
This is for kiddos who are at a Jesus Storybook Bible level and above.
Thanks to Tommy Nelson for a digital review copy. All opinions are my own.
September 12, 2025
A nicely illustrated book about the story of Christmas. What sets this book apart is that at the end of the book N.T. Wright has a section that talks about God's promises for us and how God has kept these promises. Recommend this book for family and church libraries.
I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
October 15, 2025
A beautifully illustrated picture book, this retelling of Christ's birth is both lovely and informative,.demonstrating how God's promises were fulfilled through Jesus' arrival. It makes a great addition to family Advent readings.
I received a complimentary e-copy of this book.
I was under no obligation to leave a positive review. Thank you, Tommy Nelson
#TheFirstChristmas #NetGalley
I received a complimentary e-copy of this book.
I was under no obligation to leave a positive review. Thank you, Tommy Nelson
#TheFirstChristmas #NetGalley
March 18, 2025
Lovely picture book retelling of the birth of Christ. Great illustrations and includes how God fulfilled promises through Jesus’ birth. Would make an excellent addition to your Advent readings with kiddos.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tommy Nelson for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tommy Nelson for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
October 12, 2025
This book is biblically accurate and well done. I would recommend it for older kids (7 and up) just due to the fact it may be a little over their heads due to the straight forward writing of the book.
Thanks for my gifted copy.
Thanks for my gifted copy.
October 15, 2025
This was a really good Christmas book. I was greatly impressed with this children's book and the way the story of Christmas was told. It was accurate and understandable for children. Well done! I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions in this review are my own.
October 17, 2025
I won this book in a Goodreads.com giveaway. This is my honest opinion of the book.
A beautifully illustrated book of a well written Christmas story. I especially like the section of the book at the end that lists the prophecies in the Old Testament to Jesus' story in the New Testament.
A beautifully illustrated book of a well written Christmas story. I especially like the section of the book at the end that lists the prophecies in the Old Testament to Jesus' story in the New Testament.
December 29, 2025
What a wonderful book! It is biblically sound, and the illustrations are beautiful. We are grateful to be able to read this story about the birth of Jesus to our kiddos over and over. The true reason for the season!
I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review.
I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review.
March 11, 2026
This is a beautifully illustrated and written picture book on the Christmas Story. Its large format is perfect for a read aloud and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. This will be added to my own Christmas Picture Book collection.
October 16, 2025
Such a fun win from Goodreads giveaways! Large picture book with beautiful pictures. Biblically based story of Jesus birth.
December 12, 2025
An average retelling but even my kids laughed at all the "marry Mary" clunkiness.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews