Birth of the Chosen One: A First Nations Retelling of the Christmas Story

2025 American Fiction Awards Winner – Children's Religious

2025 Children's Book Council Teacher Favorites Award Winner (K-2nd Grade)

2025 Children's Book Council Librarian Favorites Award Winner (K-2nd Grade)

2025 Independent Press Awards Distinguished Favorite – Childrens: Holiday

2025 Northern Lights Book Award Winner – Religious/Spiritual

2025 Illumination Award Gold Medal

2024 Moonbeam Children's Book Award Winner

A Classic Christmas Picture Book from the Pages of the Bestselling First Nations Version

Experience the story of Christmas in a fresh and meaningful way with Birth of the Chosen One, a captivating retelling of the birth of Jesus adapted from the Gospel of Luke in the First Nations Version, an Indigenous translation that recounts the Creator’s Story―the Christian Scriptures―following the tradition of Native storytellers’ oral cultures. With this dynamic equivalence translation, readers will experience the story of Christmas in a fresh and new way!

This fully illustrated picture book celebrates the sacred event of Christ's birth with the vibrant voice of Indigenous oral storytelling. Featuring stunning artwork by Native artists Hannah and Holly Buchanan, children and adults alike are invited to immerse themselves in this unique retelling of the birth of Jesus, the Chosen One.

What you'll find in Birth of the Chosen One:

• Fresh retelling of the Christmas story: A unique adaptation of the birth of Jesus told in the tradition of Native oral storytellers
• Special author’s note: A thoughtful message to encourage deeper conversations with children
• Cultural richness and appreciation: Indigenous traditions and perspectives that fosterunderstanding and inclusivity for readers

Discover Birth of the Chosen One and share with children the beauty of the Christmas story told in a fresh way. In the Christmas season and beyond, get your copy of Birth of the Chosen One today and bring this fresh and meaningful retelling of the Christmas story into your home or ministry!

Terry M. Wildman (Ojibwe and Yaqui Ancestry) is the lead translator, general editor, and project manager of the First Nations Version. He serves as the director of spiritual growth and leadership development for Native InterVarsity. He is also the founder of Rain Ministries and has previously served as a pastor and worship leader. He and his wife, Darlene, live in Arizona.

Hannah Buchanan is an artist and member of the Miami Nation of Indiana. Hannah is pursuing an MFA in art, and in her spare time she enjoys painting, being outside, playing in local concert bands, and spending time with family.

Holly Buchanan is an artist and member of the Miami Nation of Indiana. She is working on a PhD in art history. In her free time, she enjoys painting, being outside, playing in local concert bands, and spending time with family.