Midnight clear by Jerry Jenkins & Dallas Jenkins (Tyndale House, 2007) is the story of five people whose lives cross in unexpected ways one Christmas Eve. Jenkins creates believable characters when he depicts a jobless/homeless man; a disillusioned gas station owner; a suicidal old woman; a young mother separated from her husband; and a frustrated youth pastor—each one at a low point in their lives; each one looking for meaning and purpose. Jenkins cleverly weaves their individual stories together, overlapping and intersecting them with ease. The major problems in the character’s lives remain largely unsolved yet by various acts of kindness the burdens are eased and a story of hope is formed.
I enjoyed this short story (168 pages) and loved the way Jenkins was able to move so deftly from one scene to the next. The book also includes photos from the film.
