Randall Murphree
AFA Journal editor
November-December 2010 – I enjoy novellas, especially Christmas stories. Having read scores of them over the past decade or so, I can say without reservation that in every regard – style, story, substance – The Golden Ring merits a place on the Christmas classics shelf right alongside A Christmas Carol, The Other Wise Man and more contemporary bestsellers such as Donna VanLiere’s The Christmas Shoes or Richard Paul Evans’ The Christmas Box.
A review copy of The Golden Ring came to my desk last Christmas season, and I was intrigued right away with the setting – a 1918 coal mining town in western Pennsylvania. The Beal family faces their share of hardship and challenges, but the strength of family relationships gives the story depth and meaning.
The major plot follows the Beal family and how their lives are impacted by a down-on-their-luck family that interrupts their Christmas season. Another story line focuses on the family dilemma of how to deal with Dad’s aversion to any Christmas tradition beyond celebrating the birth of Christ. Despite his strong faith, he has a kind of bah-humbug attitude toward traditions such as Christmas trees and Santa Claus.
Author John Snyder told me the book is based on a story from his grandmother’s experience. He went back to Pennsylvania several years ago, hoping to see the old home place she had told him about. “The house was gone and the lot vacant,” Snyder said. “As I stood there in the snow, I tried to visualize my grandmother’s house as I replayed her story in my head.”
Don’t we all have family stories and memories we enjoy replaying in our heads? This season is the ideal time to reminisce, think of family traditions – and maybe look for new ways to be a witness for Christ.
Speaking of great Christmas stories, don’t forget the greatest one of all. The Golden Ring is a nostalgic, satisfying read, but it pales in light of this one:
… And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
– Luke 2:3-11 (KJV) 
