Joseph and his wife, Mary, expect a baby. With all that is
happening, including the government requiring a census, Joseph feels a little
overwhelmed and a bit left out of the preparations for the baby. Is there
something he can do?
The Christmas story about the birth of Jesus is
one of the most popular and well known stories around the world. We can only
imagine how anxious Joseph and Mary were when they arrived in Bethlehem.
Throughout the story, Mary carries herself with dignity and grace. Joseph is
steadfast and loyal. Becoming a parent isn’t easy and both Mary and Joseph have
to find their own way.
#1: What inspired
you to write the story?
STEPHANIE: I
wanted to write the Christmas story from the view of being expectant
parents. I wanted to show how Joseph
grew into fatherhood. I think these are all aspects of life we all can identify
with.
#2: How long did
it take?
STEPHANIE: The
story took about a day to write. After
editing, I’d say it took about a week.
#3: Did you pick
the illustrator?
STEPHANIE: No, I
did not. 4RV Publishing selected the
illustrator. I think Matthew Hughes did
a fantastic job with the illustrations.
They have a very soft hearted feel and compliment the story well.
#4: What makes
this book special?
STEPHANIE: It’s a
look at the Christmas story from a different perspective.
#5: How long have
you been writing children's books?
STEPHANIE: About
5 years now. My first children's book, "The Giving Meadow" was
published with 4RV Publishing in 2010. It has a great message about sharing and
caring for young children as well as telling about Caterpillar's transformation
into a butterfly. It's perfect for Easter as it helps young children understand
Jesus' story.
Stephanie Burkhart was born and raised in
Manchester, New Hampshire, but now calls California her home. She currently
works for LAPD as a 911 Dispatcher. Stephanie has been writing since she was
five, when she crafted homemade comic books on the kitchen table. Her previous
books with 4RV Publishing include: The Giving Meadow, and First Flag of New
Hampshire. Stephanie enjoys coffee, adores chocolate and is currently the
Den Leader for her son's Cub Scout Den.
JOSEPH’S CRADLE: is available in print from 4RV Publishing.
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A Different Perspective
By: Stephanie Burkhart
Have you only believed there was one way to do a task and
when you learned there was another way, you were surprised? That’s happened to
me a couple of times. Every time I’m always amazed. “Why didn’t I think of
that?”
The Christmas story with Mary ad Joseph is one of the oldest,
memorable stories in the world. In the Bible, Luke and Matthew share their
accounts. We know Mary and Joseph traveled a good distance while Mary was about
to have her baby. What an inconvenience that must have been! We discover how
Mary embodies dignity and grace and we learn the depth of Joseph’s faith when
he listens to the angel who visits him. Once they say ‘yes’ to God, what
happens next?
I wanted to show another perspective of the story, one more
personal and one we can all relate too. Mary and Joseph are going to be
parents. The thought can be overwhelming. What must it have been like for them
preparing for a baby? “Joseph’s Cradle” shows how Mary and Joseph approach
parenthood. I hope you enjoy the story!
Thank you for stopping by, Stephanie. Here's a question that Stephanie would like to ask you.
What gift would you give Jesus for Christmas?