Customer Reviews

Fear Not, Joseph!: A Story of Christmas

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Teaching both the Christmas story and the importance of trusting God without fear, Fear Not, Joseph! by Julie Stiegemeyer is a unique addition to your family's seasonal bookshelf.

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; these are illustrations to capture both your imagination and your child's.

What I Dislike: The book ends a little abruptly. Joseph tells how they stayed on in Bethlehem until an angel came to him in a dream and told him to take his family to Egypt..."Like Abraham, our ancestor, we trusted that God's hand was leading us and His love supporting us, His promises swaddled in the Child I carried in my arms." Some may also object to the addition of non-biblical details, like the help of a midwife.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Kristina Seleshanko
Managing Editor
Christian Children's Book Review

Beautiful illustrations, but it was not true to the Christmas story. Mary tells Joseph of the angel's visit, and Joseph tells Mary that she probably just had a dream. In the stable, Joseph asks the innkeeper's son to send a woman to assist in Christ's birth. The entire story is more human than it is Divine!

Joseph contemplating divorce? Mary in agonizing labor pains? A call for a midwife? ...all read as the Christmas Eve "homily" to my unsuspecting parish with a group of small children gathered at the priest's feet. This book, while taking serious creative liberty, is inappropriate for very young children. I also question the Scriptural validity of most of this ridiculous book. Even the illustrations are "DARK." Pass on this one, parents. There are far better Christmas books for children!

Fear Not, Joseph is a perfect story to read on Christmas Eve. It is simply written and beautifully illustrated.

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.

Julie Stiegemeyer writes books for children and adults. In addition to writing, she also enjoys teaching music to children at her church. Julie lives in Fort Wayne, Indiana, with her husband, Scott, and son, Jacob.

Cheri Bladholm has illustrated many picture books. Her artwork displays her strong Christian faith and illuminates God's message for her readers. She lives in Syracuse, New York, with her husband and their children.