Women of the Nativity is a collection of nine imagined stories told from the perspective of women, written by Paula Gooder, recreating the events of the Nativity. The stories take us on a journey through the themes of Advent into the events of Christmas and beyond.
The voices of biblical characters including Mary and her cousin Elizabeth combine with those of imagined figures to tell the ancient story. As we revisit the familiar scenes afresh through their words, the wonder of the incarnation and its consequences for good come to life in a new way.
Each story is accompanied by a painting by Ally Barrett, who also illustrated Paula Gooder’s Women of Holy Week.
For a limited time, digital copies of all nine paintings can be downloaded for non-commercial use only until February 2025, via the Church House Publishing website.
Explore the content below and find out more about the Women of the Nativity book and e-book, available now at Church House Publishing.
Listen to the first story now – and watch out for more stories appearing by the start of Advent (1 December).
The First Woman: Sarah’s Story
Sarah’s husband Abraham had been promised numerous descendants by God. Twenty-five years later, they still have no children, and Sarah’s dreams are turning to despair.
ListenThe Second Woman: Huldah’s Story
Huldah - one of the few female prophets named in the Bible - is used to the word of God coming to her. She is also used to the fact that most people are not keen to hear what God has to say.
ListenThe Third Woman: Abigail’s Story
Abigail’s husband is taking his very first turn serving as a priest in the Temple. Elizabeth has accompanied her husband on countless occasions. Both women hope their husbands will be chosen this time for the honour of tending the incense in the Holy Place.
Coming soonThe Fourth Woman: Mary’s Story
Mary doesn’t really want to be travelling to Bethlehem, with her baby due at any moment. Though at least it gets her and Joseph away from the gossip surrounding them both back in Nazareth…
Coming soonThe Fifth Woman: Shiphrah’s Story
Shiprah enjoys her work as a midwife in Bethlehem. But with the town and her own house bursting at the seams with travellers, she is glad her skills won’t be needed by any of the local women for a while yet.
Coming soonThe Sixth Woman: Rachel’s Story
Rachel’s husband and brother are among a group of shepherds who met a baby they were told will be the Messiah. Not everyone believes their strange tale. Unfortunately, however, one person does seem to believe it: King Herod.
Coming soonThe Seventh Woman: Elizabeth’s Story
The birth of a child in their old age hasn’t stopped Elizabeth and Zechariah being the subject of gossip from their neighbours. What will this long-awaited son, John, grow up to be? And what, for that matter, will become of his new cousin, Jesus?
Coming soonThe Eight Woman: Mariamne’s Story
The young and beautiful Mariamne had not been given any choice about becoming the wife of King Herod. After years caught up in the web of fear and madness that is Herod’s court, Mariamne is drawn to share her woes with some visiting magi.
Coming soonThe Ninth Woman: Anna’s Story
Anna is a prophet who has spent eighty-four years living in the Temple. Day and night, she waits for God’s salvation to be revealed to her. When it finally appears, however, it does not arrive in the form Anna is expecting.
Coming soon