It began with a call from a pastor who had attended one of author Tom Cashman’s Celtic Christian spirituality workshops. The pastor intended to deliver a Christmas sermon that opened the ethos of the early Celtic Church, which held a perspective and constellation of Christian values a bit different from the current worldview in churches of that time in Rome and the US today.

As Tom responded, A Celtic Christmas was born. Working with what is known about the significant figures in the Celtic Christian world of that era (5-11th Century CE), Cashman began writing short historical stories about those early saints, along with imagined situations in monastic communities on Skellig Michael and Iona and elsewhere. Cashman imagined little dramas that portrayed bits of life from that era.

“Within these micro dramas are embedded the theology and spiritual practice of those notable saints, monastics, theologians, and leaders who enlivened their countries and cultures,” explains Cashman.

The saints of that era, often called the Golden Age of Saints and Scholars, were many and varied. Their hagiographers left vivid portraits of their lives, deeds, and the communities founded. Many were larger-than-life personages capable of epic action, apostolic risk, and daring ministry.

“The re-discovery of this part of our history has stimulated a movement to reclaim a worldview and constellation of values from the Celtic Church that today’s world finds vital and fresh,” wrote Cashman. “May this book contribute to that restoration.”

Journey with the author back in time to sixth-century Ireland and the island of Skellig Michael into the lives of the early Celtic saints. Enjoy A Celtic Christmas for yourself.

After all, it might have happened this way…

The book is available in hardcover, paperback, and Kindle. Purchase on Amazon.com.