Ariel's First Christmas

De: Robert W. Ross

Narrado por: Nick Podehl

Most people are familiar with the nativity story, but few know that it began eons ago and light years away when Creation extended his hand and caused a star to nova. Join best selling author, Robert W. Ross, as he weaves an imaginative retelling of how Christmas came to be. Ariel’s First Christmas takes listeners on a thoughtful and exciting journey that stretches from the war in heaven to a rustic cave in Bethlehem, all told through the eyes of an archangel we first met in Ross’ award winning Sentinels of Creation series. Ariel picks up the torch of protection dropped by Lucifer after his fall, and lovingly guides a teenage girl on a path of faith, hope, and love. Ariel was not the first angel created, nor is she the strongest, but as shepherds and magi both learn, Archangel Ariel was the perfect choice to herald in the world’s first Christmas.

Author's Note: This short story was first created for my patrons, but I hope it brings as much joy to Audible listeners as it did to them.

©2024 Robert W. Ross (P)2024 Robert W. Ross

Trust Ross with an artistic license. You won’t be let down.

I absolutely loved this years Christmas story from Ross. More than last year’s “Magnificent”! Which is saying a lot. I’ve already purchased a few paperbacks as gifts for Godchildren and nieces and nephews. As for my house, we have Nick Podehl’s fabulous voice depicting all the lovely characters from the Stoic and Idealist Michael to the salty and proud Lucifer. Mary is a beautiful and thoughtful child, and her Magnificat is especially touching. This is rated “EE” for every elf. Treat yourself to a mug of cocoa and curl up on the sofa while listening to this nice winter’s tale.

Thank you Mr Ross

Short and oh so very sweet. Thank you Robert for sharing your new holiday treasure with the world. A very merry Christmas to all!

Pretty good

3-stars is pretty good and this is what that is. I'm a 5+ year fan of this author, having listened on audible to most all of his books, both his Sentinel series and Paradigm 2045, all of which is highly recommend. This is a fairly standard telling of the Nativity story along with its Paradise Lost and Prose war-in-heaven backstory, just mixing in the angelic characters of Robert W. Ross's Sentinel series. Since Robert has been promoting his upcoming new book featuring Ariel Thorne--the daughter of the main character of the Sentinel series--who has been introduced in some of his recent publications, I thought that this short book would be partially about her, but, no, it is entirely about the angel that Miss Thorne is named after, along with the original Ariel's angelic siblings. Still, a telling with angelic characters we've grown to care for--strong, intractable Michael, compassionate Rafael, complicated Lucifer, and balanced Ariel.
This is a very good listen for a snowy walk or hike, even if there likely was no snow on Jesus' original birthday.
Nick Podehl gives us another masterful performance in his reading of Robert's adapted version of the Nativity story. Well done!

View from the other side

I am a big fan of this universe. I found it interesting that it took place before the fall when Lucifer was still in Heaven, but also the first Christmas. That means the timescape between Heaven and Earth are different.

An Instant Christmas Classic

Robert Ross describes this novella as an imaginary retelling of the Nativity story, and it definitely is that. If you've never read any of Ross' other books, this would still be a fantastic addition to anyone's Christmas season. That said, if you have read any of his Sentinels of Creation series, well, then you are in for an extra treat. We get to see the story unfold through the eyes of one of "Sentinels," most unsung heroes, the Archangel Ariel.

Ross' love of science shines through even in this most traditional of stories as it begins, quite literally, at the beginning with stars just starting to burn. We then race forward through time to walk beside Ariel as she guards a teen girl whose simple, "Yes," changes the course of history.

The pacing is fast, the dialogue heartfelt, and this story is just a wonderful holiday listen for the whole family. Grab it today. You'll be happy you did.