The Carpenter Prince

by Greg Tackett

Christian songwriter Michael Card, in "Joseph's Song", once asked the question, "How can a man be father to the Son of God?" The Carpenter Prince is a fictional account of the life of Joseph the Carpenter, husband of Mary, foster father of Jesus. The story is consistent with the details of the biblical Christmas story, and to historical references to life and culture during the time of Christ, yet takes these familiar passages and gives them fresh meaning in the context of the thoughts and deeds of a simple, good man given an exceptional role. Joseph asks and learns the same questions and answers every father wrestles, but he does so in the face of angelic dreams, wild prophecies, and miraculous promises. Even so, Joseph stands just on the edges of the miracles, and struggles to understand why Mary and the shepherds speak with angels, and he merely dreams of them. Every father, every son, every husband, and every believer will find themselves in this story, and will discover new mysteries behind the often told tale. Back Cover He had me with the first "My father was made of wood." That line told me that this book was poetry writ long, that symbolism, metaphor, foreshadowings, and reflections would be everywhere. The language is beautiful, the story powerful, the protagonist personal. Joseph, the stepfather of Jesus, gives voice to our own doubts, wonder, and wonderments when he encounters the supernatural. - John Carter

202 pages, Paperback

Published January 5, 2016

Reviews

[Bob Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful speculation of what it would have been like to have fathered the very Son of God and Son of Man. Wonderfully poignant, particularly at the very end. This book moved my spirit and left me wishing for even more. I loved this book, even though it was a very quick read.

[I A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exquisite

The author's exquisite use of language fit perfectly his telling of this tender fictional account of the life of the Lord Jesus' foster father, Joseph. The author was faithful to the Biblical account, never adding pseudo-miracles which would have distracted from the authenticity of the narrative. Instead, he took the reader on a personal journey into the times, the culture, and the very heart of the loving man who God chose to be the earthly father-protector of the young Jesus. The story is beautiful, touching, and God-honoring.

[Cherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful read!

This book was absolutely amazing. Over the years I have often wondered and asked myself how Joseph felt about his life.

This book makes me feel as if I have been blessed with insight into Joseph's life and makes room for even more questions.

Excellent read for all.

[Cyndi Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greg tells the story with pathos and brings the characters to life. Although it is a fictional account of Joseph, the adoptive father of Jesus, it has high fidelity with scripture. It really puts you into that place and time, making you feel like you were there.

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a powerful book -- beautiful! There were times when I had the goosebumps while reading it. To experience the betrothal of Joseph and Mary, the virgin birth, and Jesus' early years -- from the eyes of his "foster" father Joseph -- was a different perspective.