One Holy Night
Julie is trying to keep things together. Her mother Maggie is struggling with cancer. Her brother Mike is headed to Vietnam. Her father Frank is angry at Asians for the tortured death of his brother in WWII and in being instrumental in Mike's leaving. He is angry at the possibility of losing his wife, something he cannot even consider. But when Mike's actions cause a rift in the family, will Frank come to terms with God, his loss, and his faith before he does something that destroys everything?A story about hurt, peace, and the forgiveness only God can provide. Have the tissues ready for this one. Faith element: high and well integrated.--Carolyn R. Scheidies, Author's Choice ReviewsThis is no ordinary Christmas story. But then neither was the first one . . . we made it that way.One Holy Nighttouched my heart and renewed my commitment to forgive as I've been forgiven.First, author J. M. Hochstetler'sOne Holy Nighttakes readers into the heart of Frank McRae as he battles old bitterness, hatred, and prejudice as he walks a unique path to reconciliation and forgiveness. Frank has a lot to be upset about. He witnessed atrocities in the South Pacific during WWII that haunt him, the love of his life is dying, and his son is killed in battle in far away Vietnam . . . a political battleground as well as a war-zone.When a baby is found in the manger at church--a living baby instead of an imitation--this grieving grandfather is unprepared for a miracle, very much like that first long-ago Christmas. Frank saw the signs but chose to ignore them. He heard the call of God on his heart and fought them with the determination of a WWII vet. When a baby full of innocence and love brings a little bit of his son back to him, Frank's life is changed forever. His journey to the manger is sorrow-filled and yet this man so hardened by hurt is led to faith immersed in forgiveness by a little child.One Holy Nightis a beautiful Christmas parable. Full of the wonder and hope of Jesus.--Joy DeKok, author ofRain DanceandUnder His WingsOne Holy Nightis powerful yet gentle in both its method and message. Set in the 1960s amidst the divisiveness of an unpopular war, a family's very faith and foundations are tested as memories and cultures collide. Hochstetler's "lighting the past . . . and leading you home" signature couldn't be more appropriate than in this sacred tale of hope rising sweetly from the ashes of sorrow. . . . --Kathi Macias, author ofBeyond Me: Modeling a You-First Love in a Me-First WorldAuthor J. M. Hochstetler depicts a family in crisis during the Vietnam years. Tenderly written and poignant,One Holy Nightis relevant to our lives today. The ending moved me to tears. --Kacy Barnett-Gramckow, author ofThe Heavens Before