Shown below are some of the reviews that have been received from our readers.

Alan B. – A book to cherish and to read over and over.

Journey on the Ancient Path: The Way of the Shepherd, by N.G. Carraway, provides a deeper understanding of Jesus the Messiah’s birth than most of us know for two major reasons:

First, the New Testament cannot be fully understood apart from the Hebrew Scriptures (what we Christians usually call the Old Testament) since Jesus is the fulfillment of the “Law and the Prophets.” As Carraway leads you in narrative through the nuances of Jesus’ entry into our world, you will discover insights rarely taught in Christian churches, such as the significance of Jesus’ swaddling clothes and His being placed in the manger. And while we don’t know exactly when Jesus was born (as Carraway acknowledges), much evidence indicates Jesus being born during the Feast of Tabernacles as presented in the narrative. Even if Jesus wasn’t born during the Feast of Tabernacles, His entry into our world definitely fulfills the significance of this feast. As John 1:14 states, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt [tabernacled; pitched His tent] among us . . . ” (words in brackets added by yours truly). In fact, all of the Jewish feasts and festivals, as Carraway indicates, are significant in understanding Jesus more fully.

In addition to the Hebrew Scriptures, Carraway also incorporates rabbinic teachings, Jewish traditions, and information from the Dead Sea Scrolls into the narrative, which both aids in understanding the events surrounding the Nativity, and also on which the life and death of Jesus sheds light. For example, an explanation about the scarlet rope tied around the high priest’s leg turning white during the Temple ritual on the Day of Atonement is not found in the Scriptures; but, the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus provides the ultimate significance for that event.

Second, Carraway presents the events before, during and after the birth of Jesus through the eyes of shepherds – salt of the earth type of people . . . the shepherds to whom angels announced the birth of Jesus the night of the most important birth in human history. Carraway’s enhanced (fictional, yes; but, very plausible) narrative helps bring the events of that time to life. After all, Jesus came into the world we all experience, full of laughter, hard work, family, friends, and of course . . . tragedy. So, it is through “story” that Carraway simply and artfully conveys important, eternal truths.

As the story unfolds and you become involved with the young shepherd Josiah and his family, perhaps you will have tears form in your eyes as did I on several occasions. Jesus did not arrive on earth during a gentle, peaceful time. Heartache and tragedy surrounded the birth of Christ with innocent children murdered. Yes, there was great rejoicing the day Jesus was born; but His birth irritated the political and religious authorities, resulting in heartache and death. You will be moved as you recall or better understand what God has provided for all people through Jesus. “For God so loved the world . . . .”

Not only will you likely have a better appreciation of who Jesus is after reading this book; you will also take away with you some oft repeated refrains such as “It is the way of the shepherd,” and Samuel’s wisdom to his son, Josiah: “Remember; Adonai, our G-d never lies.” This book will travel with you from now on.

As Oscar Wilde has been quoted, “If one cannot enjoy reading a book over and over again, there is no use in reading it at all.” Journey on the Ancient Path: The Way of the Shepherd is a book you will cherish and will want to read more than once. So what are you waiting for? Get on the ancient path.

Curlsu – Tender Jewish shepherd boy’s account of the birth and early days of Jesus.

I got lost in the story and felt like I was with the shepherds as the angels sang, announcing that baby Jesus was lying in a manger. The Jewish customs reveal the love of God toward us. It’s a beautiful book.

Judy M. – I now understand the Trinity!

I just finished reading Journey On The Ancient Path! For the first time in my 67 years, I actually understand the trinity. In the past, I just said I can’t understand anything but 3 separate entities. The explanation of the three forms of water made it perfectly clear for me! The story of the birth of our Savior was beautiful. The book was beautifully written and I hope it reaches your purpose of teaching and telling readers about the purpose of our life within Christ. The fact that you dreamed the songs just is incredible. Keep on as the Spirit leads!

D. M. – Could not put it down!

“Enjoyed this book and learned so much from it. It was hard to stop reading and I felt the spirit of God throughout and sometimes wept to know how much He cares for us. Keep on writing!”

Diana Thorne – Excellent Read!

“I found this book so interesting as it took you on a journey with the shepherds right to the birth of Jesus. I learned things I never knew and It felt like I was there on the pages experiencing the journey. I could hardly wait to get to the next chapter; could not lay the book down.”

Joy C. – A great read!

“Great story about all the events leading up to the birth and early life of Jesus. Follows the biblical description of those events with references to the Bible verses. Especially liked the Jewish festivals and how they relate to Christianity, and, the Old Testament prophecies about Jesus’s birth. A very good read that will help readers remember and appreciate the Bible stories.”

N. Dansby – Jewish Feasts and Jesus are related?

“There is so much I learned about the Jewish feasts by reading this book! I never knew how these feasts related to the birth of Jesus (and to us today). What revelation! I have a new appreciation for scripture and Jewish culture.”

Rhonda P. – Easy read

“I just finished reading your book today and I enjoyed every page. I hope you will continue to write more; I really learned a lot and it was easy to read.”