Miracle on 10th Street: And Other Christmas Writings

L'Engle has created the perfect blend of poetry, short stories, and reflections on Christmas. The page design is lovely, and each piece slows the reader to a more thoughtful pace. I feel that I will have a more complete Christmas this year as I read and re-read this collection. It's one of those purchases that you will never regret, and one of those books that I will never sell. If you already appreciate L'Engle, this is a must-have. It is a rich, spiritual, wonderful, timeless work.

I bought this book after briefly glancing through it as a gift for a friend. After getting it home, I didn't want to give it away. Madeleine L'Engle writes beautifully about not only Christmas but the entire Christian life and sums it up in this word: Love. 10th Night evoked in me both joy and pain at what Christmas can be but often isn't. Her insights as a mother into Mary's life as the mother of the Savior were poignant as well as the fears, pain and joy she has experienced for her own children. Additionally, as someone only vaguely familiar with the ancient Christian calendar, I came to appreciate what the celebration and meditation on Advent, Epiphany, etc., could bring to me as a Christian. I wholeheartedly recommend this book for the Christian to encouurage them at any time of the year time and for the non-believer to give them a glimpse of Divine Love.