A Prelude to Christmas: Katheryn's story about Joseph and Jesus Christ

Katheryn Maddox Haddad is our guest today! Her books in the Intrepid Men of God series have been in the top ten of their Amazon category since she began writing them a year ago. Usually they are in the top five. Often one of them is the top seller. Her novels rank well in New Testament biography historical novels categories on Amazon.com. 

Today, she's here to talk about her Christmas novel from Intrepid Men of God series, Joseph: The Other Father.

Here's the cover of her book:

Today, we have an excerpt from her book for you to read. Following the excerpt is an opportunity for you to WIN a copy of her book! Enter the book giveaway contest by filling out the Rafflecopter widget toward the end of this blog post. 

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Story excerpt from Joseph: The Other Father

They continue on through the Timna Desert Valley, moving always north out of Egypt to a future in their homeland they can only imagine.

Their first night is spent alone out in the desert. No oasis, no town, no people. They are grateful for the goat hair tent Joseph was able to trade for their old reed one.

The tent is set up. The desert night is cool. Four-year-old Jesus falls asleep just inside the entrance.

Joseph and Mary eat. Mary is extra tired tonight.

Joseph reaches over and picks Jesus up from the entrance so Mary can crawl inside. He looks down at the innocent boy and cradles him in his big arms as he walks over to a nearby boulder. He sits and watches the boy in his slumber, taking smooth, even breaths.

“Oh, my son, my son,” Joseph says softly. “What is ahead for you where we are going? Will others rise up and try to kill you?”

He sways back and forth and looks up at the stars.

“What awaits you there, little boy? What challenges? How long will you be able to stay happy and carefree? How long will you be able to laugh easily and chase the squirrels and wiggle your little toes?”

He stares at an especially bright star and sways still.

“I feel so inadequate, Father in heaven. I do not think I will ever understand why You chose me. Help me. Never leave me. You promised You never would. Sometimes I feel so overwhelmed.”

Silence as he watches Jesus’ little chest rise and fall, and his breathing come easy and soft and gentle.

“It is going to be dangerous for him again, I fear. Oh, I know You said King Herod is dead. But now the fight for power begins as people rise up to take his place. Will little Jesus be in on that fight? Don’t let him be, Father. He is still too young. Oh, I realize You know that. But, I have to talk to someone and explain what I am feeling.”

Joseph looks off into the darkness.

“How will he do it? How will he rise up to be the beloved divine king of the world? I do not understand. But I do not guess I need to understand.” Joseph pauses momentarily, looking down at Jesus’ lovely little face.

“Does he know yet? That he is Your words on earth? Sometimes I think he senses it, the way he is with animals—even the little ants and crickets and butterflies. He really loves them. Sometimes I think he feels he needs to protect them.”

Joseph rocks little Jesus awhile, then stands and walks in a large circle. He hums. Sometimes he draws the little boy close to his big chest as though trying to protect him from the whole evil world, then goes back to rocking him.

“Sleep on, my little boy. Sleep and dream and grow up to be as good and innocent as you are now.”

Joseph sits back down and leans against the same boulder. He leans his head back and hums a song of strong tenderness. Then it is dawn.

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Author bio:

Katheryn Maddox Haddad grew up in the northern United States and now lives in Arizona where she does not have to shovel sunshine. She basks in 100-degree weather and enjoys palm trees, cacti, and a computer with most of the letters worn off.

With a bachelor’s degree in English, Bible and social science from Harding University and part of a master’s degree in Bible, including Greek, from the Harding Graduate School of Theology, she also has a master’s degree in management and human relations from Abilene University. 

She is author of thirty books, both non-fiction and fiction. Her newspaper column appeared for several years in newspapers in Texas and North Carolina ~ Little Known Facts About the Bible ~ and she has written for numerous Christian publications. For several years, she has been sending out every morning a daily scripture and short inspirational thought to some 30,000 people around the world.

She is a member of Christian Writers of the West and American Christian Fiction Writers, and is also an energetic public speaker who can touch the heart of audiences.

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Review of Katheryn's book: "Great Book" (reviewed by Frances on Amazon.com and posted Sept. 21, 2016): "An awesome book. Makes you consider Jesus human side. It was a real inspiration to me. Love reading her books."

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WIN a copy of Katheryn's novel: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Buy Katheryn's book:
Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble
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Connect with Katheryn:

Website - http://inspirationsbykatheryn.com

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