An inspiring, challenging and sometimes amusing book looking beneath the surface and behind the scenes of the Christmas story.

The Rt Revd John Pritchard, formerly Bishop of Oxford writes 'Alison Askew has the happy knack of seeing stories from the inside out. She tells those familiar Nativity stories in ways that make us stop, think, recognise, smile. Above all she helps us to re-connect with the reality of them, the sheer down to earth humanity of them. You may have wondered what it was like for Mary, Joseph, or even a shepherd, but where else have you entered the thought -world of Isaiah the prophet, Herod the killer or a bereaved mother in Bethlehem?

With further reflections, questions to ponder and ways to pray, this book throws fresh light on old truths and could, perhaps, relight the fire of our next Christmas'.

The Revd Dr Janet Williams Vice Principal St Hild College (providing Theological education in Yorkshire and beyond) writes 'In these brief imaginative reflections, by retelling the timeless truths of Advent and Christmas, but telling them slant, Alison Askew offers seasonal refreshment for believer and seeker alike. Here is food to stimulate private devotion or group discussion'.