The Christmas Bus

I was really enjoying this book until it because obvious that the character Myrtle was supposed to be a porcelain angel come to life. The message of the story, being kind to all and welcoming everyone, was great for everyone.

However, I had major theological issues with the implications of the annoying and mean woman being an angel. You don't teach forbearance and love by being rude, headstrong, and abrasive. Moreover, the town of over 2000 is down to just one church which is harbor for a few discontent and rude souls. The aging pastor has attempted to become trendy and “relevant” by beginning to preach out of The Message version....that's honestly what he thought was going to make him relevant? Anyway, I really liked Edith but I couldn't stand the Myrtle parts. And the Bible is misquoted as saying “God watches out for children and fools” whereas in truth God warns fools to turn from their foolishness. So overall I don't understand why the pastor's wife would need to learn a lesson that she already knew when there were literal thousands of people in town who needed salvation, but the “angel” wants to force the church to have a live nativity? Really.

Anyway, good angels shouldn't be acting like short-sighted, nasty humans. I don't think such a thing is Biblically mandated at all, especially when it didn't make a lasting impression in a lasting spiritual way for the characters. Angels are heralds for God and the bearers of good news, not the bringers of contention and worldly considerations.

A wonderfully written little book with memorable characters and the true reason of what Christmas should mean

It's a sweet story, but the book is kind of boring. I kept falling asleep while reading it.