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Throughout the story, the repeated theme of "Fear not, Joseph" echoes in the main character's mind as he first worries about Mary's inexplicable pregnancy, then he worries about making the long journey to Bethlehem with his expecting wife, and later he panics over the pending arrival of the child while they are in a cave used to shelter animals. In each instance, the comforting words of the angel come back to him, and Joseph relies on God's protection.
Although we've heard the Christmas story told many times, Julie Stiegemeyer offers a different point of view in Fear Not, Joseph. This first person narration comes from Joseph, the husband of the virgin Mary, and it covers the time of his engagement, the pregnancy of his fiance, his marriage, the trek to Bethlehem, the birth of the savior, and the escape from Herod's purging of Jewish children (Matt. 1). Not included are incidents related to the shepherds or the wise men. Based on historical research, as well as information gleaned from Matthew 1 and Matthew 13, this story shows the rather normal life of a woodworker after it is radically changed by the announcement from an angel that Joseph is to be the earthly father of the son of God, whom he is instructed to name Jesus.
Throughout the story, the repeated theme of "Fear not, Joseph" echoes in the main character's mind as he first worries about Mary's inexplicable pregnancy, then he worries about making the long journey to Bethlehem with his expecting wife, and later he panics over the pending arrival of the child while they are in a cave used to shelter animals. In each instance, the comforting words of the angel come back to him, and Joseph relies on God's protection.
The artwork by Cheri Bladholm is very sophisticated. The mother's proud expression as she looks at her newborn child, the meticulous details of the wool on the lambs and the hair on the donkeys and the red wings on the roosters inside the manger, and the colorful robes and headdresses of the tradespeople in the market square, all combine to add graphic reinforcement to a very moving story. This is a beautifully illustrated book with a fresh angle on a familiar story. -- Dr. Dennis E. Hensley, www.ChristianBookPreviews.com
Average Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars(4.5 out of 5 stars)
2 of 2 Reviews Showing: 4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Kristina (USA), November 22, 2009 Not only does the author tell the biblical story of Jesus' birth through the eyes of Joseph - something I've never seen in a children's book before - but she emphasizes how Joseph had to trust God, despite dubious circumstances.
First, Joseph's young fiancee tells him an angel visited her to say she'll soon give birth to the Messiah. "I looked at Mary, my stomach twisting and my thoughts whirling. I wanted to trust her, but I did not believe her words. An angel visited her? She was already with child? But were weren't even married yet!" Joseph thinks. That night, he can barely sleep, but when an angel appears to him in a dream, saying, "Fear not, Joseph!" he embraces the Lord's plan.
Months pass and Joseph and Mary are on their way to Bethlehem. Fearful Mary will soon give birth, Joseph begs innkeepers for a place to stay. When at last an innkeeper's son suggests they stay in the stable, Joseph worries what the damp place will do to his wife and her child. Then he remembers the angels words: "Fear not, Joseph!" Joseph tells his wife, "God will care for you, Mary...Our Savior is coming."
Mary gives birth with the help of the innkeeper's mother. At last, baby Jesus is born and Joseph thinks: "We had nothing - barely a shelter, no food, no wealth. Yet at that moment, in this tiny bundle, in this small, helpless Child, I found hope. I knew that the angel's words were true."
What I Like: I appreciate the re-telling of the familiar Christmas story from Joseph's point of view, and I like that the author found a way to not only tell the story of Christ's birth and what it meant, but also to encourage us to "fear not" and trust the Lord. Throughout, the art of Cheri Bladholm is realistic and lovely.
What I Dislike: The book ends a little abruptly with the family's exit to Egypt. Some may also object to the addition of non-biblical details, like the help of a midwife.
Overall Rating: Very Good.
Kristina Seleshanko
Christian Children's Book Review
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Shaun Tabatt (Cottage Grove, MN), November 23, 2008 If you were to talk to the average person on the street about the Christmas story and ask them to rank the three main characters by order of importance, I’m willing to bet that most people would put Jesus first, Mary second, and Joseph third. Strictly from an information perspective, we know much more about Jesus and Mary than we do about Joseph. The little bit we do know about Joseph comes from the gospels. Julie Stiegemeyer builds on that little bit of information, largely from the gospels of Matthew and Luke to tell us the Christmas story from Joseph’s perspective.
Throughout this short story, Joseph has much to be afraid of. His betrothed is pregnant. He has to travel many miles to Bethlehem with a wife who is about to give birth. Upon his arrival at Bethlehem, there is no place for them to stay, so they must take up lodging in a stable. In his own strength, Joseph wouldn’t have been able to overcome these fears, but throughout the story Joseph is comforted by the words God sent to him in a dream, “Fear not, Joseph!” In God’s strength, Joseph is able to overcome the many obstacles that stand before him.
Julie Stiegemeyer offers us a unique opportunity to catch a glimpse into some of the emotions and experiences Joseph must have had in the nine months leading up to the birth of Jesus. The text flows well and is appropriate for the suggested audience of five to nine year olds. Cheri Bladholm’s illustrations are stupendous. The emotion captured on Mary & Joseph’s faces throughout the book tell us almost as much as the text of the story. I was also quite pleased to see that the background scenery is appropriate for the time period. The great writing and wonderful illustrations make this a truly excellent book. Your children will be delighted with this story, should you choose to share it with them this Christmas season.
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