A Night Like No Other ...

Julie, here, and ‘tis the season for Christmas reading, and I have to say that I just finished one of the most important Christmas novellas I’ve ever read, eliciting both tears and wonder aplenty! In fact, I even cried when I posted and proofed the blog!

It is my absolute pleasure to introduce the author, bestselling author Kristin Vayden, who has also become a dear friend. Kristin has written what I think will be a Christmas classic for years to come, so grab a mug of cinnamon hazelnut coffee, spiced tea or steaming hot chocolate and settle into a comfy chair to hear the story of …

A Night Like No Other

By Kristin Vayden

Seriously, I don’t even know where to start with this. As an author, words are my thing. But with this book, I fall short. Every. Single. Time. I can’t tell you how many times I stared at the curser on my screen just trying to figure out how to make a feeling; some compelling emotion deep in my soul, come out on paper and not be flat.

Lifeless.

Or worse yet, cold.

Yet, at the same time, how do you take a foundational Bible story, one that shifted, changed and saved the world and walk the fine line of flesh, blood and bone but not go too far.

Because if there’s anything I know about love, it pushes the limits.

And this story is the love story of all love stories, the greatest romance, most passionate truth the world has ever been given.  

Almighty God, giving his Son to the world, that through him, the world may be saved.

With Christmas, the hero of the story is Jesus, as it should be. But it’s easy to dismiss Mary and Joseph’s life before the baby lying in a manger.  But Mary and Joseph? Their defining moments happened months before Jesus finally entered the world. 

A Night Like No Other; The true love story of Mary and Joseph gives insight into those defining moments though the lens of all the conflict, passion and temptation of when a boy loves a girl.

And like any epic romance, that love was fraught with obstacles, reasons to walk away and a million opportunities for failure. But it didn’t.

God created romance. 

And Holy cow, it is good.

I’m happily married and have five little ones—I can say that! And I’m blessed to be from parents who are still passionate about each other—going on 40 years. As a child it was one of my greatest comforts to know my parents loved one another. Not just saying it, but acting on that love.

As a parent, I’m thankful I can embarrass my kids when my husband tackles me and kisses me passionately in the kitchen! They might squeal, shout and run the other way—but they don’t wonder if momma loves daddy, or vice versa.

Why would God want Jesus to have anything less? I don’t think He would. And loyalty? Can only go so far. But love? Passionate, devoted, unconditional love? I

It moves mountains. And Mary and Joseph would have to do more than that.

So when people ask me about a romance between Mary and Joseph, my response is, “Why not?” I’m mean, what if… The greatest love started with the greatest love story? 

What if… 

It was more than just a cold, arranged marriage? 

What if… 

Joseph had adored Mary all his life, but never thought himself worthy? 

What if… 

Mary thought that Joseph could never see her as more than Caleb’s little sister? 

What if … 

It was nothing like you thought you knew… 

A child. 

Not his. 

Heart broken, rejection burning through him; eating him alive, Joseph faces the only option available. Divorce. The thought alone is worse than death. 

Alone, everyone convinced she’s a liar and carrying another man’s child. Sent away, rejected by the only one she had ever loved. Mary grasps onto the truth that no one else dares to believe… 

A love like no other. But like all truly incredible things, it was fought for, bled for, a love desperate enough to sacrifice everything for the hope of something greater. 

Someone greater. 

God kindled a romance that would be legendary…that would defy any obstacle in its path. Leading to the birth of the Savior of the World.

 “A Night Like No Other” looks at what it would be like, in context and culture, to be Mary and Joseph. For  historical accuracy I used several resources to make sure I was remaining true to ancient Galilean life, but more than the details, I wanted to be able to show the reader what it would be like to be in love in that culture. 

Because really, it starts with a boy who loves a girl. A girl who was destined to carry the Savior of the world.

We know that. But they didn’t. 

And the implications of being with child, not yet fully married… And not just the social implications, but what it would do to her heart, her childhood dreams of love and romance—and the choice she made to believe, when every one around her thought she was a liar.

But what about Joseph? Can you imagine how it would destroy a young man who adored his betrothed, only to discover that she carried a child—that wasn’t yours. You’d been faithful, kept your heart and body pure—even when you were tempted not too. And you find out she shared her body with someone other than you. How would that destroy you? 

I can’t tell you how many times I would re-read what I wrote and simply broke down in tears. Because these people—their struggle was real. Their obstacles? Monumental. But their love? Legendary.

But would you expect anything less from God? 

Me either.

And as I wrote it, I truly grasped a wider and deeper understanding of my Heavenly Father’s love and His glorious plans. Because while this is truly the event of all events, He didn’t stop there. Christ’s work is continuing through you, through me. 

WE are the legacy. Humbling, it’s it? Welcome to my world as I wrote this book!

