The birth of Jesus from Luke 2 is one story that never grows old. Generations of writers have explored and retold it. From now to Dec 15 is prime time to pitch Christmas stories to publishers and agents.
We don’t know the factual details and scholars argue about everything from the time of year to the number of kings. Much of what we “know” is not scriptural but born of various cultural traditions, many of them Western European. In the past few decades, however, theologians have been more open to exploring the cultural and archaeological clues to the time of Jesus’ birth.
The truth of the story, the part and resonates with our souls is the miracle of God’s Son born in our human form and way. We long for it every year not only for the familiarity and memories it engenders but for the hope and promise that comes new every year, in every situation.
Each year just about every Christian publisher puts out a new Nativity picture book. The best of these will books will be read every year in homes, Sunday schools, and Christian preschools. When you write, imagine a teacher reading aloud to a group of squirmy sugar rushed preschoolers.
1 Simple retelling
A straightforward retelling of the nativity event can be enhanced with actions, animal noises, touch-and-feel, and exceptional rhymes. Check your manuscript against the Luke and Matthew texts. The “three kings” only live in the carol by John Henry Hopkins Jr. from 1857 and they did not arrive until quite a bit after Jesus’ birth.
2 Groups of characters
There are very few direct quotes in these Bible texts but quote them if you use them. Groups of characters can talk among themselves with made-up dialog about the challenges and hopes they experience. Innkeepers, shepherds, even angels! Christian publishers are less interested in manuscripts where animals talk.
3 One-person point of view
Joseph saw and heard many things that night. “No Room!” Cows mooing. The cry of a new baby. The excited voices of shepherds. Eventually the majesty of the kings’ arrival. How did he protect the little family? If you introduce a character who is not mentioned at all in the Bible, be sure that the person’s words and actions are appropriate to the time and place of the nativity story.
4 For any story
How will YOUR book be different from others? Publishers want something unique every year, so it is extra important to look at Nativity books for the last three years. Then employ sensory words, concrete images, lyrical language, humor, or really good rhyme.
May your writing be a Christmas blessing to children for years to come!
Award-winning author Robin Currie led children’s departments of Midwestern public libraries before being called midlife to ordained ministry. With more than 40 picture books, she writes stories to read and read again! Robin is the author of Baby Bible Stories about Jesus (DC Cook, 2008) Board book which include the nativity stories – and has chewable pages!
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