The Archangel's Gift (Electronic book text)

Jamie is an intelligent but rather self centered almost-nine year old girl who is counting and shaking her presents on Christmas Eve. After a failed attempt to read the Christmas story, Jamie's father gives her a strange gift- a wooden statue of an old, fat, balding angel with tattered wings. Because of a wish that Jamie makes earlier in the evening, the statue comes to life at her bedside, and the irascible old angel takes her on a magical journey back in time to the first Christmas night in Bethlehem. Gabe (Archangel, Retired) is a cigar smoking, seat-of-the-pants kind of angel who tries very hard not to swear, and who says to Jamie, "Don't worry, I've never lost anyone on these trips...not yet, anyway." And of course, that's just what happens... During her night's adventure, Jamie manages to meet two of the wise-men, a couple of shepherd boys, and eventually a shivering, young new mother, where Jamie's spontaneous act of kindness changes Christmas forever.