Christmas and the Saints

Vision Books for Young Readers

by Hertha Pauli

Ever since that night nearly two thousand years ago when the Infant Savior of the World smiled up from a manger in a poor village in Judea, men’s hearts have gladdened at the angel’s good tidings and their eyes have turned toward Bethlehem for a glimpse of the Divine Child. This is the story of how those good tidings reached us, of how they passed from land to land and from saint to saint, of how Christmas customs sprang up from the hearts of people of every land. From the lands of the Magi back to the fourth-century Bethlehem of St. Helena, and on to the Emerald Isle of St. Brigid, to the thirteenth-century Italy of St. Francis, all the way to La Navidad in the New World - so the good tidings were carried. And with them came, one by one, the tree, the gifts, the crib - all the customs which bind our own time and place with the Bethlehem of long ago. In a beautiful blend of history and legend, Hertha Pauli weaves together the story of the world’s Christmas.

190 pages

First published January 1, 1956

About the author

Hertha Ernestine Pauli was a journalist, writer and actor. She wrote books about Alfred Nobel and the Statue of Liberty. Her books for children, including "Silent Night: The Story of a Song," published in 1943, were particularly successful.

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Edit: upon reading a second time I adjusted my rating from 4 stars to 3 stars. The first half of the book is very enjoyable, however, I found the second half to be quite dry. (I still found the stories depicting the 3 wise men very sweet!)

A sweet book (from the old Vision Book Series) containing stories connecting specific saints to Christmas and the Christ Child. I particularly LOVED the stories about the 3 wise men... It nearly brought tears to my eyes to see them finally Baptized decades later after searching all their lives in hopes of again seeing the Savior they visited as a baby in the manager! I believe most of these stories to be theologically sound with bits of "legend" possibly intertwined. Each story somehow connects to the one that follows... very interesting!



The Chapters included:

1. Good Tidings
2. The Gifts
3. The Magi's Return
4. Across The River (St. Christopher)
5. The Innkeeper's Daughter (St. Helena and Emperor Constantine)
6. The Lion of Bethlehem (St. Jerome)
7. The Emerald Isle (St. Brigid)
8. Saint Nicholas
9. The Christmas Crib (St. Francis)
10. Across the Sea (Christopher Columbus)
11. The New Bethlehem

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection of stories surrounding Christmas and the saints associated with the holiday at some time, was published back in 1956. It's a book I would have read as a child, had it been around to be devoured. Scripture stories simply written; if only it could always be like that. Reading these succinct, yet meaningful stories of the saints makes me realize that as I have entered my third decade of life, my faith has also changed - or at least manipulated by the times. I enjoyed reading about St. Christopher and more about St. Francis of Assisi, for example. Each story was wrought with suffering and trials, but of faith and rewards and happiness. As a child, I believed it was all that simple. I suppose that maturity has brought with it hesitation, doubt and political correctness, for lack of a better term. That being said, I enjoyed being reminded of what Christians have rejoiced over for two millennia, in many different ways and traditions. This young adult novel makes me want to learn more about some of these saints, such as Christopher, Brigid and Francis. Makes me feel like miracles are out there, if only you are willing to have the utmost faith and humility.

[Two Hearts Homeschool · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book from the Vision series that was not reprinted by Ignatius Press. I loved the interlinked stories of the different saints and their relation to the Nativity story - one star off for the last three pages and the cheesy reference to “Toyland”.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a charming little book of sweet, pious legends (although the chapter on Christopher Columbus is pure bunk). I don't think I even believed them when I was ten and first read it; but it has maintained its attraction for the most part. A Vision Book, it and its cohorts are tales written for children to instill a love of faith and holiness -- be warned! but read it for what it is, and enjoy.

[KieraK · Rating 3 out of 5]

This started off very well. But the ending with Christopher Columbus with our knowledge now was a bit skewed, so I stopped reading it aloud to the kids. Up to St. Francis of Assisi it was a really good read though.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting little book on how certain Christmas customs had begun.