Destination Bethlehem

Destination Bethlehem is set in ancient Palestine, opening just prior to the birth of Christ.  Through the ‘eyes’ of young Isaac and Jediah during their travels we are introduced to all the main ‘characters’ of  the Nativity Story; Zachariah  Elizabeth, shepherds, Mary and Joseph.  With Isaac we travel from his little village to Jerusalem, back to the village and then to Bethlehem for the census, culminating with the birth of Our Saviour.The book starts with a rather gripping introduction as we journey with Isaac and his neighbour Zachariah to Jerusalem, we focus on Zachariah when the angel appeared to him to foretell the birth of his son.  The authors include interesting historical and cultural facts about Jewish Traditions.

Destination Bethlhem is divided into 24 short chapters, designed to read one per day from December the 1st through to Christmas Eve.  One benefit of short chapters means it is easy to play ‘catch up’ if you fall behind;)  At the conclusion of each chapter the authors include a few interesting cultural facts, delightfully clear, pen and ink illustrations are sprinkled throughout the book.

The mother/daughter author team have done a wonderful job although there were a few areas that missed editing.  Whilst the authors have mostly been true to the language of the time there are a few phrases that aren’t authentic.  A few story plots appeared to be left loose but perhaps this may allow for a sequel? To be honest the conclusion was disappointing as I felt Mary and Joseph did not play enough of a strong, central role in the two times we ‘met’.  Whilst Isaac’s mother in attendance allowed for Isaac’s families presence after the Birth of Christ, as I had always understood that Mary did not have attendants at her birth, I found it jarring and discordant, a sense of mystery was lost and it didn’t fit with my understanding of events, however I realise it isn’t against Church teaching.

Whilst the authors Sharon Altman and Christine Winkelman are Catholic this book would not be discordant to those readers of a Protestant or secular worldview.  As first time authors they have written an engaging book, a welcome addition to the telling of the Christmas Story.