Dawn of the Messiah: The Coming of Christ in Scripture [Paperback]

Edward P. Sri (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2005

Perhaps the story of Christ s birth has become almost too familiar.

We ve heard the story so many times that it fails to shock us: the appearances of the angel, a virgin giving birth, a child placed in a manger, the arrival of shepherds and magi. But what if we had never heard the story before? Edward Sri asks. What if we were first-century Jews hearing this plot for the first time? Only two Gospels give any details about the birth of the Messiah, but these chapters are packed with allusions to Old Testament stories and prophecies that any contemporary Jew would have recognized.

Today s reader, unfamiliar with the ancient Jewish world, misses the significance of many details in these accounts. This book bridges that gap, explaining the original context of every line and detail in the biblical stories. Sri not only helps us understand an earlier and pivotal time and place, he also brings us to a deeper understanding of the great mystery of God s entry into the world as one of us.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Dawn of the Messiah articulates in clear and exciting terms the mystery of Christ's birth. The result is a wonderful mix of Catholic theology, spirituality and catechesis. Sri is bound to surprise you with how much depth and wealth can be mined from the Gospel stories of the Nativity. I can't think of a better book to begin a study of the historical life of God made man. --Curtis Mitch, coauthor of the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible

Every word of the Gospels is pregnant with meaning. In Dawn of the Messiah, Edward Sri lets the reader hear these well-known passages, as though for the first time. This book is clear evidence of why Sri is quickly becoming known as one of the greatest Biblical teachers of our time. --Curtis Martin, founder and president of FOCUS

Sri provides three helps to enrich one s spiritual life and better understand the well-known episodes of the Nativity and Infancy of Christ stories. First, he carefully and insightfully connects the Old Testament texts and vocabulary. Second, he helps the modern reader relate parallel personal experiences to the Gospel story. Third, he offers study questions that help stimulate and anchor one s intellectual grasp of these key events of salvation...a very useful read. --Fr. Mitch Pacwa, S.J.

About the Author

EDWARD SRI, S.T.D., is an assistant professor of theology at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas. He is a founding leader with Curtis Martin of FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) and the author of several books, including The New Rosary in Scripture (Servant Books). Edward and his wife Elizabeth are the parents of three children.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Servant Books (May 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0867167203
• ISBN-13: 978-0867167207
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #689,327 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Old Testament Connections to Infancy Narratives, July 18, 2005

By 

Carol Blank (USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Dawn of the Messiah: The Coming of Christ in Scripture (Paperback)

By blending passages from the Old Testament with accounts in Matthew and Luke on the coming of the Messiah, Sri enriches the infancy narratives. Pronouncements to David regarding his sons in the Book of Samuel are matched to Luke's passages in which Gabriel foretells Jesus' greatness. Hannah's song from Samuel, which begins "My heart exalts in the Lord; my strength is exalted in the Lord..." is matched with Mary's response to Gabriel: "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior..."

Comparisons such as these are a staple in Sri's work, but he also offers collateral insights, such as the discussion on Joseph's response to Mary's pregnancy. Three major theories are described. First, Joseph may have been being kind to Mary by not publicly accusing her of adultery, for which the punishment was death by stoning. Second, Joseph may have been aware that Mary had conceived in the Holy Spirit and thus humbly offered to release her from the obligation to be his wife. Third, Joseph may have been confused, knowing that Mary was pregnant but also believing in her innocence.

Sri, an assistant professor of theology at Benedictine College in Atchison, Ks., bases his commentary on contemporary biblical scholarship and insights from Catholic tradition. Reflection questions at the end of each chapter make this an especially valuable resource for small groups.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must have..., February 12, 2010

By 

R. Cudney - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Dawn of the Messiah: The Coming of Christ in Scripture (Paperback)

A great book that explains the history of the Annunciation to the flight into Egypt. Lots of details to make you think and ponder. You will not be disappointed with this author.