Review of Touching Wonder by John Blasé

Touching Wonder: Recapturing the Awe of Christmas by John Blase

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This book was a pleasure to read. Blasé is concerned that many have lost the sense of wonder of the nativity, and so this book is a bold attempt at reclaiming our lost appreciation of the humanness of the events described. Blase takes on several characters and retells the story with vivid imagination--and many of the characters are not who you would expect. Throughout the background of this story is another story of someone dealing with doubt and faith--you will find them to be engaging, and at the end of each section. The artistic embellishments to the text of Scripture must be taken with a grain of salt, as you consider the possible reactions of angelic visitors. I found myself agreeing with most of the interpretive moments. I've never liked the 'mother-of-God' description for Mary, because of the potential for theological drift, but this is a minor annoyance. I've included an excerpt below for those who might like to catch a sample of the narrative style.  I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.

"The theologians have rendered us mindless God-slaves, wisps of cloudy wings, doing nothing but the bidding of the Mighty One. Theologians. There is much they do not know. I found her just as He said she would be found: sitting on her bedding, barefooted, knees pulled up to her chest, arms wrapped tightly around them, chin resting on her knee-tops. I saw why she had gained the favor of the Mighty One. I liked this daughter-of-Eve-to-be-the-mother-of-God.

But how? I’ve never slept with a man.

I expected this. But unlike that old priest’s, hers was not the doubting of a skeptic but rather the wondering of a child.

But how? I can’t see it.

‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, the power of the Highest hover over you. Mary, you have nothing to fear.’ The Mighty One had expressly said, ‘Herald the news, Gabriel. Don’t report it.’ I would have liked to elaborate further, but Mary would have to live out the details of my news in days to come. Truth not lived is not truth.

Then she paused and looked away. I have spoke to many of God’s children and their eyes are always transfixed on me. They should be. I am Gabriel, the sentinel of God. But Mary’s gaze wandered for a moment. But what I initially took for a distracted mind was rather a devoted heart.

Her eyes returned to me. “Let it be with me.” Ah, the Mighty One had chosen well. Her words were not resigned, but faith-full. The faith of a child. Of such is the Might One’s kingdom.

“Cousin Elizabeth? Really? Old Elizabeth? But How?”

I laughed. “Nothing, you see, is impossible with God. Mary, you have nothing to fear. I have told you all you need to know for now. You are more ready than you realize, stronger than you know. God is with you. Now I must go.”

But I did not want to go. Faith is rare, at least true faith. Yes, the word is often used, but the reality is hard to find. Yet here I found it, in an earthen vessel surrounded by an earthen room. I like Mary.

I left her just as He said I would: barefooted, sitting on her bedding, knees pulled up to her chest, arms wrapped tightly around them, chin resting on her knee-tops. She looked older now. Human eyes would not recognize this, but mine have seen much.

The Mighty One had revealed glimpses to me, what days ahead would hold for this glorious girl. Her cousin’s leaping womb. Joseph’s broad shoulders. The back of a borrowed burro. Herods’ jealous-red face. The cries of the innocent. The breath of stable animals. The agony of pushing the Mighty One out into this world.

I found myself praying for the favored one. Mary had so much to carry."




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