Many retailers already have Christmas trappings removed from the shelves to make way for Valentine’s Day. In so many ways, this is a sad statement of how commercialism seems to drive our culture.
However, for many, the nativity scenes are still up and the expectation and readiness of those weeks leading to Christmas Day will stay until Jan. 6, the Feast of the Epiphany, when, in the Christian tradition, the three wise men visited the newborn child, recognizing the significance of his birth.
For those readers who long to hang on to the spirit of Christmas beyond its designated days in the retail market, “Chiseled on the Heart” may do the trick. Written by four authors, this is a collection of Christmas novellas centered on often painful anticipation yet countered by radiant promise.
Four in One
“The Gift of the Lamb” is set in 1776. As the colonists rise up against British rule and the birth of America is eminent, two youngsters are faced with an uncertain future. The death of their parents precipitates a dangerous trip to Connecticut. where they will meet an uncle and aunt for the first time. Elias is 10, young and impressionable. Charlotte, his sister, is 14, still a girl but assuming all the responsibilities of a grown woman. Together they forge a new life in their unfamiliar surroundings, discovering sibling strength as well as the power of new relationships. The story follows them as they mature, learn to love and cherish others, and ultimately, find peace.
Themed and Thought Provoking
While structured as four separate novellas and written by different authors, each story is woven together with a member of the Hawkins family playing a prominent and pivotal role in each. The authors’ collaborative writing project has brought the four stories together with hopeful and faith-filled themes dominating each narrative.While “whittling” and “carving” are often used interchangeably, it’s important to note that in each of these narratives, “carving” is employed in the fashioning of the various pieces for the nativity set, an heirloom collection that passes from generation to generation. Carving uses specific tools like chisels, gouges, and mallets, while whittling is done only with a knife and a piece of soft wood.
Carving requires more precision and care with a finished vision clearly in mind. This theme resonates in each narrative with a clearly spiritual connection—that God has a divine plan that may not be easily understood or accepted but is there to be ultimately revealed and cherished.
The stories are set in well-researched historical time frames, adding authenticity to these tender, heartwarming, and poignant narratives. God’s providence is a theme that runs throughout. There are suggested discussion questions that follow each novella so the book could well be used for a Christian study forum or book club selection.
As a new year approaches, readers may well appreciate the uplifting and positive energy that can come from unexpected acts of kindness, loyalty, perseverance, goodness, and love abounding. Each novella will leave you smiling.
