Reviewed by Martine Bates Fairbanks, Ed.D.
Bill Trawick. Meadville, PA: Christian Faith Publishing Inc., 2018. 22 pp. (Paperback).
Benjamin is sent to Bethlehem by his family to take part in the census ordered by the emperor. On his way he sees a young couple traveling in the same direction, then discovers later that they are staying in a stable in the same inn where Benjamin has secured a room. This well-illustrated children’s book by retired Alabama pastor Bill Trawick takes a slightly different approach to the Christmas story, telling it through the eyes of someone who knew nothing of the circumstances behind it.
So if he was there, how did Benjamin miss the first Christmas? While he didn’t miss seeing the star, the baby and the shepherds, he missed the significance of the event, just seeing the entire spectacle as an annoyance over his lost sleep.
I wonder if very young children will catch it, but I can see school-aged children — those who understand the significance of Christmas — loving the irony of Benjamin’s calling this “the worst night of the year.” Some serious teaching opportunities here!
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