What do you think?
Rate this book
The Swaddling Clothes
Second Edition of the Biblical Christmas Novella. Through the ages, many stories have been told about Mary, Joseph and the birth of the Messiah. Stories of shepherds and sheep, kings, angels, and stables. But there is one story that has never been told. One story that has remained hidden in the fabric of time. The story of The Swaddling Clothes. Mentioned not once, but several times in the Scriptural text, what is the significance of these special cloths? And how did they make their way into a stable in Bethlehem? From the author that brought you the Days of Messiah series comes a whole new adventure critics are calling "intriguing...thought provoking... a fresh twist on an age old story "A surprisingly sweet treasure that deftly weaves fiction and Scripture." "I get tired of Bible stories sometimes, but The Swaddling Clothes brings the story to life." "Heartwarming...truly inspired. A story you will want to read again and again. Rich details and a suspenseful plot will keep you reading while giving you a glimpse of God's wonderful power and His amazing love." A great holiday read that will bring the Christmas story to life.
159 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 25, 2013
31 people are currently reading
394 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
May 2, 2014
What an astonishing precious little book. It is only about 130 pages, but the story between will leave you in Ahh. Amber takes us on a journey you will never forget. The history of the time and era is backed with scriptures from the bible as we travel along its path. Starting with King David and upward to the birth of baby Jesus. Assembled is a clothe of many colors with thread from all over the world joining into one by a master weaver. And so it is combined that all shall become one, and adorned by a king. The Star of David embellished among the clothe to shine bright until it is adjoined with the brilliant star that shown above when Jesus was born. The King of all Kings, the one that unites the world in an ever ending love and wraps us all in his arms. The book come highly recommended, and you know, I even believe it happen just that way. : ) I read this book on Sunday (the Sabbath) and the Lord blessed me with sweetest dreams that night. Thank you.
January 9, 2014
Age Appropriate For: All Ages
Best for Ages: All Ages
I had been wanting to try one of Amber Schamel’s stories and a Christmas story for only 99 cents seemed like a good way to try her stories. It was worth even more then what I paid for it, and it will not be the last book by Amber I will read.
I really loved how Amber wove biblical stories and fiction together to create the history of Jesus’ swaddling clothes. She did it so seamlessly that it is obvious that she spent a lot of time in her Bible and worked very carefully to make sure that the facts were right.
The story itself was so sweet and enjoyable. It isn’t long, but it isn’t to short and it very well written. I read it in one sitting because I enjoyed it so much!
If you are looking for a sweet and fresh Christmas story, a story that is biblically sound, I highly recommend The Swaddling Clothes.
Best for Ages: All Ages
I had been wanting to try one of Amber Schamel’s stories and a Christmas story for only 99 cents seemed like a good way to try her stories. It was worth even more then what I paid for it, and it will not be the last book by Amber I will read.
I really loved how Amber wove biblical stories and fiction together to create the history of Jesus’ swaddling clothes. She did it so seamlessly that it is obvious that she spent a lot of time in her Bible and worked very carefully to make sure that the facts were right.
The story itself was so sweet and enjoyable. It isn’t long, but it isn’t to short and it very well written. I read it in one sitting because I enjoyed it so much!
If you are looking for a sweet and fresh Christmas story, a story that is biblically sound, I highly recommend The Swaddling Clothes.
January 9, 2014
I read this book during the holidays. When reading the words 'swaddling clothes' I will always remember this book. A different kind of Christmas book or anytime of the year but I especially enjoyed it in December.
August 29, 2014
I really love this book!! Great job Amber Schamel :)
December 2, 2013
The Swaddling Clothes is a surprisingly sweet treasure that deftly weaves fiction and Scripture to create a compelling tale of love, hope, and promise. This story follows the tumultuous years from King David to the birth of Jesus Christ. We get a firsthand look at the heartbreak and despair that Israel finds itself in throughout this time. It’s not a history fill of ease and peace, but it is a time full of hope and humility. God uses this time to bring Israel back to Him. He chastises His people because He loves them, and He wants their hearts to turn back to Him in sincerity and love.
The idea that something as insignificant as swaddling clothes can be passed down from King Solomon to Jesus Christ is mind-boggling and yet something that I could see God using as a way to bind His people to Him in hope and promise. While this story is a work of fiction, its inception and execution is brilliant. Watching as this cloth is handed down through the generations of kings almost lost and its meaning all but forgotten, is both heartbreaking and beautiful. The research and detail put into this story is amazing and not without great passion and heart from the author.
I love the up close and personal feel that we receive from reading this amazing story. You feel like you are invading very private moments in the lives of significant people. This new feel of intimacy makes these stories come alive for me. I get so much more from a story if I can read it on a personal level. After all, we were created to be intimate beings in constant communication with the Creator of the Universe. That is a part of our nature that we can’t erase or escape from no matter what we do.
