THIS delightful little booklet, The Christmas Poem, is a faithful and fresh retelling of the 'greatest story ever told', setting Jesus' birth in the context of God's plan to "turn what is sad into glad again".
With a simple rhyming text and bright, colourful illustrations, it is ideal for reading with young children, perhaps at bedtime.
It has been produced by the Bible Society; the Belfast office has the book in stock and rather than selling them, it is inviting people to make an appropriate donation.
John Doherty, Bible Society Northern Ireland's general secretary, also notes that in China, it is customary for people to buy friends and relatives a Bible for Christmas. "Could that happen here?" he asks.
The Bible Society also has Arabic and Farsi copies of its On the Road booklet, which contains 33 Bible readings for migrants, starting with Abram leaving Haran.
"I wonder how many people will welcome the new visitors with something that they will understand in their own language?" asks Mr Doherty.
Telephone 028 9032 6577, email gsec@bsni.co.uk or visit 27 Howard Street, Belfast, BT1 6NB for more information or copies of the booklets.
