Birth of the Chosen One, Terry Wildman, illustrated by Hannah and Holly Buchanan. IVP Kids (ISBN: 9781514007020) 2024.
Summary: An account of the birth of Jesus based on the First Nations Version reflecting Native oral storytelling.
Many of us who have read and heard the narratives of the New Testament have appreciated hearing the story afresh through the First Nations Version of the New Testament. This is a true translation by a team of First Nations translators led by Terry Wildman. They sought to translate the New Testament into English in a way that captured the idioms of indigenous storytellers. One distinctive is the translation of names, which carry great meaning among indigenous peoples. Instead of translating the Aramaic pronunciation of the name, they translate its meaning. For example, in this story “:Mary” is translated “Bitter Tears” and “Jesus” is translated “Creator Sets Free.”
The Christmas story is one of those familiar stories. However, this book, using the First Nations Version and illustrations by Native artists reflecting Native settings, dress, and imagery, offers a fresh rendering of the familiar story. For instance, consider these words from the Annunciation that sent chills through me:
“Do not fear! The Great Spirit has chosen to honor you and give you a son. You will name him Creator Sets Free, for he will set people free from their bad hearts and broken ways. He will be chief over all the tribes and his chiefly guidance will never end.”
Bitter Tears asked, “How will this be?”
Creator’s Mighty One answered, “The Holy Spirit will spread his wings over you, and his great power from above will overshadow you. This holy child born to you will be the Son of the One Above Us All.”
Then, on the opposite page from these last words we see Bitter Tears overshadowed by wings and light. This is challenging to render and done beautifully.
The desert journey and search for a place to give birth captures the precarity of this journey and search. We witness the awe and joy of the shepherd, the adoring visit of the Seekers of Wisdom. Meanwhile, the angelic host are rendered as a spirit messenger surrounded by great soaring eagles representing spirit warriors.
The Native artists, twin sisters, sumptuously illustrate the book with a vivid color palette including deep shades of violet skies filled with stars, colorful Native clothing, desert landscapes and a young mother filled with ponderings of what this all means.
While designed for First Nations readers, the translation and renderings helps all of us see and hear an old story with fresh eyes and ears. Pick this up now to have it on hand for your Christmas celebrations later this year.
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review.