Enchanting and startlingly beautiful, Stephen Mitchell's reimagining of the Nativity story brings the birth of Jesus to vivid life as never before. In The First Christmas , Stephen Mitchell suffuses the Nativity story with nuanced characters and a setting that reflects the culture of the time. Through the eyes of a Whitmanesque ox, a visionary donkey, starry-eyed shepherds, and Zen-like wise men, readers gain unique perspectives on a scene that is the central symbol for good tidings of great joy in Western culture. Rather than superimposing later Christian concepts onto the Annunciation and Nativity scenes, Mitchell imagines Mary and Joseph experiencing the angelic message as a young Jewish woman and man living in the year 4 BCE might have, with terror, dismay, and ultimate acceptance. In this context, their yes becomes an act of great moral courage. Readers of every background will be enchanted by this narrative that realizes the Nativity story with a sense of beauty that will delight and astonish. The First Christmas is a charming way to experience this favorite story anew.