“This is the Star”, by Joyce Dunbar and Gary Blythe tells the story of our Savior’s birth in simple, childlike language, with a chanting repetition reminiscent of “The House That Jack Built”.

This is our all-time favorite Christmas book (at least until the kids are old enough for Dickens), one that is read every year in the weeks leading up to Christmas. It’s cadence lends itself so well to imparting the simple facts of the Christmas story. Our kids, like all kids, love stories where they can anticipate the next sentence or phrase and join in with the reader and this book is great for that.

This is the angel, shining bright,

Who came to the shepherds watching by night

That saw the star in the sky.

The simplicity of the language is filled in and fleshed out by illustrations that are hauntingly beautiful. They bring tears to my eyes, even after years of perennial reading. In particular, the portrayal of exultant angels in joyful swirls of piercing light grips my heart with the realization of just exactly what this time of year means– not only to me, but to all of Creation– and even the angels.

On the day He was born, the Angels filled the heavens with shouts of Hallelujah!

““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““

Photos by the author. Elisa can be found celebrating a slightly slower Christmas season than usual at her home blog Herb of Grace.