We know the story of the Nativity quite well, that Jesus was born to Joseph and Mary in Bethlehem. What about the events that surrounded and led up to His birth? What occurred then? That is where Asher of Bethlehem takes up the story.<\/p>\n
The book is prefaced with an introduction that explains it being based on the Biblical account of Jesus’ birth, just adding a fictional story to go along with it. Having more details to go along with what we read in the Bible helps make the Nativity easier to relate to, for me anyway.<\/p>\n
It revolves around a homeless orphan, who is friends with the son of the innkeeper in Bethlehem. We see the trouble he faces, and how he stands up for what is right, even in the face of adversity. In the end, he realizes that, even with the hardships he went through, it was worth it. He also realizes that God will take care of us, even though it may not seem like it at first.<\/p>\n
The parts that are based on the Bible remain true to the Bible. The parts that are fictional do not stray from Biblical teachings. Besides the fiction making it easier to relate to, it also gives parents a good opportunity to discuss the whole story behind Jesus coming to earth as a baby. It is written in a way that can be understood by older children; there aren’t any really hard words. Even with it being targeted at youth and children, I think adults would enjoy it, too.<\/p>\n