This is a novel about the birth and the childhood of Jesus of Nazareth in Holy Scripture up to the age of twelve years. The historical material in this book is gleaned from historical sources of the period and research that has been done over thousands of years about life in Palestine at that time. Much of the book is an interpretation in the spirit with which it is given in an attempt to expand an understanding of young Jesus not only as the Son of God but also as a living, breathing human being. This novel attempts to connect the reader with Jesus' deep and nascent faith, his innate understanding of his Jewish heritage and love of the Scriptures, his awesome memory and insight, his love for his parents and siblings that all helped him grow into his destiny as the Messiah he was always intended to be. David Mason is a retired Presbyterian minister who lives in Southwestern Pennsylvania in a historic farm house built in 1890 on a small farm with his spouse of forty five years, his dog and four cats. He has a love for music, singing, playing his cello, gardening and writing. This is his third novel, the first being a biography of his uncle entitled "And the Seasons Come." His second novel was a reflection of thirty-six years and his varied experiences in life which he reflected on in "But Not Forgotten: Earl's Beginnings". This novel is about Jesus and his youth prior to age twelve and reflects a life time of research into Jesus' background from a variety of resources and is a fulfillment of a dream.
