24 Christmases — Lena Nelson Dooley

In 1985, as I was preparing to order Christmas cards from a Christian supplier, God told me that He had given me the gift of writing, and I should use it to bless people at Christmas. That year, I wrote my first Christmas story. The story of Mary as a dramatic monologue.

Five other monologues -- of people who were involved with that event so long ago -- followed. Joseph … the innkeeper … Mary's mother … the youngest shepherd … the servant of a wise man.

The next story was a romance. One year I wrote a modern Christmas fable. Another year, I wrote a short play that was used to take Christmas to two local malls. Other stories contained different perspectives, but one focus -- the impact that first Christmas has had on mankind through the ages.

Unfortunately, there were a few scattered years when I didn't write a Christmas story. Life interfered with my plans

James and I have friends spread across several countries around the world. Many of them have contacted me to tell me how much the stories mean to them. They anxiously await their copy of the Christmas story and make it part of their family's celebration. What a blessing that is to me.

I pray these stories will bless you as much as you have blessed me.