Thursday, December 24, 2009

The Shepherd's Song

The Shepherd’s Song: a Christmas Story
By Larry Barkdull
Deseret Book, 2009. 124 pgs. Fiction

Joshua ben Levi is a shepherd tending the family’s flocks on the Judean hills. As his wife, Miriam, approaches childbirth something goes terribly wrong and she fears this child will be lost like all the others. In order to gain favor with God, Miriam urges Joshua to go and pray at the temple in the nearest village. Joshua knows he must sacrifice his favored lamb to assure a miracle for Miriam and the child. Along the way he meets several individuals who seem to need a miracle more than he, which forces Joshua to make some life altering decisions. In the end, he will be witness to a miracle of unprecedented holiness.

A lovely, little holiday read. This simple tale is made richer by its message of sacrifice and miracles.

DAP

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