The Wonder of Christmas : 50 Meditations on the Birth of the Christ by Daniel Partner is lovely little book of devotions. It is meant to be read over the course of the first 25 days of December, one ‘meditation’ for each morning and evening. It is currently out-of-print, but you can easily find a used copy on Amazon.

I’ve really enjoyed this book. Not only are the readings insightful, but food for thought (hence ‘meditations’). Partner asks questions and makes points worth pondering . . .

• Whatever became of the Inn of Bethlehem?
• Why we should remember Mary as the first example of a believer.
• What gift would God really want from us?
• The symbolic gifts of the wise men.
• How can we seek the Savior as the shepherds did on that first Christmas?

Some of the thoughts in this book have inspired poems of my own. The fact that Bethlehem means “House of Bread” inspired the following:

Wonderful! is in the Stable (click to visit the choral settings on ChoirWorks.com)

In Bethlehem, the “House of Bread,” the “Bread of Life” is found,
For David’s root and David’s branch is born in David’s town.
A manna in our wilderness, a gift that we might live,
Lies in the oxen’s manger, His life to freely give.

Oh “Wonderful!” is in the stable, “Counselor” lies on the hay,
“Mighty God” with sheep and oxen makes His bed on Christmas Day.

The new-forged light o’er Bethlehem guides seekers from afar;
Reveals the place where lightly lies “the Bright and Morning Star.”
His dawning beams with mercy, for He will freely be
Our compass and our lantern for all eternity.

Oh “Wonderful!” is in the stable, “Counselor” lies on the hay,
“Mighty God” with sheep and oxen makes His bed on Christmas Day.

The shepherds bring their milk-white lambs before the “Lamb of God”
And mark the oxen, rams and kine about Him on the sod.
The last and lasting sacrifice, fulfilling all the law,
Without a spot or blemish, lies nestled in the straw.

Oh “Wonderful!” is in the stable, “Counselor” lies on the hay,
“Mighty God” with sheep and oxen makes His bed on Christmas Day.

The wise lay gifts around the child, the Gift of Father’s love,
The Author of salvation’s song, the Bread sent from above.

Oh “Wonderful!” is in the stable, “Counselor” lies on the hay,
“Mighty God” with sheep and oxen makes His bed on Christmas Day.
“The Prince of Peace” lies soft and sweetly on His bed this Christmas Day.

Copyright © 2006 M Ryan Taylor.
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