The Glorious Impossible

by Madeleine L'Engle, A. Richard Turner (Afterword), Giotto di Bondone (Illustrator)

The birth of Jesus was a Glorious Impossible. Like love, it cannot be explained, it can only be rejoiced in. And that is what master storyteller Madeleine L'Engle does in this compellingly written narrative, inspired by Giotto's glorious frescoes from the Scrovegni Chapel in Padua. With a simple clarity that illuminates the life of Christ, Madeleine L'Engle gives eloquent voice to the miracle of God's love.

Genres: Christmas, Art, Picture Books, Christian, Religion, Childrens, Nonfiction

64 pages, Hardcover

First published September 30, 1990

About the author

Madeleine L'Engle was an American writer of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and young adult fiction, including A Wrinkle in Time and its sequels: A Wind in the Door, A Swiftly Tilting Planet, Many Waters, and An Acceptable Time. Her works reflect both her Christian faith and her strong interest in modern science.

Reviews

[Mir · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a part story and part personal meditation on the life of Christ, illustrated with Giotto's frescoes from the Scrovegni Chapel in Padua. I'm a big fan of Giotto and also of some (although not others) of L'Engle's fiction, so naturally I picked this up.

Text: There is narration of the Biblical story. You will likely have no trouble following it unless you are a complete Jesus noob. Interspersed are L'Engle's thoughts on God, on how the people involved in the events might have felt, and on the theological significance. I'm not sure I found them especially valuable, but this will be very personally variable depending on taste and how much religious reading you've already done in your life.

Art: These are good quality reproductions. A nice intro to Giotto if you haven't seen his work. Nowadays you can see the Chapel online.
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[Ebookwormy1 · Rating 1 out of 5]

In my search for engaging Lenten and Advent resources, I began "The Glorious Impossible" inordinately eager to love it, but found myself sorely disappointed.

L'Engle has captured the magnificence of Jesus' incarnation, life, death and resurrection in simple, but enchanting text. Giotto's captivating frescoes from the Scrovegni Chapel have been lovingly reproduced, one image for each chapter, with additional close ups for longer stories, all providing visual cues for contemplation.

Not to be read in a single sitting, every significant event of Jesus' life is included as one of the 25 vignettes, rendering "The Glorious Impossible" a resource for either the Advent or Lenten season consideration.
The Annunciation,
The Visitation (Mary's visit to Elizabeth),
The Nativity,
The Presentation in the Temple,
The Adoration of the Magi,

The Flight into Egypt,
The Massacre of the Innocents,
Jesus Among the Doctors (Jesus at the Temple),
The Baptism of Christ,
The Marriage in Cana,

The Raising of Lazarus,
The Entry into Jerusalem,
The Expulsion of the Merchants,
The Pact of Judas,
The Washing of the Feet,

The Last Supper,
The Betrayal of Christ,
Christ before Caiaphas,
The Mocking of Christ,
The Road to Calvary,

The Crucifixion,
The Lamentation,
The Resurrection,
The Ascension, and
Pentecost
are all covered with approximately 80% of the narration L'Engle's magnificent and meaningful exposition of the Scripture.

While there are small difficulties in Giotto's work for the contemporary student (his portrayal being limited to the European perspective which can be addressed through the wonderful epilogue, a little instruction on the time period of his work, and emphasis on the Bible's relevance for all people for all time), it's that 20% by L'Engle that is truly problematic.

From the first page, L'Engle makes it clear that extra-Biblical interpretation will be included as THE ANNUNCIATION of the Angel Gabriel is made to 14 year old Mary (the Scripture is silent as to Mary's age, though we can infer from cultural cues that she was probably young). A reference to the child to be implanted as a "... holy thing which shall be born of you..." is disconcerting. THE NATIVITY makes reference to the Shepherds giving gifts to Jesus, and ADORATION OF THE MAGI states the Magi were three in number, each making the journey from a "different part of the globe."

Perhaps the most egregious addition to the narrative made by L'Engle occurs in the section entitled "Jesus among Doctors." After throwing out a series of questions for which no answers are provided (including "Who was God's mother?"), L'Engle writes the fine brush strokes of the story of twelve year old Jesus at the Temple. Then, she makes the astonishing statement,

"Was he really gone three days as the Bible tells us? Or was it three hours? It really doesn't matter. What matters is that Jesus was an eager questioner, alert, ready to learn. He didn't notice time passing, or realize that his parents might be worried."

