Franciz Charles C.

De Guzman

ABM 12-Ford

Reading Etta B. Degering's "My Bible Friends: Baby Moses, Baby Jesus" and "My Bible

Friends: Joseph's New Coat, Joseph, and His Brothers" was a truly enriching and enlightening

experience. These two books, designed with young readers in mind, artfully capture the

essence of timeless biblical narratives while conveying profound moral lessons. In this reflective

journey, I will delve into the narratives themselves, the intricacies of character development, and

the profound moral messages seamlessly woven into these captivating tales.

In "Baby Moses, Baby Jesus," Degering masterfully interweaves the stories of Baby Moses and

Baby Jesus, both marked by divine intervention and protection. As I immersed myself in the

pages of this book, I was struck by the common thread of miraculous events that guided the

lives of these two infants, even though they lived in different times. Baby Moses, born during a

perilous era for Hebrew infants, embodies hope and resilience. The book narrates his survival

as he is placed in a basket and set adrift in the Nile River, only to be discovered and raised by

Pharaoh's daughter. This narrative beautifully underscores the concept of God's providence,

serving as a poignant reminder that faith can illuminate a path towards salvation even in the

face of adversity.

Similarly, the story of Baby Jesus, born in a humble stable in Bethlehem, is portrayed with grace

and tenderness. Degering's storytelling skillfully captures the significance of Jesus' birth as the

fulfillment of prophecies and the embodiment of hope for humanity. Baby Jesus, much like

Moses, is destined for a unique and transformative role in the world. The juxtaposition of these

two narratives emphasizes the consistent theme of God's guidance and protection in the lives of

those who serve His purpose, reinforcing the idea that faith and divine providence are enduring

sources of strength.
The character development in "Baby Moses, Baby Jesus" is subtle yet deeply impactful. The

infant protagonists, unable to speak or act, symbolize the embodiment of faith and innocence.

Their vulnerability serves to underscore the magnitude of the events surrounding their births,

making them central figures in the grand tapestry of salvation history. Through these characters,

young readers are introduced to the concept of divine destiny and the idea that even the

smallest individuals can play a pivotal role in God's plan, offering a source of inspiration that

transcends age.

Turning our attention to "Joseph's New Coat, Joseph, and His Brothers," we delve into a

narrative characterized by intricate family dynamics, jealousy, betrayal, and ultimately,

forgiveness. Joseph's character arc is one of the most compelling aspects of this tale,

illustrating resilience and unwavering faith in God. From being cast into a pit by his jealous

brothers to rising to power in Egypt, Joseph's journey serves as an inspiring testament to the

human spirit's capacity for growth and redemption.

Degering's storytelling doesn't shy away from portraying the complexities of sibling rivalry and

betrayal. It vividly illustrates the consequences of envy and the destructive power it can have

within a family. Through Joseph's suffering and eventual ascent to prominence, young readers

are introduced to the theme of redemption and the idea that forgiveness can heal even the

deepest wounds. The reconciliation between Joseph and his brothers serves as a poignant

moment in the narrative, underscoring the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation in family

relationships—a lesson of timeless relevance and significance.

Furthermore, "Joseph's New Coat, Joseph, and His Brothers" emphasizes the significance of

faith and trust in God's plan. Joseph's unique ability to interpret dreams becomes a pivotal

element in the story, leading to his influential position in Egypt. This aspect of the narrative
reinforces the idea that God can utilize our distinct talents and experiences to fulfill His purpose,

even in the most trying circumstances. It serves as a reminder that, despite adversity, faith in

God's plan can lead to unexpected opportunities and transformation—a lesson that resonates

with readers of all ages.

In summation, my journey through Etta B. Degering's "My Bible Friends: Baby Moses, Baby

Jesus" and "My Bible Friends: Joseph's New Coat, Joseph, and His Brothers" was an enriching

and enlightening one. These books beautifully encapsulate the essence of their respective

biblical stories, making them accessible and engaging for young readers while imparting

timeless moral lessons. The character development, moral messages, and themes of divine

providence, faith, forgiveness, and reconciliation found within these narratives make them both

timeless and profoundly relevant.

As a reflection, these books serve as a testament to the enduring power of biblical stories to

impart wisdom and inspire faith, transcending age and time. They underscore the universality of

human experiences and the enduring relevance of the lessons found in the Bible, making them

invaluable resources for nurturing young minds and spirits. Etta B. Degering's skillful storytelling

has provided a bridge for these profound biblical tales to reach young readers and leave an

indelible mark, reminding us all of the enduring significance of faith, redemption, and

forgiveness.