In every heart there is a longing to love and to be loved. InThe Shepherd at the Crib and the Cross, meet Nissim—a shepherd boy whose name means “miracle” or “wonder.” Nissim’s hope for a Messiah is fulfilled when he encounters the love of the Christ-child at Bethlehem. When Nissim meets that Messiah once again at Calvary, will he be able to offer his gift of love in return?

Patrick O’Hearn is a husband and father. He is the author ofThe Parents of the Saints: The Hidden Heroes Behind Our Favorite Saintsand co-author ofNursery of Heaven: Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Infant Loss in the Lives of the Saints and Today’s Parents. You can visit his website at ContemplativeHeartPress.com. The shepherds are his favorite characters in the Nativity story because they were simple, overlooked, and vigilant.

Michael Corsini is a husband, father, and homesteader. He is also an artist, musician, and author. He has illustratedSitting Like a Saintby Dr. Gregory and Barbra Bottaro; the Little Convent in the Big City series by Mother Clare, C.F.R.; and several other Catholic children’s books. You can visit his website at MichaelCorsini.com. St. Joseph is his favorite character in the Nativity story because of his strength and courage to follow God’s will.