Title: In the Footsteps of the Magi
Author: Robin Catlin Wainwright
Publisher: Westwood Books Publishing
ISBN: 1685364705
Pages: 212
Genre: Religion & Spirituality
Reviewed by: Liz Konkel
Hollywood Book Reviews
Robin and Nancy Wainwright developed a crazy idea to celebrate the 2000th birthday of Jesus with an organized pilgrimage that would take the same route as the Magi in what would be a Holy Land tour. Their journey would take them through places such as Iran, and Palestine, and would end in Bethlehem in time for Christmas. Several people are met along the way who offered support and encouragement throughout their pilgrimage which faces the threat of not succeeding in September 2000 when the Second Intifada has a violent response to the invasion of the Al Aqsa Mosque. Despite the outbreak of war over the course of just a few months that closed borders and saw tourists sent away, they maintained the hope of continuing their journey and making their idea come true.
The theme behind their journey indicates the purpose behind the Pilgrimage and sharing their journey as a way to inspire prayer for peace on Earth and for all the people encountered on their trek to Bethlehem. The tone of the writing is personal, telling the story of this couple’s trek beginning with their wedding as the start of their journey. By sharing their personal journey and the encouragement they experienced, the book imparts inspiration for all those met along the way and is a lovely example of the true Christmas spirit. Certain aspects of the book have a humorous tone in the writing such as referring to his wife as having married an absent-minded professor, cleverly using a question mark in reference to his wife waiting patiently, and a fleeing cat charging down the stairs. These humorous touches are given throughout and show the personality of Wainwright while creating an easy conversational style.
The various people they encounter along their Holy Land tour include members of the EMEU community, a leader of the National Prayer Breakfast, the head of World Vision’s Jerusalem office, and the President of Bethlehem Bible College. These people take part in what Wainwright refers to as their “impossible” Pilgrimage and share how they were supportive, offered encouragement for success, and gave best wishes which left impressions through each mile they took. The book features different struggles faced during their way across no-man’s-land and in their final miles to Bethlehem, which Wainwright depicts with various scenes such as Palestinian soldiers turning away tourists, sonic booms from Israeli jets setting off car alarms, Palestinians being killed and wounded, and borders extensively guarded by machine-gun turrets, land mines, and barbed wire. These details show the strength in their faith and belief as they kept moving forward and never give up their pilgrimage even when it looked bleak such as traveling through a war zone.
A few footnotes are featured that suggest works from Dr. Gary Burge, George Catlin, Dr. Wagner, and Dr. Bolling which helps this book serve as a companion to a Bible study or personal Biblical reading. Wainwright also includes photographs that feature family members, the people they met and traveled with, camels, and snippets of their journey. These add to the poignancy of the book by giving visuals to moments such as the torch parade for peace. The story of an inspiring journey to honor the 2000th birthday of Jesus, In the Footsteps of the Magi serves as a Biblical companion, inspiring memoir, and depicts the message to remember the outpouring of God’s love and faithfulness.