Christmas Books

Written with his beloved down to earth style, Pope Francis tells the story of Christmas through the lens of the different characters of the Nativity scene. This book, in English for the first time, is destined to be a perennial Christmas classic.

"The nativity scene is like a living Gospel rising up from the pages of sacred Scripture. As we contemplate the Christmas story, we are invited to set out on a spiritual journey, drawn by the humility of the God who became man in order to encounter every man and woman. We come to realize that so great is his love for us that he became one of us, so that we in turn might become one with him." Pope Francis

On the 800th anniversary of St. Francis's original nativity, Pope Francis gives to the world this stirring call to come to the manger and encounter Christ anew.

Cold, cranky, and restless one winter's night, the young daughter of a Bethlehem innkeeper is bothered to wakefulness by the crowded, comfortless condition of her family's sleeping loft. Recalling the young couple staying in the stable out back, she arises to bring them some fire for warmth. There she approaches the newborn Babe asleep in the manger and has an encounter that changes her mood and alters her life forever.

Claudia Cangilla McAdam's marvelous retelling of the Christmas story demonstrates to children how an encounter with Christ can change their lives ... eternally.

Very young children are introduced to the beautiful story that changed the world, the birth of the Savior at Christmas.

With glorious illustrations by the acclaimed children's book artist Maite Roche, the little ones see and learn about the Wise Men who followed the star to Bethlehem, the sheep and donkeys, the angels and the shepherds, and the Baby Jesus and his Mother Mary, born in the humble stable in Bethlehem.

Combining thoughtful devotions with original, hand-drawn art, Bogart's Drawn Into Christmas is a perfect choice for anyone wanting to find a moment to relax and reflect during the busy holiday season. The unique combination devotional and adult coloring book blends thought-provoking writings with beautiful drawings to customize with your own style and color. Using Scripture, hymns, carols, beloved traditions, and personal stories, these devotions draw you closer to God as you are drawn more fully into Christmas.

In The First Christmas, children will encounter the timeless story of Jesus' birth. They will learn of the angel Gabriel, young Mary and her husband Joseph, Mary's cousin Elizabeth, kind innkeepers, dazzled shepherds, faithful Magi, evil kings and an old holy man named Simeon. The adventure of history's holiest night awaits!

This new children's Christmas book by bestselling author Anthony DeStefano tells the story of a mean-spirited, prideful old ox who has lost his sight -- both physically and spiritually -- but who nevertheless experiences the transformative power of God's grace after he is present at the birth of Jesus Christ in a humble stable in Bethlehem.

Illustrated by New York Times best-selling artist Richard Cowdrey, this new holiday book teaches children the true meaning of Christmas while explaining the central message of Christianity: that faith in Jesus leads us to resurrection and new life.

Moreover, it shows the profound connection between spiritual pride and blindness. Like the main character in Dickens's A Christmas Carol, this Scrooge of an ox is a slave to his own anger and crippled by his own coldness. He seems destined to live out his days frustrated, unhappy and alone--until he makes a life-altering decisio

Joseph's Donkeyis the heartwarming tale of a noble donkey purchased by St. Joseph shortly before his marriage to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The trusted creature helps Joseph in his carpentry business by hauling wood and stones, but he also plays a key role in all the major events recorded in the Infancy Narratives in the Gospels: he carries Mary to Bethlehem, where she gives birth to Jesus; he takes the Holy Family to Egypt to escape the evil king Herod; and he shuttles the family to Jerusalem, where the twelve-year-old Jesus gets "lost" in the Temple and is then found again.

This rich and beautifully illustrated book will be a source of stirring entertainment for children, who will fall in love with the strong, dignified, humble, hardworking donkey. But more importantly, Joseph's Donkey will introduce children in a potent way to the mysterious and wonderful character of St. Joseph himself. For the donkey in this story is a mirror image of the honorable head of the Holy Family. Thus, in coming to know and cherish the donkey, children will come to appreciate and grow close to Jesus' foster father -- the person whom God the Father chose above all others to watch over, guide, and protect His only begotten Son.

Joseph’s Donkeyis the heartwarming tale of a noble donkey purchased by St. Joseph shortly before his marriage to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The trusted creature helps Joseph in his carpentry business by hauling wood and stones, but he also plays a key role in all the major events recorded in the Infancy Narratives in the Gospels: he carries Mary to Bethlehem, where she gives birth to Jesus; he takes the Holy Family to Egypt to escape the evil king Herod; and he shuttles the family to Jerusalem, where the twelve-year-old Jesus gets “lost” in the Temple and is then found again. 

