Christmas Stories

By Paulo Coelho

This special edition of his Christmas Stories brings various Christmas tales. The stories speak of the joy, generosity, humility and the small-yet-large miracles that we experience in our day-to-day lives. Paulo s words, observations and thoughts help those who have already set off along their path in life and, at the same time, encourage new readers to take their first steps.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sant Jordi
• Release date: Jun 18, 2015
• ISBN: 9788461728237

Paulo Coelho

One of the most influential writers of our time, Paulo Coelho is the author of thirty international bestsellers, including The Alchemist, Warrior of the Light, Brida, Veronika Decides to Die, and Eleven Minutes. He is a member of the Brazilian Academy of Letters and a United Nations Messenger of Peace. Paulo is the recipient of 115 international prizes and awards, among them, the Chevalier de l'Ordre National de la Légion d'Honneur (Legion of Honor). Born in Rio de Janeiro in 1947, he soon discovered his vocation for writing. He worked as a director, theater actor, songwriter, and journalist. In 1986, a special meeting led him to make the pilgrimage to Saint James Compostela (in Spain). The Road to Santiago was not only a common pilgrimage but a turning point in his existence. A year later, he wrote The Pilgrimage, an autobiographical novel that is considered the beginning of his literary career. He lives in Geneva, Switzerland.

Book preview

Amen.

A, B, C, D...

Ah, faith is still alive in the human heart, said the priest to himself when he saw his church packed with workers from one of Rio de Janeiro’s poorest districts, all gathered that night with but one aim: to celebrate Christmas Mass.

He felt very pleased and, with great solemnity, he walked over to the altar. Then he heard a voice saying:

A, B, C, D...

It sounded like a child’s voice, and it was spoiling the solemnity of the moment. Those present also looked about them, feeling rather annoyed. But the voice continued:

A, B, C, D...

Stop that at once, said the priest.

The child seemed to emerge as if from a trance. He glanced fearfully around at the other people and blushed scarlet with embarrassment.

What are you doing? Can’t you see you’re disturbing our prayers?

The child bowed his head, and tears rolled down his cheeks.

Where’s your mother? said the priest. Didn’t she teach you how to follow Mass?"

Still with his head bowed, the child answered:

I’m sorry, Father, but I never learned how to pray. I grew up in the streets, with no father or mother. Today is Christmas Eve, and I felt I needed to talk to God. Since I don’t know what language He speaks, I’m just repeating the letters of the alphabet that I know. I thought that, up there, He could join the letters together to create words and phrases that were pleasing to Him.

The child stood

Reviews for Christmas Stories

[DaYa Butterflya · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Beautiful and amazing stories... I really enjoyed. . .

[Nicolette · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Short stories is the heart beat of any human being - no matter their age - allow yourself to dissappear between the pages of Christmas stories.