Christmas is a time for stories. Since the shepherds heralded the miracle of Jesus’ birth to the message shared yet again this Christmas, somehow the words connect with us at some deeper place especially reserved for this season.

This year, the editorial team at ChristianWeek had an opportunity to enjoy our readers’ yuletide thoughts, as we read through the 37 entries for our Special Christmas Issue. Some were fictional, some true, but all shared in their own way the meaning of Christmas.

In our selection process, we looked for good writing that conveyed our theme-God with us-without being overly sentimental. The top four entries are appearing in five Fellowship for Print Witness publications, with a total of 70,000 copies across Canada.

Barb Warner of Sexsmith, Alberta, captured our imaginations, and the theme, with her entry "The Light Still Shines." Her story centers on Mary, years after Jesus’ death and nearing her own, reminiscing with her skeptical daughter about the Man who changed the world. It is original, portrays an authentic humanity and gives natural voice to relevant Scriptures.

Barb receives as her prize a major literary collection from top-selling authors; including John Eldredge’s top-selling book Wild at Heart and his newest release Waking the Dead, sponsored by R.G. Mitchell Family Books.

Second place went to Kitchener writer Ron DeBoer for a wonderful, entertaining piece simply titled "The Delivery." Ron shares a well-written tale about a widower who finds his way back to Christmas through a chance encounter with the characters of the Nativity and a load of Christmas baking.

He received a brick of 25 CDs featuring top Christian artists, including WOW Worship 2003, sponsored by Your Music Zone.

Marianne Jones of Thunder Bay also told a compelling story with her entry "A Gift of Fruitcake," the story of a recently divorced mom trying to find the meaning behind the season.

She received the complete set (19 CDs) of C.S. Lewis’ "Chronicles of Narnia" radio theatre as well as James Dobson’s "Bringing Up Boys" video and DVD seminar from Focus on the Family Canada.

We were also pleased to award an honourable mention to Karen Stiller of Port Perry, Ontario for her reflection "The Gaudy and the Glory." Karen captured the essence of what finding a holy moment amid the Christmas chaos is all about.

The selection is varied; the tales are poignant. We hope they add extra enjoyment into your holiday story season.