Stephen Mitchell endeavors to strip away the commercialism and folklore that has accrued around the Nativity story in this thoughtful and provocative book intended for people of all faiths. Mary, shepherds, innkeepers, oxen, and a donkey each take turns narrating a portion of the story, in the process raising questions like "What does it mean for the mighty to be cast from their thrones?" and "How can the Messiah be born in our hearts?" Strikingly unusual in its conception, daring in its willingness to probe the deepest mysteries of faith, this is the rare Christmas book that both engages the intellect and stirs the sense of wonder that is at the heart of religion. (BH)