The Birth

Chronicles of Heaven #3

by Gene Edwards

This title is no longer available from Tyndale, but it can be ordered from SeedSowers / 4003 N. Liberty Street / Jacksonville, FL 32206
“In the glorious heavenly realm, the angels eagerly strain to understand what new thing God is about to do as Gabriel passes through the Door―The forces of good and evil are about to clash.” The Birth tells the tale of the incarnation as seen from both realms―heaven and earth.

Genres: Christian, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christmas, Novels, Spirituality

135 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1986

About the author

Gene Edwards is one of America's most beloved Christian authors. He has published over 25 best-selling books, and his signature work, "The Divine Romance," has been called a masterpiece of Christian literature. He has written biblical fiction covering nearly the entire Bible, with titles that include the following: "The Beginning," "The Escape," "The Birth," "The Divine Romance," "The Triumph," "Revolution," "The Silas Diary," "The Titus Diary," "The Timothy Diary," "The Priscilla Diary," "The Gaius Diary," and "The Return."

Gene grew up in the East Texas oil fields and entered college at the age of 15. He graduated from East Texas State University at 18 with a bachelor's degree in English history and received his M.Div. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Gene is part of the house-church movement, and he travels extensively to aid Christians as they begin meeting in homes rather than in church buildings. He also conducts conferences on living the deeper Christian life.

Gene and his wife, Helen, reside in Jacksonville, Florida, and have two grown children.

Reviews

[Brett · Rating 4 out of 5]

The greatest Birth ever recorded. God has given us everything we need to know about the Savior (God the Son) incarnation. Often our minds wonder about the small details regarding this event. Gene Edwards shares with readers his "idea" of what it must have been like from the angels receiving news about God coming to earth, Elizabeth & Zachariah's announcement of having a son, and Mary and Joseph receiving news that they would receive the Savior as their child. While these details do not change nor add to this incredible event (God's Word is sufficient), it is easy to read or remind ourselves of this event and yet loose the sense of awe and wonder. Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, Zachariah, Anna, Simeon... and more.. they were real people waiting with Hope in God and trusting His Word. Imagine what it must have been like. This is exactly what Gene Edwards attempts to share. This is a good and easy read.

[Congetta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book of fiction based on the story of Jesus’ birth taken from the Gospels. I think this would be a great read aloud or book for a younger reader after they have been told the Bible version. The chapters are short, but compelling enough that you want to continue reading. I ended up reading it in one sitting.

This was interesting as it was told from the vantage point of Heaven. I found the way he wrote how Heaven and the angels communicated with people on the earth realistic (for me). I enjoyed this book, so I decided to read the other books in the Chronicles of Heaven series. This is actually the fourth book in the series, so I am now going to start with the first one which is actually not the Beginning. :)

[Susie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this retelling of the Christmas story. There are some good twists in vantage point to make you think about things a bit differently. My only peeve, why does everybody think Mary rode on a donkey?

[Kelle Treadwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

An awesome story of the birth of Jesus Christ. Both powerful and amusing.

[Katie Brewster · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy his writing style, it's very simple yet paints a very vivid image in your mind. The series is a quick read but well worth your time!

[Lorna R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Birth of Christ from Heaven's perspective. Great book!

[James Salimes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Several thoughtful moments. Perspectives make it interesting and thought provoking. POV is very random. Amateur writing.

[Jane Almond · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in just over an hour. And I'll read it again.

I normally don't read imaginative stories like this but I was attracted by the mystical descriptions and impacted by the storytelling ability of Mr Edwards from the start.

His insights into the reality of the heavenly realms are throughly biblical - the two creations, the Door, the cherubim, the Magi and the characters' reactions to events were human and real. The story unfolded well and even though we might know it well, it releases new perspectives.

It resonated with a lot of my own God-experiences and biblical understanding - if you've not experienced the realms of heaven in this way, then engage with the story and allow the Father to speak to you.

I will now purchase some of his other more theological books and explore his writing further...

A good find!

[Dottie Parish · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Birth tells the story of the birth of Christ from heaven’s perspective. This is a fascinating short but powerful book about the events of the incarnation – the invasion of God into human form as the baby Jesus. We discover the excited and significant roles the angels played as they realized something new was about to happen and they are instructed to be messengers to Mary and Joseph and then to appear to the shepherds. The story is told in historical sequence and shows the concerns of Joseph and Mary as well as their delight in the many affirmations of Jesus divinity. His divinity is confirmed by the angels, the shepherds, the Kings and the prophets in the temple. This is a delightful book that could be read to grade school children at Christmas as well as enjoyed by adults.

[Ginger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gene Edwards is such a beautiful, poetic writer. These familiar stories, told from the perspective of the heavenly hosts, give me goosebumps. And this is a human, flawed, tiny glimpse of the view from heaven, but it is majestic. Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.

This particular volume of the Chronicles of Heaven series would be a wonderful re-read every Christmas.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly did like this book and I am amazed at the insightfulness and comprehension that the author has into what could have truly occurred in the angelic realm during the events surrounding the birth of Jesus. I only gave it 4 stars because it is not nearly as good as the other books in the series, but still well worth the read!

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is fair to call this a midrash of the Gospel. It moves quickly through the story so familiar to those who have grown up with the annual readings of the Narratives of the Incarnation, offering one person's impression of the angelic beings as well as the relationship between the Holy Mother and Joseph, her betrothed and protecting husband.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of the birth of Jesus as told from the perspective of the angels. A short fiction book that has a great deal of Truth. Fabulous to read around Christmas because it makes you really appreciate the sacrifice.

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very entertaining, insightful and thought-provoking "Christian" read. Must be taken as a fictional novel based on a considerable amount of Biblical fact. Above all, moving and inspiring!

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is an amazing book of the Birth of Christ from the eyes of God.
Awesome work.

[Larry · Rating 4 out of 5]

The birth of Jesus from heaven's point of view (the entire series is awesome)!!

[Grete · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thrilling moments interspersed with clunky and ill-thought-out bits. Twice poor baby Jesus is clean forgotten and dropped while Mary, who was holding him, does her own thing.

[Donna Pingry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Christmas and Easter season, I reread the whole series. Gene Edwards is a fantastic author whose words make my mind grasp the old familiar stories in new, exciting ways.

[Gill Wyatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully creative. Brings the story of the nativity to life.