The Birthkeeper of Bethlehem by Bridget Supple was recommended to me a friend who was once a Baptist Minister and is now a Midwife (some readers may deduce/guess who that is) and I absolutely loved it!

For sure, I could take issue with the anachronism of twenty-first century concepts projected back into a first century context.  I could cringe that the little Lord Jesus made no crying.  I could  get all antsy any how the author tackles the elision of of the Matthean and Lukan narratives.

Or, I could savour the rich story telling and the careful research into traditional childbirth, reclamation of women's voices and celebration of women's bodies.

I chose the latter, and it drew me into the familiar story in a different and interesting way, shining new light on both the gospel stories and the mystery of childbirth.

Well worth a read this Advent season, at least imo.