THE Christmas story has at its heart the birth of Jesus in a shabby stable in Bethlehem, a glorious miracle indelibly entwined with its Holy Land setting.
It's a place that transcends time, where today we can still walk in Jesus' footsteps in the places where the drama of the Gospel played out, familiar names like Nazareth, Jerusalem, Galilee and Capernaum.
One of this column's favourite books of 2022 was Michael Kelly's An Irish Pilgrimage Guide to the Holy Land.
It would make a valuable stocking filler, not least because it gives the reader extra texture and depth about the places mentioned in the Bible. There may be no real substitute for experiencing the earthly sites associated with the history of salvation, but Kelly's vivid book can help transport the reader to the Holy Land - often described as 'the fifth gospel' - from their armchair or fireside this Christmas.
Kelly first visited the Holy Land when he was 18 years old and since then, as editor of The Irish Catholic, he has led more than a dozen pilgrimage groups.
These frequent visits inform An Irish Pilgrimage Guide to the Holy Land, a book he describes as a "labour of love".
Others have praised the book, too. Bishop of Derry Donal McKeown said a pilgrimage to the Holy Land "can help us tap into our rich roots and long tradition - to rediscover Jesus, the Word made flesh, who still dwells among us".
"I welcome this guide which is specifically designed for Irish pilgrims who want to go on pilgrimage to the holy sites. It is beautifully illustrated and carefully researched," he said.
Archbishop of Armagh Eamon Martin said that in "these troubled times for the world", it was "good to journey, either in person or with the eyes of our hearts and minds to the places made holy by the presence of Jesus Christ himself".
"This book brings the sites alive in a fresh and engaging way, shedding light on the communities that call this special land their home. Whether you are planning a trip or want to deepen your understanding of the Holy Land from home you will find this book a vital companion."
An Irish Pilgrimage Guide to the Holy Land by Michael Kelly is published by Columba Books and is available in all good bookshops as well as from columbabooks.com, priced £14.99/€16.99.
