Ishtar's Odysseey A Family Story for Advent by Arnold Ytreeide

 
Ishtar is a ten year old Persian Prince. With his father and servants he travels into the desert. They are following a star to find a baby who will become King Jesus. Along the way, the caravan will meet with all sorts of adventures: snakes, assassins, devil sand and dry desert life. All of the adventures are not bad. Along the way, Ishtar learns about the camel's life. Closeness to his camel causes him to name it Musa. Musa is a foreign word for companion. He also learns to eat new foods like pickled fish. He meets new friends too. Also at the end of each chapter in the book, there is a devotional.

It's wonderful to read about a different culture like the Persian one. Moreover it is delightful to learn about Jesus by using the point or points taken from the stories. This book will really add to the Christmas experience of any reader. The subtitle is "A Family Story for Advent." Ishtar's Odyssey by Arnold Ytreeide is filled not only with familiar material but new material as well. For example, there are thoughts about the Christmas star that I did not know. I can't chance my own words here. So here is a quotation from the book.

"Jesus' words and actions in the Gospels, and his very real presence in our lives is the "star" we follow. We must follow that star even if others make fun of us, or the consequences, could be disastrous." 

Jotham is one of the friends Ishtar meets along the way. He shares his adventurous life with Ishtar. Jotham's adventures could fill a book: kidnappings, evil men, and he finds his own grave! After reading Ishtar's Oydessy, I am beginning to wonder whether types of adventures are endless.

While reading about different escapades, it felt good to see the names of familiar Bible heroes and heroines. There is Adam and Eve. Also there is Zechariah, Elizabeth, "Noah, Abraham, Moses and David." This beautiful book is a treasure. I will try to find more time during Advent thinking about the "star" and the times I've truly felt God's presence along the way. Perhaps, I will have a wonderfully different listening experience while hearing "O Holy Night" and "Silent Night."
kregel.com/childrens-story-books/ishtars-odyssey/


  

 

 







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