Unfortunately, the authority of the Scripture *really does matter*, and it seem ludicrous for L'Engle to take the time to craft a book summarizing the brilliant jewel of the Bible's message to challenge it over the small detail of how long Jesus was gone. Why take the time if the information we have available through the Scriptures "really doesn't matter." Additionally, the characterization of the separation between Jesus and his earthly parents as thoughtless represents another assumption by the author that is out of sync with the Biblical text.

In THE BAPTISM OF CHRIST, L'Engle postulates that Jesus did not fully understand His divine make up until His baptism by John. This aspect of the hypostatic union has often been debated, but remains a mystery as the Scripture does not give us a clear understanding of how Jesus' humanity nestled with His divinity.

In THE ENTRY INTO JERUSALEM, she writes, that Jesus was sad because He knew the trial of his death was coming, but then comments, "How strange it must have been for Jesus, who knew well all the words of Isaiah and Jeremiah and Zechariah and Ezekiel, to find their words fulfilled in such a way." What?!?

THE ROAD TO CALVARY features this dubious statement: "There is a story that the skull for which Golgotha was named was Adam's skull, and that Jesus' cross was made from the wood of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil." This is a bizarre. Wood from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil would have had to been preserved some 4000 years and brought through the flood of Noah's time without any reference by Scripture to it's existence. Jesus fulfilled hundreds of prophecies through His birth, life, death and resurrection, why ignore that material to make up one?

THE RESURRECTION, while making an interesting point that Jesus was never recognized by sight after his rise from the dead, is complicated by an inference that if Mary had touched Jesus before He ascended to heaven, she would have been instantly killed, yet again, we have no basis for such an assertion.

Throughout the account, L'Engle challenges us to think of Jesus as "joyful," "laughing," a man who "loved parties," "strong", and "humble," attributes which do appear in Scripture, though seem a bit tilted to the American cultural preference for extroversion and skepticism of introversion. Jesus is "sad over his death and hardness of hearts" which is supported by Scripture, but then he is also "outraged" by "coldness of heart" for which there is absolutely no Scriptural support.

Jesus' enemies are characterized as "frightened by His joy," so that they "couldn't understand this strong and joyful man" and were "afraid of His joy and laughter as He placed love above law." Yet, Jesus said,
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. 19 Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:17-19

Here's the bottom line: In a work that strives to illuminate the grandeur of God's plan and the magnificence of Jesus' life, why not expound on the glory of the mystery instead of proposing all sorts of extra-Biblical nonsense. Is the Bible's account not interesting enough? Is it stale or incomplete? L'Engle communicates a hypostatic union skewed to Jesus' humanity, and a disrespect for the most valuable source we have about Jesus, in a work that seems to be somehow trying to glorify Jesus. It's a confused mess.

This is one of those books that I would have loved to see edited more closely. It has a lot of unrealized potential, and some illuminating ideas, the concept of the "Glorious Impossible" chief among them. But unfortunately, in contrast to Giotto's reverent portrayal, the L'Engle has treated her subject too lightly. Writing this review has made me realize I simply cannot recommend this work, and every time I edit this review, I find myself taking more stars away. For those seeking a more respectful and broadly contemporary fusion of narration and image, I recommend Sally Lloyd-Jones' "The Jesus StoryBook Bible". Perhaps a family could share about 25 sections from it on the life of Jesus for Advent or Lent?

The Jesus StoryBook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name, Sally Lloyd-Jones. 2007
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Melody Schwarting · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not the only picture book out there based on Giotto's Scrovegni Chapel frescoes. Géraldine Elschner's The Nativity is another, though The Glorious Impossible covers Jesus' life through the Ascension (and Pentecost, too).

I love children's picture books with historic art, and this book reproduces Giotto's work well, and lets it speak for itself. I liked that it guided the book rather than the book guiding the art.

L'Engle's text left me a little confused. The text in this book is long. Way too much to read in one sitting for most of the picture-book set (and, indeed, the Annunication to Pentecost is a lot to receive in one sitting!). Some pages are chock-full of text, though a few have a bit less to say. The text is based on the Scriptures but L'Engle does add narrator-commentary moments and a few contextual insights. I had mixed feelings about these. Some instances felt awkward ("This Joseph must have been a wonderful man") and other instances truly added to the storytelling ("Like love, [the incarnation] cannot be explained, it can only be rejoiced in").

