“Star of Wonder”
by Leena Lane and Elena Baboni.
Abingdon Press, Nashville, Tenn., 2007, 29 pages, K-2.
One of the most joyful times of the year is the Christmas season. Families decorate Christmas trees, bake delicious cookies and buy presents for each other. The primary reason for this outpouring of joy is the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem.
The King of the Universe is born in a humble stable and laid in a manger. There, Mary, His beautiful mother, and holy St. Joseph care for the newborn King of the Jews. This intersection of God into human history is so remarkable that it is carefully recorded in the Gospels of St. Matthew and St. Luke.
Great musical composers such as Handel will write magnificent pieces of music to commemorate the event. Leena Lane and Elena Baboni write an inspiring account of the Nativity. The text is based in a modified form of Chapters 1 and 2 of St. Luke’s Gospel and Chapter 2 of St. Matthew’s Gospel.
The authors begin their account with the Annunciation. The Angel Gabriel asks Mary to be the mother of God. All of creation holds its breath in hope that she will say yes. Her yes opens the door for our reconciliation with God. She utters the beautiful words: “Be it done according to your will.” (Lk 2:26-28.)
Next, we see the holy couple trying to find a room in Bethlehem. Unfortunately, there are no rooms available at any of the inns. So they go to a humble stable and there Mary gives birth to Jesus. The Christ Child is already teaching us the virtue of humility.
The familiar passages from the Gospels follow one after another. Readers see the shepherds, the evil King Herod, the Three Kings and the Flight into Egypt. The story closes with St. Joseph being told by an angel in a dream to take the Holy Family back to Israel because those seeking to destroy the Child are dead. The story of the hidden life of the Holy Family is about to begin.
Most of the passages in this book will be familiar to readers. The translations of the Bible are simplified by the authors. I think the reason for this is that the writers are trying to create a literary flow in the text. This stylistic device creates harmony, but weakens some of the literalness of the text.
The pictures in the book are a combination of Old World masters and newer art forms. Both are effective. If you are looking for a book to read to your family on Christmas Eve, this text is worthy of consideration.
There are many outstanding picture books on the Birth of Jesus. It is a good idea to check them out early from the public library, as there is usually a waiting list. I hope you and all your family have a Merry Christmas.
