Zhang Jian is a master artist of interior glass painting. He celebrated Christmas as a child before the Communist Revolution overturned his simple and beautiful world. But he never forgot the sights, smells, good cheer, and happy anticipation of that joyous season. Familiarity with the enchantments of Christmas is a rare thing in China. Throughout his life, quiet Jian draws on this private inspiration to craft especially lovely Christmas ornaments for girls and boys across two oceans, bringing financial success to the glassworks factory where he is employed. After Midnight Mass, overcome with sacred emotion, old Jian designs and paints one last ornament with the intention of inspiring the men and women of his country to understand who they are in relation to the Christ Child. Christmas Blossoms is an impassioned and imaginative tale that explores the fascinating irony of our most cherished Christmas objects, both sacred and secular, produced by the artists and craftsmen of Communist China. In their imaginations, in the depth of their hearts, what do these artisans think of the mangers, the shepherds, Santa Claus, and Mother Mary? Of the star, the bells, the holly, and the Wise Men? Most significantly, what do they make of the Holy Child who exists at the heart of the West? A story for young and old, parents and children alike, this beautifully illustrated novella captures how the Christmas spirit endures and stirs hearts despite the antagonistic forces of commercialism and oppression. And it will touch your heart as well. Prepare to be swept away as you witness the precious moment when Christmas returned to China. "In this charming novel we are reminded of the flavour of Christmas even during so difficult times, like the ones of the cultural revolution in China. We have always to look at the Lord, even when we are in deep trouble, He is our strength and our hope." Cardinal Joseph Zen "A simple, poignant, beautifully told story about the significance of the Nativity." Michael M. Jordan Emeritus Professor of English, Hillsdale College "A beautiful little masterpiece, that allows us to enter into the wondrous mystery of Christmas with grateful hearts. Rich in profound insights yet accessible to all." Dr. Timothy T. O’Donnell President, Christendom College "Faith stolen. Faith hidden. Faith preserved. A tale wonderfully told and beautifully illustrated." Austin Ruse Author, Under Siege: No Finer Time to be a Faithful "The beauty of Christ’s birth is the inspiration for this touching story of an artist who makes that beauty visible in his delicate creations and lifelong love for the Child who came to save us." Fr. Gerald E. Murray TV Commentator, EWTN’S The Papal Posse Zhang Jian is a master artist of interior glass painting. He celebrated Christmas as a child before the Communist Revolution overturned his simple and beautiful world. But he never forgot the sights, smells, good cheer, and happy anticipation of that joyous season.Familiarity with the enchantments of Christmas is a rare thing in China. Throughout his life, quiet Jian draws on this private inspiration to craft especially lovely Christmas ornaments for girls and boys across two oceans, bringing financial success to the glass works factory where he is employed.After Midnight Mass, overcome with sacred emotion, old Jian designs and paints one last ornament with the intention of inspiring the men and women of his country to understand who they are in relation to the Christ child.Christmas Blossoms is an impassioned and imaginative tale that explores the fascinating irony of our most cherished Christmas objects, both sacred and secular, produced by the artists and craftsmen of Communist China. In their imaginations, in the depth of their hearts, what do these artisans think of the mangers, the shepherds, Santa Claus, and Mother Mary? Of the star, the bells, the holly, and the Wise Men? Most significantly, what do they make of the Holy Child Who exists at the heart of the West?A story for young and old, parents and children alike, this beautifully illustrated novella captures how the Christmas spirit endures and stirs hearts despite the antagonistic forces of commercialism and oppression--and it will touch your heart as well. Prepare to be swept away as you witness the precious moment when Christmas returned to China. Simone Troisi is co-author of the biography Chiara Corbella Petrillo with Cristiana Paccini. Gwyneth Thompson-Briggs is a painter in the perennial tradition of Western sacred art. Her work decorates churches, schools, and homes throughout the Americas and Europe. In 2019 she founded the Catholic Artists Directory to connect patrons and artists for a new Renaissance of beauty. She lives in St. Louis with her husband and three small children.