The Birth of Jesus According to the Gospels. Finished 6-1-20, 4.5/5 stars, religion, 106 pages, pub. 2008
In this book Kelly turns to the infancy narratives to see what the New Testament tells us about the Nativity. Readers will likely discover that their Christmas celebrations, cards, pageants, and creches are often combinations and embellishments of the gospel narratives. Yet each of these narratives is quite distinct, reflecting the author’s talents and audience. In this practical book readers will:
Encounter the stories in their gospel contexts and learn about the issues facing the early Christians as the gospels were being written. See the difference between the educator Matthew’s approach for an audience of Jewish converts and the great literary artist Luke writing for a primarily Gentile audience. from Goodreads
I loved this historical look at the gospels and the men who wrote them. When you break down the the Bible and try fact checking everything that can be by today’s standards, you lose the purpose or intent of the gospels in the New Testament. But Kelly doesn’t gloss over the fact checks, he provides much needed context, even pointing out when things would have been impossible taken at face value. He also compares the men writing the gospels and how their audience influenced what was included. The story of the birth of Jesus appears in only two gospels, Matthew and Luke and yet even those two stories were laced with differences. Even Mary receives a reality check.
If you have any interest in the Bible or history of the period this quick book is just up your alley. This book was more than I thought it would be and I’m so glad I picked it up at a book sale last summer. Note-I also very much miss going to book sales!
On Tuesday, Gage and I visited one of the Cleveland Metroparks that was new to us. It was much needed to calm the chaos.
read with Gage.
loving it.
Steve McQueen gambling his way through life. 
Watched this true life inspirational movie with Gage.
and liked it for a few laughs.
Taken from our driveway Memorial Day evening.
love this series! 
fascinating.
The librarian at Gage’s school is retiring (and moving to Hawaii, lucky duck) so Gage had quite a few assignments that were aimed at her retirement. For his art assignment he made these to book covers. She always rewarded the kids with parties – but they had to earn them. She went all out and the kids will definitely miss her in the fall.
read this for book club (we had a fun Zoom meeting on Wednesday) and I’ll have my review posted Monday. I really liked it. 
I posted my review of this cool chapbook 
from Mother’s Day last week. My mother and the boy who made me a mother. We have had limited visits with my parents, usually for a few hours once a week. They are retired and at home and we are at home except for a few necessities like Gage’s school work pick up and drop off, grocery store every 2-3 weeks, and occasionally the post office. Jason will go back to his office downtown twice a week starting June 1 and we might have to re-evaluate, but by then outside visiting will be easier to do so I think we can still make it work.
I found out that a friend from the library has written books! He generously sent me these two and I’m excited to take a look at them this week. And he has the 
Still in the early chapters but it’s interesting.
Stacy's Books 