A marriage of convenience between laundress and cook Grace Martin and the innkeeper may lead to love.

A J Cronin was commissioned by The American Weekly to write a Christmas story for the December 21st issue in 1958. His vision for the story is described in his letter of acceptance: “It came to me very strongly that to achieve the highest and most profoundly touching results I should go back to the first Christmas of all and create a vivid reconstruction of the effects of the birth of the Child upon certain characters, notably the wife of the innkeeper where no room was found for Mary and Joseph. The title of the story would be The Innkeper’s Wife, for she, as I imagine her, is the central human character—a good and tender-hearted woman, childless herself, and bullied by an assertive and miserly husband.” Here now is the alternative story of Christmas, narrated with great skill, by the author of The Citadel, Hatter’s Castle and The Stars Look Down

Only two weeks from his crucifixion, Jesus has stopped in Bethlehem. He has returned to visit someone important—the innkeeper who made a place for Mary and Joseph the night he was born. But his greater purpose in coming is to pay a debt. What did it cost to house the Son of God? John Piper shares a tale of what might have been through the story-poem of an innkeeper whose life was forever altered by the arrival of the Son of God. Ponder the sacrifice that was made that night. Celebrate Jesus's birth and the power of his resurrection. And encounter the hope his life gives you for today—and for eternity. This imaginative story has been redesigned and makes a great gift for families.

Through the years I have had the joy of reading and watching Tim's plays. I am amazed at his insight into the scriptures as he brings them alive with laughter and tears from the congregation. Our youth and adults have enjoyed acting in them. Though I have seen them many times over the years, I never get tired of seeing them once again. And, I always learn some new nugget of truth.David McLean, Sr. Pastor, Fellowship of Christ Church, Cary, NCThe Inn Keeper's Wife retells the familiar story of Christ's birth with a perfect blend of heart and humor. The characters are ordinary people telling an extraordinary story in such a way that lines from the play have become favorite quotes in our household.Carol and Joe McCoyTim Thomas blends the gift of teaching with the artistry of a playwright. He possesses a wonderful knack for taking the stories and truths of Scripture and retelling them in a way that is accurate, touching, relevant and, at times, hilarious. Over the years, as both an audience member and a participant, I have been encouraged and blessed by his plays. Pastor Gary McGheePlaying the part of the Inn Keeper's wife is a memory I will always cherish. Tim Thomas has a gift of bringing humor and insight into a very familiar story to make it come alive and new for the audience. The humor is combined with a depth of emotion and awe at the birth of the Christ child. I would highly recommend "The Innkeeper's Wife" drama. It has become a Christmas tradition in our congregation!Teresa BowyerMy wife and I played the corresponding lead roles in this drama several years ago. It remains one of the greatest memories of my life. I've seen several adaptations of this play and enjoyed each immensely. It is a clever portrayal of the spirit of the Christmas story that's lighthearted, while reaching the heart of the connection between us and the birth of Savior of all mankind.Mitchell BowyerThe Christmas story comes to life in this creative twist on the traditional narrative. Exciting, charming, and witty, it's a congregation favorite year after year!Lauren BowyerThe Inn Keeper's Wife is a lighthearted comedy that captivates our congregation time and time again. Having played the role of the Inn Keeper's wife, I can say that watching the wonderful script put into action never got old, and there is always a thrill reenacting a Christmas story that truly could have been real! I'm so excited for this drama to be published! Yay!!Katie Bowyer"

The Innkeepers Wife is a story that came as a vision to the author. Follow her as she imagines what it must have been like inside the inn with no room. Christ was born that night as a homeless child. Someone took his family in.

Ciro and Jacob were innkeepers when Emperor Caesar Augustus decreed that a census be taken of the whole Roman Empire. It happened that their Inn was in Bethlehem, where a young couple named Joseph and Mary were to register. The Innkeeper's Wife encapsulates the Christmas story, as it tells about relationships that were born on the same night Mary delivered her first child, Jesus. This is the ongoing tale about Ciro and Jacob who gave shelter to Joseph and Mary though their Inn was overflowing and beyond full. It is story of two people as they loved and cared for a very special family. Maritie Wellbrock graduated from Beaver College with a major in religious education. She married Anton, who became a pastor later in life. She has been with him to India on short-term mission work. For years their home has been opened to people from many places for ministry, prayer, teaching and outreach. Maritie has the gift of hospitality, and sometimes thinks of herself as the innkeeper's wife

One night angels came to some shepherds and announced that a very special baby was born. The shepherds who were the first to know rushed by an inn and woke the innkeeper's wife. She was so upset to be awakened by such an ordinary event that she scolded the shepherds for disturbing her! But what news they had! She changed her mind when she realized how special this baby was.