I think this book would be most useful if used like a storybook, reading a section or two at once, not all in one sitting. It focuses on the beginning and end of Jesus' life, with minimal stories from his ministry. It is good for individual use as well, for meditation.

[Michael Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful presentation. Sometimes the text is spot on, but at other times L'Engle goes astray and veers off into speculation, supposition, and perhaps worse. This book has great potential for educational purposes, but ought to be shared alongside a parent rather than handed over to a child.

[Erin Ching · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful art, but the real highlight was the commentary on each piece by Madeleine L'Engle.

[Mark Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picture book about the life of Christ taken from the artwork of Giotto, an ancient Italian artist.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

FB told me that someone I respect was using this book for Advent, so I tracked it down. Unfamiliar with Giotto, but loving L'Engle, I read the familiar story and basked in L'Engle's calm but amazed relaying of Jesus' life, replete with the astonishing frescoes that Giotto painted. A religious experience in the best sense. I enjoyed L'Engle's very modern voice paired with the washed-out and yet detailed paintings of the Italian.

[Cynthia Egbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

As other reviewers have noted, L'Engle and I disagree on some points of theology but this is a beautifully done volume that does make one think and offers some new insights into the major points of the Savior's life.

[Amanda Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a beautiful book. I’ve been using it as an art devotional to guide us through the church year. It flows beautifully through Advent/Christmas/Epiphany/Lent/Easter. And we will read the last couple pages when we get to Ascension and Pentecost.

[Bice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book! Will revisit at Easter also.

[Jen H · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Glorious Impossible is a beautiful example of collaboration between a modern author and a long-dead artist. Madeleine L'Engle walks the reader through the story of the Incarnation, from the beginning of Christ's life to the end, and then on to his ascension and Pentecost, and Giotto's (14th c) artwork helps to tell the story. And repeated emphasis on the Glorious Impossible, God becoming man in the person of Jesus Christ, breathe life into this very familiar story in ways I couldn't begin to describe.

Three thoughts that I found compelling,

"Satan's temptations of Christ were temptations to forego his humanity. He held to the Glorious Impossible."

"To be a Christian is to believe in the impossible."

"He [Christ] was an incredibly strong man, and he had the humility that comes with great strength."

I found great joy while reading this book in pondering the mystery of the Incarnation at a time other than Advent, and I would recommend The Glorious Impossible for adults and children alike.

[Kyndra Lemke · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Possible things are easy to believe. The Glorious Impossibles are what bring joy to our hearts, hope to our lives, songs to our lips.”

A beautifully illustrated gospel story using Giotto’s frescos to illuminate the scenes of Jesus’ life.

[Jeremy · Rating 2 out of 5]

"[T]he life of Jesus began as it would end, with the impossible" (The Annunciation page).

[LeAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful.

[Miss Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 - 3.5 stars

The frescoes would not have been my first choice for art, but good enough.

The theology is a bit off in places, but otherwise a fine explanation of the events depicted and she asks some excellent questions.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Giotto's works on the life of Christ and L'Engle's words, although she largely lets the Gospels speak for themselves. Although the Nativity cover suggests that this is a Christmas book, the illustrations and text span the life of Jesus, so it works as well as a book appropriate for Epiphany or Lent or the rest of the liturgical year. The reproductions of Giotto's paintings are also glorious, making me wonder what it would be like to stand in the chapel and see them unmediated through a book. If there is an underlying theme, it is the love that motivated God to send his Son, love that motivated the Son to give his life, and love that the Holy Spirit now fills Christians with. Alleluia!

[Eugenia · Rating 5 out of 5]

We have read this book as a family each year at Christmas time for the last 3 years or so. It is both beautiful and extremely well written. It explores the idea of faith in a way that is useful to me and essentially discusses the birth, life and death of Jesus Christ in a beautiful and mature way. Not easy to get a copy of this book, but I highly recommend it if you can find it. The Giotto frescoes that are used to illustrate the book are fabulous.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Jesus - from the foretelling of His miraculous birth, through His life and amazing works and words of love, to his glorious Ascension - is well explained for young readers, or anyone just learning about Him, in short chapters. Each is illustrated through the frescoes from a chapel in Italy. A true and remarkable story beautifully presented.
Chapters:
The Annunciation;
The Visitation;
The Nativity;
The Presentation in the Temple;
The Adoration of the Magi;
The Flight Into Egypt;
The Massacre of the Innocents;
Jesus Among the Doctors;
The Baptism of Christ;
The Marriage in Cana;
The Raising of Lazarus;
The Entry into Jerusalem;
Expulsion of the Merchants;
The Pact of Judas;
The Washing of the Feet;
The Last Supper;
The Betrayal of Christ;
Christ Before Caiaphas;
The Mocking of Christ;
The Road to Calvary;
The Crucifixion;
The Lamentation;
The Resurrection;
The Ascension;
Pentecost.
Giotto and the Scrovegni Chapel is an added page which tells about the artist and his revolutionary method of painting.