Amber Schamel knows how to reach down deep and touch your heart. With what seems like little effort, she is able to make you feel like you are sitting next to these amazing people of God and discover that there is a way that we can relate to them on some level. They were real people who feared, hoped, loved, and dreamed just like we all do. We are all vessels that God wants to use for His purpose, but the choice is ours to allow Him to use us. I pray that you will allow Him to use you for a greater purpose than you can ever imagine. If God can use Rahab, Ruth, and Mary to prove that His love can reach this far down from the Heavens, then why can’t he use us?
The idea that something as insignificant as swaddling clothes can be passed down from King Solomon to Jesus Christ is mind-boggling and yet something that I could see God using as a way to bind His people to Him in hope and promise. While this story is a work of fiction, its inception and execution is brilliant. Watching as this cloth is handed down through the generations of kings almost lost and its meaning all but forgotten, is both heartbreaking and beautiful. The research and detail put into this story is amazing and not without great passion and heart from the author.
I love the up close and personal feel that we receive from reading this amazing story. You feel like you are invading very private moments in the lives of significant people. This new feel of intimacy makes these stories come alive for me. I get so much more from a story if I can read it on a personal level. After all, we were created to be intimate beings in constant communication with the Creator of the Universe. That is a part of our nature that we can’t erase or escape from no matter what we do.
Amber Schamel knows how to reach down deep and touch your heart. With what seems like little effort, she is able to make you feel like you are sitting next to these amazing people of God and discover that there is a way that we can relate to them on some level. They were real people who feared, hoped, loved, and dreamed just like we all do. We are all vessels that God wants to use for His purpose, but the choice is ours to allow Him to use us. I pray that you will allow Him to use you for a greater purpose than you can ever imagine. If God can use Rahab, Ruth, and Mary to prove that His love can reach this far down from the Heavens, then why can’t he use us?
December 14, 2013
"The Swaddling Clothes" by Amber Schamel gets 5 stars from me. This story is short, only 101 pages but gives a new meaning to the Christmas Story!
I have read Amber's Schamel's first book, Days of Messiah - Volume 1 - The Healer's Touch and loved it, so when I was asked if I wanted to be part of Amber's team to promote this book, I immediately said yes. I also liked the fact that it was a Christmas story.
This is a Christmas story so I was surprised when I first started reading it, because it starts in the year 980 B.C. when King David learns that God has heard his prayers for another child with Bathsheba. King David has special swaddling clothes made for his child so that when the time comes there will be no mistake made as to who will be king when he died. This story mixes Biblical fact and fiction together to make the reader want to continue reading!
The history in this book makes perfect sense when you get to the end of the book and Jesus is born! The beginning ties in with ending perfectly. The fact that Jesus was born in a stable is given a new meeting also. I am going to end this review with these quote from the book
"I'm so sorry it happened this way, Mary. I never imagined you'd have to give birth in a barn like an animal. And this is God's son, wrapped in cloth meant for an ox. I don't understand why Yahweh would bring the Messiah this way."
"Mary lifted an eyebrow and gave him a smile. "Perhaps, to prove that His love can reach this far"
There are footnotes at the bottom of the pages with the references to the portion of Scripture that is included in the story. There is a glossary and pronunciation guide at the back of the book.
This ebook costs.99 cents and so worth it! I believe this story is one that all Believers will want to have and read when they want to remember why God came down to earth, which is to prove that His love can reach this far.
I was given a pdf copy from the author for my honest opinion.
I have read Amber's Schamel's first book, Days of Messiah - Volume 1 - The Healer's Touch and loved it, so when I was asked if I wanted to be part of Amber's team to promote this book, I immediately said yes. I also liked the fact that it was a Christmas story.
This is a Christmas story so I was surprised when I first started reading it, because it starts in the year 980 B.C. when King David learns that God has heard his prayers for another child with Bathsheba. King David has special swaddling clothes made for his child so that when the time comes there will be no mistake made as to who will be king when he died. This story mixes Biblical fact and fiction together to make the reader want to continue reading!
The history in this book makes perfect sense when you get to the end of the book and Jesus is born! The beginning ties in with ending perfectly. The fact that Jesus was born in a stable is given a new meeting also. I am going to end this review with these quote from the book
"I'm so sorry it happened this way, Mary. I never imagined you'd have to give birth in a barn like an animal. And this is God's son, wrapped in cloth meant for an ox. I don't understand why Yahweh would bring the Messiah this way."
"Mary lifted an eyebrow and gave him a smile. "Perhaps, to prove that His love can reach this far"
There are footnotes at the bottom of the pages with the references to the portion of Scripture that is included in the story. There is a glossary and pronunciation guide at the back of the book.
