Nativity, Missouri is a small town full of Christmas tradition. Tradition that always brought in much needed revenue. The once thriving town is starting to go under due to the pressure of the current economic times. Their Christmas spirit is nowhere to be found.

Roni Elliot manages the City Administration office. She is a native resident who loves every tradition and decoration that goes with the city's namesake. She is reluctant and upset when the current financial situation is threatening to destroy the traditions and spirit of her beloved town.

Jake Brisco is called upon by his grandmother to come and save her beloved town from financial ruin. He has to make the tough decisions to keep the city from going under. Decisions that does not make him a fan of the town's residents or of Roni's.

Together they all come together to learn the true meaning of Christmas. Saving the town in the process.

A heart warming story that brings to light what Christmas really means. The love of family, friends and the birth of a Savior. Includes a touching sentiment to the movie "A Christmas Story" that many of us know and love. ( )

NCLA Review -The Christmas Lamp is a pleasant and breezy little read, but like so many similar Christmas fiction books, this book is unremarkable and predictable. The story deals with small town Nativity, MO, which is having tough financial times since a new highway was built to bypass the town. It looks like the usual Christmas traditions are going to be impossible to finance. The true spirit of Christmas saves the town, just as you would expect. A charming book, but it will add little of value to a church library’s collection. Rating: 2 —EB 137p, Zondervan 2009, 9780310272274 $14.99 [813.54] ( )