Gaze upon Jesus: Experiencing Christ’s Childhood through the Eyes of Women is a beautiful book that helps us enter into the scriptures with the help of many women. Women who are in the scriptures themselves, like Mary, Elizabeth, and Anna; and then the women wrote the book! Based on the Gospel stories of the Annunciation, the Visitation, the Nativity, the Presentation, the Flight into Egypt and the Finding in the Temple there is something for everyone whether you want to read a fictionalized account of the Gospel, dig more deeply into the historical and biblical accounts or meditate on beautiful art. There are also discussion questions and suggestions for putting what we’ve read into action. Because isn’t that one of the main reasons to read and study scripture, to make it a part of us and our lives? There is no point in reading God’s Word as if it’s a novel, enjoyable thoughts that never cross from the head into our soul or daily life. The book provides context for discussion and the questions help you to make connections that you otherwise might miss.
As the editor, Kelly M. Wahlquist has put together a volume that can be used during Advent or any time you want to delve more deeply into Jesus birth and early years. Read it on your own or in small groups. Personally, I find a small group better helps me to internalize what I’ve read. But I often read and study on my own, either way, the rewards will be great.
I highly recommend this to those who are taking their first look at Jesus in the Word as well as those who are looking for a different type of study. This study engages you on many different levels and that is what is so appealing about it.
For more information or to order, go to Ave Maria Press.
©Deanna Bartalini, 2018
Deanna Bartalini
Deanna G. Bartalini, is a Catholic writer, speaker, and educator. She serves on the retreat team at Our Lady of Florida Spiritual Center. Deanna loves teaching about Catholicism and how it fits into our daily lives. She writes at DeannaBartalini.com, serves as the editor of the NewEvangelizers.com blog, and is a contributor there as well as at AmazingCatechists.com. Deanna contributed to A Catholic Mom's Prayer Companion published by Ave Maris Press. She is the author of “Invite the Holy Spirit into Your Life: Growing in Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control” published by Our Sunday Visitor. Deanna is available to lead retreats and speak at catechist and ministry events.
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