Publisher's Synopsis
Ira the Orphan is the imagined 12-year-old cousin of the Virgin Mary and employee of Joseph, a carpenter from Nazareth. The name "Ira" means "one who watches," and our Ira is like Ezekiel, a "watchman of Israel." He studies the Hebrew scriptures at the synagogue under Rabbi Nathan in preparation for his coming of age and is uniquely situated to personally witness every miracle, dream, vision, and appearance of angels that together bring about the birth of Jesus. The four Advent messages featuring Ira are placed in the context of complete liturgical worship services planned by Dr. Renée Runyon and designed around Year A of the Revised Common Lectionary. Illustrations are by college student Sarah Drew. Use these services in public worship, private devotions, and house church settings to bring fresh inspiration to the familiar scenes of this portion of the story of God featuring the birth of his Son, Jesus the Anointed One. A service of Holy Communion is included, and also a Christmas Eve service of songs, prayers, and readings.
