Mary, Chosen of God
Author:
Genres: Religion & Spirituality, Christian Books & Bibles
Book Type: Paperback
Author:
Genres: Religion & Spirituality, Christian Books & Bibles
Book Type: Paperback
This is not your typical Mary and Joseph story; it's so much more. I walked away with a new perspective and feeling like I had met this couple for the very first time. This author sews in the culture and how things would have been back then for a young Jewish couple who was betrothed. She captures the youthfulness, innocence, and love these two had for the Lord and for each other.
I liked when Mary prayed. She usually started out, "Oh, God Who Sees Me" This really struck a chord with me. I started saying this in my prayers too. It brings things into perspective. Here is one of Mary's prayers.
"Oh, God Who Sees Me, she said silently. Grant me the courage to carry out your plan and to face my parents and Joseph. Give them grace to believe me. They must believe me. Strengthen me, and help me through these next few hours and days. I am your maiden, may your will be done." ..." please help me. I'm afraid of what lies ahead. I know your ways are beyond understanding, but I submit to your will. Show us the way. Go before us."
The author gives Mary's perspective about the trip to Nazareth for the census. Mary thinks of the baby's arrival, "...Then a thought struck her and she pursed her lips to keep from making a sound that would worry Joseph. What if there was no midwife? Who would help her? Would she birth this heavenly child by herself? Would Joseph have to help her? She blushed at the thought. What did a man know about birthing a child? She shuddered slightly as she fought down the fear that threatened to engulf her."
The author says this in author notes to readers, "...these were specific questions and speculations that I sought to answer in this book:
1. At such a young age, how did Mary get permission from her father to travel over one hundred and twenty miles to Juttah, where Elizabeth lived and how did she get there? It was five days from Nazareth to Jerusalem alone.
2. "Living in a small house, how would Mary hide from her mother the fact that her time of the month did not come? How could she explain the angel's visitation in a way her parents could believe? Was that her reason for immediate haste to get to Elizabeth's?
3. Who helped Mary with the birth? Angels? Joseph?
4. How would I show my readers that Mary and Joseph were a typical young Jewish family, living in a small village in the hills of Judea?
These are not the only aspects and questions the author answered in this book. I was glued to this novel that revealed the humanity of Mary, a 14-year-old girl facing unbelievable situations (like I hadn't read before), showed Joseph, faithful, hardworking man and Jesus the son of God who they'd be caring for. All of them became very real to me. This author had the gift of bringing a whole new dynamic way beyond the Christmas story. I liked the writing style of this author. I highly recommend this novel. It would make a great book club pick.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and The Book Club Network site. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising"
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
I liked when Mary prayed. She usually started out, "Oh, God Who Sees Me" This really struck a chord with me. I started saying this in my prayers too. It brings things into perspective. Here is one of Mary's prayers.
"Oh, God Who Sees Me, she said silently. Grant me the courage to carry out your plan and to face my parents and Joseph. Give them grace to believe me. They must believe me. Strengthen me, and help me through these next few hours and days. I am your maiden, may your will be done." ..." please help me. I'm afraid of what lies ahead. I know your ways are beyond understanding, but I submit to your will. Show us the way. Go before us."
The author gives Mary's perspective about the trip to Nazareth for the census. Mary thinks of the baby's arrival, "...Then a thought struck her and she pursed her lips to keep from making a sound that would worry Joseph. What if there was no midwife? Who would help her? Would she birth this heavenly child by herself? Would Joseph have to help her? She blushed at the thought. What did a man know about birthing a child? She shuddered slightly as she fought down the fear that threatened to engulf her."
The author says this in author notes to readers, "...these were specific questions and speculations that I sought to answer in this book:
1. At such a young age, how did Mary get permission from her father to travel over one hundred and twenty miles to Juttah, where Elizabeth lived and how did she get there? It was five days from Nazareth to Jerusalem alone.
2. "Living in a small house, how would Mary hide from her mother the fact that her time of the month did not come? How could she explain the angel's visitation in a way her parents could believe? Was that her reason for immediate haste to get to Elizabeth's?
3. Who helped Mary with the birth? Angels? Joseph?
4. How would I show my readers that Mary and Joseph were a typical young Jewish family, living in a small village in the hills of Judea?
These are not the only aspects and questions the author answered in this book. I was glued to this novel that revealed the humanity of Mary, a 14-year-old girl facing unbelievable situations (like I hadn't read before), showed Joseph, faithful, hardworking man and Jesus the son of God who they'd be caring for. All of them became very real to me. This author had the gift of bringing a whole new dynamic way beyond the Christmas story. I liked the writing style of this author. I highly recommend this novel. It would make a great book club pick.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and The Book Club Network site. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising"
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