This ebook costs.99 cents and so worth it! I believe this story is one that all Believers will want to have and read when they want to remember why God came down to earth, which is to prove that His love can reach this far.
I was given a pdf copy from the author for my honest opinion.
March 12, 2014
This novella is yet another Christmas story you might enjoy. I know, I know. It's not the Holiday Season--but as far as I'm concerned, Christmas never goes out of style. What do you think?
The story of the swaddling clothes begins as King David wants to demonstrate to the world that this baby of his beloved wife, Bathsheba, will one day rule Israel. He calls in fabric merchants from all over to show what they can do in the way of swaddling clothes for his new son, Solomon. David declares that these colors and fabrics will forever signify the owner of them will be king.
The swaddling clothes are passed down from one generation to the next, and the stories of each family are sweet and engaging. You can probably guess where they end up--but how?
The story of the swaddling clothes begins as King David wants to demonstrate to the world that this baby of his beloved wife, Bathsheba, will one day rule Israel. He calls in fabric merchants from all over to show what they can do in the way of swaddling clothes for his new son, Solomon. David declares that these colors and fabrics will forever signify the owner of them will be king.
The swaddling clothes are passed down from one generation to the next, and the stories of each family are sweet and engaging. You can probably guess where they end up--but how?
December 5, 2014
Amber takes you back to Solomon and the swaddling clothes that king David wanted for Solomon to name him as his successor. She then pushes forward to the birth of Christ and how the swaddling clothes that were for Solomon were passed down to Christ.
Amber does her research, there are scripture references throughout.
Highly recommended and the perfect book for the Christmas season.
Amber does her research, there are scripture references throughout.
Highly recommended and the perfect book for the Christmas season.
November 7, 2014
Sorry this took so long to read: life just got in the way. However, if I had my own way, I would never have put it down until I read the whole thing! Absolutely riveting and very, very well written! Thank you, Amber!
December 12, 2014
I truly enjoyed the story. This was a story of the birth of Christ, written in a way I would have never thought to do. She told the story from the point of view of His ancestry through His birth. Great book.
January 3, 2017
I enjoyed this story so much! The author did such a good job of crafting this tale. It was so interesting to see the origin of these swaddling clothes as told in the story, and watch as they were passed down through the ages. The weaving of actual events from the Bible with historical fiction as added by the author was nicely done. The Swaddling Clothes was a joy to read.
November 27, 2018
I enjoyed this short biblical fiction novella. Jesus' bloodline is always a bit confusing for me when trying to follow in the Bible. The author did a great job for me by providing an entertaining story which is well research by biblical facts which gave me a clear picture of Jesus' bloodline from David through to Joseph.
February 10, 2015
An incredibly imaginative look at a possible history of the swaddling clothes used to wrap baby Jesus in the manger.
From King David and Bathsheba to the captive children of Israel in Babylon, this story weaves an exciting journey into Biblical times and Jewish tradition.
From King David and Bathsheba to the captive children of Israel in Babylon, this story weaves an exciting journey into Biblical times and Jewish tradition.
August 2, 2017
What a brilliant idea for a story: the swaddling clothes of Baby Jesus. I really enjoyed reading this, especially the way fiction and Bible facts were merged to present the reader with a tale I just could not put down until I read the last page (although I knew what was happening).
The protagonists are well known, of course, but presented in a new way, and with historical facts well researched and narrated so I as a reader could see everyone in my imagination, and could follow the events unfolding.
Loved the footnotes, as they helped me refresh my memory.
A Christian story, elaborating on Bible passages, without "hitting" the reader over the head with missionary intent - that's the way I love them.
The protagonists are well known, of course, but presented in a new way, and with historical facts well researched and narrated so I as a reader could see everyone in my imagination, and could follow the events unfolding.
Loved the footnotes, as they helped me refresh my memory.
A Christian story, elaborating on Bible passages, without "hitting" the reader over the head with missionary intent - that's the way I love them.
September 1, 2017
I read this awhile back but I need to sing it's praise to the highest of mountains. I adored this book. I could not put it down and read it in one sitting which isn't -super- hard considering it is a novella but is a pretty big deal for me who doesn't like reading ebooks on a laptop. I need to cave and get an ereader. That is a sidenote however. This book gripped me and I have a fervent love of embellished biblical narrative. Other huge favourite of mine is The Robe and The Greatest Story Ever Told and Swaddling Clothes in my opinion stands right beside them regardless of the huge length difference.
December 28, 2016
I liked this story a lot. I thought that the author was very creative in coming up with this fictional story about the swaddling clothes that Mary and Joseph used to wrap baby Jesus in -- where the clothes came from and how they received them. It is very obvious that the author took a lot of time in writing this book. There are several scripture references that point out places where she got some her ideas from the Bible. I think that a lot of Christian families would enjoy reading this book.
