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Christian Fiction
Title: The Magic in the Gift Author: James C. Miller Rating:  Must Read!
Publisher: Wheatmark Reviewed by: John Lehman | View Bio |
 
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It should violate some literary law to ever have "magic," "gift" and "Christmas" on a book's cover, but this tale transcends seasonal clichés when, in chapter two, Santa hits the fan. Production of toys has become highly automated at the North Pole and the once ma-and-pa business become a worldwide enterprise. Just when all seems to be going the way of the rest of the world, on the critical night of Christmas Eve something happens: "The reins slipped through Santa's gloved hands. He held on helplessly as the reindeer climbed and the sleigh began to fall." Right through the roof of a barn where he meets a brazen little girl whose name is NOT on his list. This tale (with both English and Spanish texts, bound together, back-to-back) is fresh and fun. Not a word or an image is out of place. The girl's home, sparsely furnished, reminds Santa of an apartment he once had, and the man who helps fix his sleigh has been doing some roof repairs on a nearby bed and breakfast. But there's a deeper meaning than just a twist on the traditional delivery of toys to girls and boys. One that is genuinely moving, while being surprising and yet seems, oh, so right. A message that remains long after the story is over.
When my kids and step-kids were young I would read them and our guests a Christmas story between dinner and our opening of presents. I wanted us to share some special feeling besides the commercialism and (too often) half-hearted religious ritual of the season. How I wish I had this book then. For it does just that. Buy it, read it and love this book. Share it with those you love. OK I'll say it: It is a magic gift for Christmas.
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