The Manger on the Mantle

A man haunted by his past. A manger forgotten on the mantle. A quiet invitation to come home again. Mark Spencer once believed in the magic of Christmas—and in the goodness of himself. But that was long ago, in a small Ohio town where snow blanketed the woods and joy came wrapped in tradition, family, and faith. Life was simpler then. Innocent. Before the pursuit of success led him down a darker path. Now, years later, Mark finds himself divorced, disillusioned, and drowning in the wreckage of everything he once held dear. The laughter has faded. The faith has dimmed. And the manger that once stood proudly on the mantle—his mother's cherished symbol of the Savior—sits dusty and broken, a forgotten ornament in a house that no longer feels like home. Then comes a knock at the door. Root beer. Vanilla ice cream. And Marvin—a sockless, strange, and persistent friend who carries no judgment but brings with him a conversation that just might change everything. With the quiet wisdom of A Christmas Carol and the emotional resonance of a modern parable, The Manger on the Mantle is a deeply moving story of redemption, forgiveness, and spiritual awakening. Through vivid storytelling and honest introspection, author Bill Wylson explores what happens when we fall too far, love too little, and wonder if we're beyond saving. But grace, like Christmas, doesn't arrive in perfect packaging. It shows up in unexpected places—often through broken people, strange conversations, or a humble manger on a mantle. This is the story of one man who dares to ask if God still hears, and the whisper that answers in return. Perfect for fans of Mitch Albom, Max Lucado, and Charles Martin, The Manger on the Mantle is a tender, powerful reminder that it's never too late to come home.