This rich and beautifully illustrated book will be a source of stirring entertainment for children, who will fall in love with the strong, dignified, humble, hardworking donkey. But more importantly, Joseph’s Donkey will introduce children in a potent way to the mysterious and wonderful character of St. Joseph himself. For the donkey in this story is a mirror image of the honorable head of the Holy Family. Thus, in coming to know and cherish the donkey, children will come to appreciate and grow close to Jesus’ foster father — the person whom God the Father chose above all others to watch over, guide, and protect His only begotten Son. 

The best and most important gift we receive at Christmas is the infant Jesus, the true light of the world who refreshes hearts, revives souls, and restores hope.

The Light of Christmas Morning shares a heartwarming family tradition that honors the divine gift of the Savior -- before the other gifts around the Christmas tree are opened. Filled with beautiful original artwork, this book celebrates family faith and holiday traditions while always keeping Christ Jesus at the center and capturing the tenderness and warmth of the home we long for at Christmas.

Sure to become a family favorite, this story will touch hearts, minds, and souls with the authentic embrace of Christmas.

It was the day before Christmas in a small Russian village. Alexi's babushka was telling him what Christmas was like when she was a girl before the soldiers came. "Our church was as crowded as a pod full of peas. Candles made the church as bright as the sunniest day. Watching over us was the blessed icon of St. Nicholas." Alexi had many questions, including, "Why can't we celebrate Christmas tomorrow in St. Nicholas?" Babushka sadly replied that it would take a miracle after sixty years. Well, Alexi had heard enough. If there truly was such a thing as a miracle, why couldn't it happen here? And so unfolds a story that poignantly reveals how, though quiet and hidden, faith and hope cannot be suppressed by soldiers or by time. All ages."

This hardcover children’s book stitches together the stories about the birth of Jesus in an engaging way. From the Annunciation and Visitation all the way to the stable in Bethlehem and beyond, this book will create a space for children to encounter Jesus.

With engaging storytelling and colorful illustrations on every page, this book is sure to captivate young Catholics. 

It is written for little Catholics, but even adults will grow closer to Jesus and appreciate the Nativity story all the more through this read-aloud book! With Bible verses cited for each part of the story, adults can read the story and learn more in their own Great Adventure Catholic Bible.

This book is geared toward ages 3–7, and pairs well with A Very Noisy Stable, which is perfect for slightly younger children ages 3–5.

Every Ornament Tells a Story™, now here's a place for you to tell yours. A keepsake log book for you and your family to record the special stories behind your own ornaments. Great gift idea.

In every heart there is a longing to love and to be loved. In The Shepherd at the Crib and the Cross, meet Nissim—a shepherd boy whose name means “miracle” or “wonder.” Nissim’s hope for a Messiah is fulfilled when he encounters the love of the Christ-child at Bethlehem. When Nissim meets that Messiah once again at Calvary, will he be able to offer his gift of love in return?

"The Story of Christmas Sticker Book" from Aquinas Kids features reuseable full-color stickers that can be peeled and placed by the corresponding event from the biblical Christmas story. Beautifully illustrated by Michael Adams, these fun activity sticker books will keep kids busy for hours!

Were the Three Kings, or Magi, who the Bible says traveled to Bethlehem in search of the Christ Child real, historical figures or simply the stuff of legend?

For generations, the Magi have inspired art and music. Epiphany, the important Christian feast twelve days after Christmas, is a national holiday in many countries throughout the world. What lies at the heart of this celebration and is it still relevant today?

Turning to discoveries made by historians, scientists, and theologians, Polish author Grzegorz Górny answers these questions. With gorgeous four-color photographs on every page, he traces the mysteries of the Magi from the Gospel of Matthew to modern-day astronomy to revived Epiphany celebrations on the streets of secularized European capitals.

The Vatican Christmas Cookbook, eagerly-awaited sequel to the acclaimed #1 bestseller, The Vatican Cookbook, has been released just in time for what is sure to be a most memorable holiday season.

“Swiss Guard Chef” David Geisser offers more than 70 new recipes, some from his days in the Guard, many new versions of Christmas classics, and more fresh innovations from this award-winning leader of the new wave of European chefs.

Thomas Kelly provides the rich history and lore of Christmas at the Vatican and around the world, with inspiring stories of the popes at Christmas, the Three Wise Men, and the First Christmas, all surrounded by magnificent art and photography.

This book earns a place in the kitchen as a handy reference for an assortment of mouthwatering holiday recipes, and on display on the coffee table for all to enjoy.

For those who love Christmas, cooking, fine art, and the storied history of the Vatican and the Swiss Guard, this is a perfect gift.