Hadad, The Innkeeper's Journey: A Journey in Bethlehem
by Mac McConnell
Published by One Way Books
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Reviewed by Barbara L. Fielder
(Part of The Journeys series)
Hadad is unaware of how significant one of his boarders would have on his life. A small boy born to Joseph and Mary in Hadad’s manger was very special as a child and softened the hardened heart of this barkeep and innkeeper in Bethlehem. The author’s story, crafted from the Bible, opens your eyes to a very real world seen through the experiences of Hadad, his wife, Beatrice, family, and friends. As such, you personally experience life during the first century in Judea.
You enter Bethlehem at the time that Ceasar Augustas, Emperor of Rome, decrees a census. This brings many to Bethlehem, and thus Hadad is overwhelmed with hungry, thirsty visitors, many of whom stay at his inn. Business is good, extremely good, for Hadad and Beatrice.
On the night that Joseph and Mary knocked on his door there was no room at the inn, a stall in the barn is where they lodged and where Yeshua, as he was named, was born and lay in a manger.
Life for Joseph, Mary and Yeshua was normal in Bethlehem. Joseph was busy as a carpenter and Mary was busy raising Yeshua. However, on one evening they quietly left Bethlehem to avoid a bloody disaster. One can only imagine the grief that filled Bethlehem after the Roman soldiers killed every boy–in search for only one.
Hadad does not understand the significance of this horrible event to his young friend, Yeshua. However, as time moves on he hears of a remarkable man who is rumored to perform miracles. He wonders. Can this be Yeshua?
When you read this story it brings you a sense of enduring hope, and triumph even in the face of tragedy.
The author creates a real connection between the reader and the significant events that took place in the first century.
Armchair Interviews says: Take a step back in time and enjoy this remarkable story.