The Christmas Guest

Who is Martin waiting for? And what if his Guest has already arrived?In the old French city of Marseille, it's Christmas Day and Martin the shoemaker is waiting. He's expecting a very special guest, and his heart is full of hope and anticipation. But as the hours pass, something extraordinary unfolds. Martin gives warmth to a shivering street sweeper. He shares a meal with a young mother in need. He places shoes on the bare feet of a little boy. He offers friendship to a lonely old woman who has no one. And when night finally falls and his guest still hasn't come... Martin begins to wonder. Or has the Guest been there all along?A story of unexpected grace, quiet generosity, and the true heart of Christmas. The Christmas Guest is a timeless festive tale rooted in one of the most beloved Christmas stories ever written: Papa Panov's Special Day. Rich with warmth, compassion, and quiet surprise, it speaks to children and adults alike, asking the question at the very heart of Christmas: what does it really mean to welcome someone in?

• Publication date: 20 August 2026
• Page count: 32
• Dimensions: Height 221 mm; Width 267 mm; Thickness 8 mm
• Publisher: SPCK Publishing
• Format: Hardback
• ISBN-13: 9781915749314