A Christmas Classic Reimagined: How One Woman's Faith Led to a Beautiful New Holiday Tradition
In the world of Christmas literature, few poems are as beloved as "'Twas the Night Before Christmas." Now, Nashville-based author Julie Wentz has crafted a heartfelt reimagining that brings the focus back to the true meaning of Christmas with her debut book, "'Twas the Night Before Christ's Birth."
This beautifully crafted poem tells the nativity story through eleven touching stanzas, following the familiar rhythm of the classic while weaving together the biblical account of Christ's birth. From the prophecies of old to the arrival of the shepherds and wise men, Wentz masterfully captures the wonder and majesty of that holy night in Bethlehem.
But the story behind the book is just as inspiring as the verses within it. Julie Wentz never set out to be an author. As a mother striving to balance the magic of Christmas traditions with the profound significance of Christ's birth, she found herself divinely inspired to create something that would help children understand the true meaning of the season.
"The words came to me as a gift," Julie shares, describing the unexpected way the poem took shape. Her background in event planning, senior living administration, and hospice care might seem unrelated to children's literature, but these experiences gave her a unique perspective on human connections and life's precious moments – themes that shine through in her writing.
The poem beautifully captures pivotal moments of the nativity story: Mary and Joseph finding refuge in the stable, the announcement to the shepherds, and the arrival of the wise men bearing gifts. But what makes it special is how it maintains the engaging, rhythmic quality that children love while delivering the profound message of Christ's birth.
Consider these touching lines: "Mary wrapped the tiny child in linen and laid Him in a manger. / Heaven came to earth; God was no longer a stranger." In just two lines, Wentz manages to convey both the humility of Christ's birth and its eternal significance.
Julie's commitment to sharing Christ's love extends beyond her writing. As founder of Feed My Sheep Ministry, inspired by James 1:27, she actively serves her community and demonstrates the living faith that inspired her book. When she's not writing or serving others, you might find her hiking trails with her dog Lexi, tending to her garden, or experimenting with new recipes – activities that ground her and inform her creative process.
What makes "'Twas the Night Before Christ's Birth" particularly special is how it bridges the gap between secular holiday traditions and sacred celebration. While maintaining the familiar cadence that children know and love from the classic, it redirects their attention to the baby in the manger rather than the man in the red suit.
Through "'Twas the Night Before Christ's Birth," Julie Wentz has created more than just a children's book – she's crafted a new Christmas tradition that families can share for generations to come. It's a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful gifts come not wrapped in paper and ribbon, but in words that point us back to the greatest gift of all: the birth of Jesus Christ.
