A Review of The Coming of the King

A Review of The Coming of the King. A book by Fiona MacMath, Illustrated by Frances Pelizolli

“Jesus was like the words of God made into a person that people could touch and see,” so begins The Coming of the King,  This is a “one of a kind” book, richly written with aesthetically compelling illustrations by Italian artist Francesca Pelizzoli.  It covers a wide swath of Jesus’ birth story beginning with the prophets’ anticipation of the Messiah, to the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, and concluding with the family’s flight to Egypt. 

Elizabeth tells Mary she is bearing a son as well.

Jesus is not merely God’s son in a manger. He is the promised Messiah, the Word of God made flesh. He is the Savior who will take away our sins. He is announced not only to Mary but a distraught Joseph, and after his birth, is recognized by Anna and Simeon, two who longed and prayed for the Messiah’s arrival. When John the Baptist is born his formerly mute father proclaims “. . . you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways, to give knowledge of salvation to His people by the remission of their sins…to guide our feet into the way of peace.” 

The Prophets waiting for the long-promised Messiah

MacMath addresses the often-unspoken question of Jesus’ parentage. “Jesus was not truly the son of Joseph, but according to Jewish law he was descended through Joseph from Abraham and David (as the Messiah was promised to be) because Joseph was his adopted father.” Later, the author gives us a clue about who Jesus will become when she writes that the wise men’s gifts were strange but “fitting for one who was to become the King of all kings.”

The illustrations reflect mostly Middle Eastern bronze complexions with light-dark brown hair. Sadly the one depiction of young Jesus reveals brown-blonde curls and if you look closely, blue eyes. Otherwise, the detail of the characters, their clothing, the setting, and all the animals are exquisite. The author quotes from New King James Bible, which surprisingly adds rich beauty and reverence whenever it is quoted. The book is suggested for 6-12 and readers third grade and above. While the book does not seem to be in print, inexpensive copies are available on Amazon and eBay Because of its theologically rich content, and compelling illustrations, the book is a classic and could be read year after year by the entire family. 

Published in 1991 in the UK by UK Hunt & Thorpe and republished by Oliver-Nelson, Nashville, Tennessee.