Book Review: Christmas story for any time by Tamera Kraft

Review: A Christmas Promise

Tamera Lynn Kraft

Pelican, November 2013

Purchase Kindle: .99

Purchase Nook: .99

During colonial times, John and Anna settle in an Ohio village to become Moravian missionaries to the Lenni Lenape people. When John is called away two days before Christmas to help at another settlement, he promises he’ll be back by Christmas Day.

When he doesn’t show up, Anna works hard to not fear the worst while she provides her children with a traditional Moravian Christmas.

Through it all, she discovers a Christmas promise that will give her the peace she craves.

My Review:

Lovingly crafted tale of life on the American frontier, pre-Revolutionary War. Traditional Moravian Christmas customs make this story of a young mother’s apprehension over her husband’s potentially dangerous mission to share the gospel with the transported Lenape tribe is an excellent example for us today.

Gathering branches to set on a wooden form and decorating them with beribboned white candles and Scripture verses is picturesque.

How we work out our fears while professing Christ and giving thanks in all circumstances isn’t always easy. Alone with their three young daughters and expecting again, who could blame Anna for fearing for the safety of her husband?

Already unhappy over their move from their comfortable and safe home in Pennsylvania, Anna must come to terms with more disturbing news about her husband’s mission trip when a friend tells her unexpected news that makes her think John lied.

Expecting to be gone only a day or two before Christmas, John considers his life, the loss of their first-born son, and his wife’s irrational fears and with the help of his Lenape friend, his role as husband.

Told through the eyes of both Anna and John, the story within, that of converted Lenape witnessing to their kin, the matter of obedience and custom play nicely with the theme of trust, which is the framework of this special holiday book.

Although written for Christmas, A Christmas Promise is a great trip back in time and a challenge for the faithful of today, any time of the year.