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful book worked out perfectly as an Advent reading of sorts for me this year. It was a nice addition to my morning Bible reading during this season of waiting. I enjoyed studying the art, as well as reading the text. I like the way the author interspersed her own thoughts and questions alongside the Biblical story; to me, this made it feel very natural, as if I was being read a story by a friend. It also was an interesting and fruitful exercise to read from the Annunciation all the way through to the day of Pentecost, dwelling on the sweep of Christ’s life, during a season when we mostly focus in on the birth of Christ. I really love the way she points out the Glorious Impossibles found throughout the entirety of Christ’s life, and, frankly, throughout the whole of God’s redemption plan for us, His redeemed. Highly recommend!! (Now I want to visit the chapel someday!!)

[Jean Marie Angelo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many Christmases ago, one of our Sunday School teachers based a Christmas pageant on selected passages from this book. Giotto’s spectacular paintings inspired the tableaus and nativity scenes.

This year my spouse based her pageant on this wonderful model. It was heartfelt to see these images projected onto the altar, while children acted out the scenes, and read the narrative.

I am very glad I finally read this book. Madeleine L’Engle’s book covered the entire life of Jesus in lovely and simple prose. His entire life—and his teachings—might be viewed by some as glorious and impossible. However, L’Engle takes her answer right from scripture when she writes, “With God, nothing is impossible.”

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Using the Giotto's frescoes from the Scrovegni Chapel in Padua, L'Engle retells the story of Jesus's life and ministry. The paintings are exquisite and her tone reverent, yet conversational while she ponders the mystery of Jesus's divinity and humanity -- The Glorious Impossible. A beautiful book that can be used as a devotional for individuals or groups.

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous and engaging. Giotto and L'Engle, such an interesting, rich, and contemplative combination. A particularly good re-read for the young ones at Christmas or Easter, although it's perfect for all ages.

[Corinne · Rating 4 out of 5]

L'Engle offers thoughts, questions and speculation on the life of Christ as reflected in Giotto's paintings. The fresco doesn't always do it for me (some representations are jarring for a modern viewer) but I still enjoyed the way the reader is invited to relate to the scenes.

[Becca Tillotson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cannot beat the marvelous artistry of Giotto. The book is lengthier and more expansive, content-wise, than I anticipated, so I would recommend it for all ages. My 4 and 2yo weren't quite ready for hearing the whole book in one sitting, but reading it section by section helps.

[Trent Clegg · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book's essence is captured in its title. L'Engle elucidates the life of Christ beautifully, elegantly, and simply. Giotto's iconic art reflects the prose perfectly. Having read a copy from my local library, I'm now looking for a copy to add to my personal library.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most beautiful Christmas/Christian books I've seen for children. It uses the frescoes at the Scrovegni Chapel by Giotto as the illustrations, which are exquisite.

A few favorite lines:
"We human beings seen quite capable of accepting that light is a particle, and light is a wave. So why should it be more difficult for us to comprehend that Jesus was completely God and Jesus was completely human?"

"And immediately after Jesus had accepted this Impossible, the Holy Spirit led him into the wildeness to be tempted, for whenever we receive a revelation, it has to be tested."

That Satan tempted Jesus with things that would satisfy his human body, but he could defeat by his diety, but Jesus wouldn't "forego his humanity".

I hadn't thought about the miracle at Cana being at a celebration of love.

"... his constant placing of love ahead of law..." offended and challenged the religious leaders.

[Joy Gerbode · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of the life of Christ, told in simple segments, in words, by Madeleine L'Engle, and in pictures from the frescoes of Giotto. Not my style of art work, but it is a lovely, and simple, story of our Lord!

[Susan Kosel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful book.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very neat book to look at all the frescos that Giotto painted while reading the story of Jesus. Great book to look at when your doing a study on Giotto...krb 12/20/17

[Hannah Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

In all honesty, I picked up this book because I was drawn to the cover art. I was not disappointed when i opened it up and read it! Beautiful paintings!