February 17, 2017
This was a really fun book tying in the swaddling cloths for Jesus to an Old Testament story. I espechilly enjoyed the Israelite's leaving captivity.
The only thing I didn't like was the multiple cliches in espechilly Mary and Joseph's story.
I would definitely recommend this story to people looking for a nice, story. It'd be a great read aloud to kids.
The only thing I didn't like was the multiple cliches in espechilly Mary and Joseph's story.
I would definitely recommend this story to people looking for a nice, story. It'd be a great read aloud to kids.
November 27, 2017
I learned so much about biblical history from the reign of King David to the birth of Jesus all based around the swaddling clothes. Through Amber's vivid imagination, I was able to step into history and participate in the special births of Solomon and Jesus. Take a journey; it's worth your time this Christmas season.
January 18, 2021
A story of the swaddling clothes
This was a short story based on some accurate historical facts and a decent amount of fiction added in. Now I need to read some of the Old Testament stories to sift through the facts and fiction. It was enjoyable to follow the bloodline of David to Jesus.
This was a short story based on some accurate historical facts and a decent amount of fiction added in. Now I need to read some of the Old Testament stories to sift through the facts and fiction. It was enjoyable to follow the bloodline of David to Jesus.
December 31, 2016
The author tells a story that will touch your heart and give you hope. Wonderful telling of a truly magnificent birth. This is a great story to give as a gift, too.
December 29, 2016
I've been looking forward to trying one of Amber Schamel's books, and I'm so glad I got the chance to read The Swaddling Clothes this year at Christmastime. (Of course, it's a great story to read at anytime throughout the year, but it was fun for me to read in December.)
This is, in fact, a fictional account of how the cloth that baby Jesus was wrapped in came to be, through hundreds of years of being passed down through the house of David. As the centuries pass, we learn more and more of the journey of the swaddling clothes, and are reminded of Jesus' lineage.
I feel like there's a lot of good historical details in the story, which livens the story up with authenticity. All throughout, you'll find scripture references so that you'll know why the author chose to include certain details, based on the Bible.
Amber has a strong connection with words, and she writes this story well.
I would best recommend for ages 12 & up.
*Book completed for A Literary Christmas reading challenge at inthebookcase.blogspot.com.
This is, in fact, a fictional account of how the cloth that baby Jesus was wrapped in came to be, through hundreds of years of being passed down through the house of David. As the centuries pass, we learn more and more of the journey of the swaddling clothes, and are reminded of Jesus' lineage.
I feel like there's a lot of good historical details in the story, which livens the story up with authenticity. All throughout, you'll find scripture references so that you'll know why the author chose to include certain details, based on the Bible.
Amber has a strong connection with words, and she writes this story well.
I would best recommend for ages 12 & up.
*Book completed for A Literary Christmas reading challenge at inthebookcase.blogspot.com.
January 15, 2017
This was a well thought out tale of the Christmas story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It really made the characters come to life. I liked that the author included the references to the scriptures that the stories came out of so that the reader can look it up for themselves. I don't usually read a lot of biblical fiction, but this book makes me want to read more. I look forward to discovering more from this author.
December 18, 2016
The cloth
I was a little up set when she wrote of the Arc. Any one that has read the Bible no one touches and lives. I know this is fiction. I guess I was enjoying a bit to much. Then saw this and it didn't set well. Loved how she did move the Swaddling cloth thru the story. Be sure and go to the Bible and read about David and his reign and those that followed .
I was a little up set when she wrote of the Arc. Any one that has read the Bible no one touches and lives. I know this is fiction. I guess I was enjoying a bit to much. Then saw this and it didn't set well. Loved how she did move the Swaddling cloth thru the story. Be sure and go to the Bible and read about David and his reign and those that followed .
September 15, 2015
Very well done. Each segment in the lineage of the artifact ended with me wanting more of the story of that period. It was hard to remember the story was about the swaddling clothes and it's journey from creation to manger.
December 20, 2016
A glorious story
While the first part of this story was interesting, the second part became the highlight of this Christmas season. It was such a timely find for me. I can't thank the author enough for this tale. It's a fast, easy, and blessed read. Do yourself a favor...
While the first part of this story was interesting, the second part became the highlight of this Christmas season. It was such a timely find for me. I can't thank the author enough for this tale. It's a fast, easy, and blessed read. Do yourself a favor...
December 22, 2016
The Swaddling Clothes is an interesting fictional account of David having special swaddling clothes made for Solomon and tied in with the birth of Jesus. Amber Schamel includes many scripture quotations in the story.
Want to Read
December 14, 201412/13/14.
January 1, 2015
The book skipped large sections of years making some understanding difficult. A basic knowledge of the Bible is necessary.
December 21, 2016
Interesting perspective of birth of Jesus as result of God's continued provision of His people throughout history.
December 22, 2016
Interesting take on the Christmas story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews