Birth of the Chosen One is a gentle, smooth account of Jesus’ birth. I pray it reaches a vast audience, encouraging each one’s effort to search deeper.

Birth of the Chosen One  weaves together Indigenous artwork and storytelling in a beautiful way that encourages our youngest siblings to know the love of Creator Sets Free. This fresh presentation of a familiar story inspires imagination, worship, and awe, especially during the season of Advent and Christmastide. Native American names and images invite all to the circle to join the drumbeat celebrating the arrival of the Chosen One.

“It was such a delight to read Birth of the Chosen One to my daughter! This Native American retelling of the birth narrative sparked new questions about the story of Creator Sets Free (Jesus) for my daughter and about our own Choctaw heritage. We deeply appreciated the intricately designed regalia that clothed the biblical characters. After finishing the story, my daughter emphatically asked for more stories of Creator Sets Free and for me to read the story again. This book is sure to find its place among Christmas traditions across Turtle Island.”

Birth of the Chosen One will make a family’s bookshelf complete by adding a seldom heard or read retelling of the Christmas story all ages will find interest in. This would also be great for any children’s library in any school or public library. It will bring hope to Indigenous children to read a book with artwork of the main story characters that look like them or their ancestors. This is also a great addition to church or Sunday school libraries!

In “The Birth of the Chosen One” Terry Wildman tells the familiar story of the birth of Jesus Christ in the speaking style of Native American culture. It is a refreshing narrative with beautiful art work that helps tell the story. This will be a great way for families to share the Christmas story together, setting the stage for family discussions about our Native American friends. Wildman’s use of the meaning of names (for both people and places) throughout the story will engage you, capturing you to think about the key characters in a more personal way. Great for children, great for adults! Both the narrative and the art work make this book a delightful gift to give or receive.

Terry Wildman has inherited a gift from his sacred-story-telling ancestors, and it is nowhere more on display than in his theologically test-worthy and thought-provoking retelling of the Christmas story.

Birth of the Chosen One is worthwhile not only for those of First Nations descent, but also for those who have heard the story of Jesus’ first advent over and over again.

It reads like an authentic First Nation’s legend while illuminating the meaning and significance of the enduring story in surprising ways.

I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend Terry’s spinning of the Messiah’s birth-tale.