One Silent, Starry Night: The Apollo 8 Christmas Story

The inspiring story of the Apollo 8 astronauts and their message of peace on earth from the edge of the universe.

On one silent, starry night, Christmas Eve 1968, as wars raged across continents, three astronauts—Frank Borman, Jim Lovell, and William Anders—became the first humans to orbit the Moon. From their tiny capsule they watched “earthrise,” our luminous blue planet rising above the gray lunar surface in a breathtaking vision that forever changed how we see ourselves.

Hours later, they broadcast an unexpected message to one‑fourth of humanity: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” By reading the first ten verses from Genesis, the astronauts reminded us that the earth was created without boundaries and divisions, and our calling is to live upon it in a spirit of unity and harmony.

Drawing a timeless connection between the astronauts’ revelation and the shepherds of Bethlehem, One Silent, Starry Night invites readers to remember that regardless of our backgrounds and beliefs, we are one human family, and Earth is the precious home we share. Illustrated with beauty and sensitivity, this story rekindles the promise of that first Christmas night: peace on earth and goodwill to all people, everywhere.