The Weirdest Nativity

by Andrew Sach, Jonathan Gemmell

This is a book for people who already know the standard nativity – the baby, the stable, the manger…

But it includes one character you were probably never told about – an enormous red dragon. We didn’t make him up. His story is tucked away in the lesser-known pages of the Bible and his terrible deeds are verifiable facts of history. Though few people are aware of him, he is fighting a battle in which we all must choose sides.

So this Christmas, let us fill in the gaps as we introduce you to the weirdest nativity.

Genres: Christian, Christmas, Nonfiction

64 pages, Paperback

First published September 16, 2019

About the author

Andrew Sach is on the leadership team at St. Helen's Bishopsgate. He was previously a scientist before training at Oak Hill Theological College.

Reviews

[Cameron McCartney · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a student of Jon Gemmell, I have learnt to listen carefully to pretty much everything he says. This book is a unique but Scripturally-sound take on the nativity, based on the book of Revelation. Sach and Gemmell write with a witty style which keeps the reader engaged. Another plus is that it’s a book you can easily read one sitting!

[Isaac Hulse · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent little book to read at Christmas and to pass on to an unbelieving friend. Andrew and Jonathan explain Revelation chapter 12 in a way that is approachable, understandable, and even relatable whilst being absolutely faithful to the text and its original context. It is so helpful for Christians and Non-Christians alike to think of The Weirdest Nativity as it gives joyful hope to the Christian and I pray challenges the Non-Christian to consider greater meaning behind the traditional nativity.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping, fresh and Biblical look at the nativity through the lens of Revelation. It explains what the nativity is really all about through a series of vivid and surprising images, told in an engaging narrative style.

[Jonny Swales · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shocking, gripping, fascinating little book! I became a Christian 12 years ago and never have I heard it taught before that there is a Christmas nativity narrative in the book of Revelation. Wow!

I want to go away and check what other Bible commentary says on the matter regarding this passage in Revelation 12 - which I’m still yet to do - but the book is grounded in Scripture, walking through the passage bit by bit in each chapter, and it’s hard to not see what the author is talking about. It really does scream the Christmas story!

But this isn’t just the nativity retold in a way you’ve not heard before, it’s an evangelistically thought provoking invite to follow Jesus Christ, the one who has come to defeat evil and the evil one. It does so in a unique way that may not be right for everyone - give it a read yourself before you give it away to a friend who might not believe in Jesus yet - but there will be great power in the shock factor way in which this book presents the Gospel message. After all, isn’t the good news of the Lord Jesus’ coming in human form to die for sinners and resurrect from the dead to win us forgiveness before God and eternal life with Him exactly that… Overwhelmingly shocking?

[Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting. I enjoyed getting to know more about the Revelation version of the Christmas story. I always like learning. Could have been in a slightly more fleshed out story. I vacillated on whether to put this in fiction or nonfic, but I think the authors were trying to wrap it in a fictional story so I left it there. Not bad at all, and I look forward to giving to my boys to read during Advent when they're a little older. (I think the target audience would be middle to late elementary.) Definitely not a long read, so if you're interested in the dragon in the maternity ward, I recommend this short but thorough explanation.

[Emma S · Rating 4 out of 5]

A look at the Christmas story from a different angle. Attention-grabbing, and well-written. The section on Psalm 2 was particularly creative and engaging. Sach and Gemmell show us clearly what it means for the baby in the manger to be king, and I also appreciate how they pick up on the persecution that will come for believers - ‘count the cost’. However, it’s a little unclear who this book was written for; I think there’s perhaps too much detail to hand it out in goody bags. A good resource, though.

[gltgw]

I hadn't realised that this book was primarily evangelistic so, although it was readable and I liked the reminders it gave me of the core principles and the little bit extra that was directly about Revelation, it wasn't aimed at me. However, it's also quite a bold choice as an evangelistic tool, seeing as it's, you know, about Revelation.

[Andrzej Stelmasiak · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best evangelistic thing in print I came across to give away at Christmas. Hits you from an angle you don't expect, especially if one has been inoculated to the good news of Jesus by typical Christmas talks. But it's not trying to be clever either.

[Kristina V. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The most entertaining & pleasant attempt to turn me into a Christian that has come through the mailbox so far. I enjoyed the different angle and finding a bit more about The Revelation.

[Jacob · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book moves beyond the nativity narrative that’s well known, found in the Gospels, and shows what’s “behind the scenes” in Heaven, as seen in the Book of Revelation. The best thing I can say about this book is that it will make you love Jesus even more. It’s easily read in a single sitting and you’ll want to share it with friends and fellow believers.

[Laurie Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent short book which introduces the Christian message in a unique and interesting way. It's aimed at the curious agnostic.

Disclaimer: The author is a friend of mine

[Karen Kneller · Rating 5 out of 5]

very different approach to the Christmas story, read it because it might change your life!