Just as I said earlier, love pushes the limits. And being a romance writer—and one that tends to lean towards the more descriptive line of writing that passion—I knew I needed some help. Thankfully my Pastor, Toby, was more than willing to help me out. Which was truly my saving grace because I was given the peace of knowing that he’d be honest if I went too far. Here’s a small excerpt of one of the areas that had me worried, yet I know that love breathes passion. This is certainly the case…

EXCERPT:

        “Mary,” he whispered against her skin, warming it, branding it as his.

        Leaning back, she gazed up at him, memorizing the light flecks of amber in his gaze, the strong line of his jaw and the fierce love in his eyes as his gaze roamed her features before landing on her lips.

       She licked them; it was instinctive.

       Gently, Joseph lowered his head, his lips a breath away from hers. Closing her eyes, Mary gave herself over to the sensation of nearness, the sweet scent of spices that clung to his skin, the warmth of his flesh, so close. Softly, tenderly he pressed a light kiss to her waiting lips, barely sampling her.

        At first contact, Mary’s body hummed to life, immediately missing Joseph as he pulled away. But she didn’t miss him for long, for a moment later, he pressed another kiss to her newly moist lips, lingering a bit longer, allowing her to savor the sweet sensation, memorize it.

        A dove cooed in the distance, and Joseph pulled away reluctantly. His gaze was full of wonder as he searched hers.

        A wide smile broke through her lips as she reveled in the moment. Truly it was the most precious moment she’d ever experienced. One she would cherish for the rest of her life.

       “In all of creation, in all the beauty created by God, there is no one, nothing finer, more captivating than you, my sweet Mary.” Joseph lifted the hand he still held and placed it over his heart. “With every heartbeat, each breath… I live for you. Your smile… your kiss.” He whispered the last words as his gaze darted to her lips.

***

The love Mary had for Joseph was so powerful, that only her devotion to God could possibly trump it, leading to the most heart-wrenching experience a young woman can experience.

Rejection by the man you love.

Pastor Toby was also able to give me some additional cultural contexts that  made this controversy, this complex dynamic, even more pivotal. Not only that, but the Forward he wrote is the perfect set-up for understanding what follows in the story, and for that I’m truly thankful!

It is my deepest prayer that those who read “A Night Like No Other” will walk away with a new perspective of the Christmas Story. That it will change you, deepen your love for the One who was born to save you, save me, save the world. With that, I want to share a final excerpt, highlighting the mammoth undertaking of being the earthly parents of the Son of the Great I Am. 

EXCERPT:

        “It is finished.” she spoke quietly. “Rather… it is beginning.” She offered a small laugh, her expression light. Then, like a shadow across the sun, it clouded. “How are we to do this, Joseph? Everything within me wants to protect Him, hide Him from every evil, every pain in this world.” She shook her head as a tear rolled down her cheek.

        Joseph caught it with his callused finger, wiping it away. “I know not. But surely God will equip us for such an undertaking. He will not have us fail. And I think… perhaps we are looking at it wrong, my love.” He spoke the words as he thought them, a glimmer of understanding both chilling and overwhelming him with a slight understanding.

        “How so?” she asked, her fingers still trailing along Jesus’ face. The warm meal had lulled him into a peaceful sleep.

        “We must never forget, you my love, are holding the Messiah. Emmanuel. Jesus. God with us, the promised one. He will save us. We will protect Him, guard Him while young, honor God with every fiber of our beings as we raise Jesus to know of His Father… but in the end, He will protect us. He will deliver us. He will be…” Joseph gazed at his son, remembering the passage in Isaiah. “Wonder Counselor, Almighty God, Prince of Peace.” He shook his head in wonder as he reached out and grasped his son’s small hand. Tiny fingers gripped his in his deep slumber. “These are the hands that molded the earth, filled the seas — and were humble enough to be born… in a stable, to a poor man and his beautiful wife,” Joseph murmured.

***

The birth was only the beginning.

It’s been a true delight to be with you on Seekersville today! From my family to yours, MERRY CHRISTMAS and A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Kristin

GIVEAWAYS!!

To celebrate that huge gift God has given us with the birth of His Son, Kristin and I would love to give some gifts too! I mean, it IS the Christmas Season, right? And it’s actually Kristin’s anniversary TODAY, and her daughter’s BIRTHDAY, so IT’S A GREAT DAY!  

So we’re having THREE GIVEAWAYS —  one lucky commenter will win a paperback copy of A Night Like No Other (domestic only) and two others will receive an e-copy (domestic and international). PLUS … because I believe in this book so much, I am doubling up each of the three giveaways with an e-copy of either my Irish Christmas love story, A Light in the Window OR Isle of Hope, so it’s TWO BOOKS PER WINNER!!

MORE ABOUT KRISTIN VAYDEN:

Kristin's inspiration for the romance she writes comes from her tall, dark and handsome husband with killer blue eyes. With five children to chase, she is never at a loss for someone to kiss, something to cook, or some mess to clean, but she loves every moment of it! In her spare time (ha ha) she loves to write, teach choir, and get lost in a good book!

A Night Like No Other

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Kristin Vayden

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