In the Days of the Angels: Stories and Carols for Christmas

Author: Walter Wangerin, Jr.

“In the perfect center of all my circles and of all the spheres of all the world–is Jesus. Here! Come and see! Can you see the tiny baby born? Can you see the Infant King? Can you recognize in him Immanuel? Now you are seeing Christmas.”

And so, in this collection of powerful and evocative stories and essays, does Walter Wangerin open our eyes–and our hearts–to the truth of Christmas. A young boy, intent on self-protection, recognizes in his father’s preparations for Christmas “a hope that risks a violent hurt”–and lays bare his heart to love. And so do we. A young girl, encountering death for the first time, finds hope in an empty manger. With her we, too, find hope. A family torn apart by grief finds Christmas once again–and when they do, we weep for both their pain and joy. We weep for ourselves.

The African hornbill gives up flight and freedom for the sake of her chicks–and we can only bow our hearts in wonder and gratitude for the sacrifice of Christ, who forsook the glory of heaven to take upon himself the form of man. So much did he love us!

The original carols woven throughout this beautiful book, three with musical scores included, are meant to be read or sung aloud. From the whimsical “Sing Softly the Cherries,” to the joyful “Carol of All the Instruments,” to the triumphant “In the Days of the Angels,” Wangerin illuminates and celebrates the true meaning of Christmas. Come worship Immanuel with him.