Something Is Coming To Our World

A delightful picture book to read aloud to young children during Advent and Christmas. As days shorten, leaves fall, nights are chilly, lights are strung on houses and trees, how will the wild creatures that visit the backyard be cared for? What do all these changes mean to them? As the birds observe the activities, preparations, and anticipation of people during this season, do they wonder what is coming to their world?

The story is told through the eyes of a little Finch that frequents the feeder and trees in the backyard of a family with young children. During late fall, the bird watches all the changes in nature and in the activities of the people in the house. He can sense that something significant is coming to his world. A climax in the story is reached when it snows and the children come outside to play in the snow. They bring him a suet feeder and greet him with "Merry Christmas, little bird." Then he knows what is happening! He understands what is coming -- Who has come and why all the Christmas lights make him feel like the stars--and Heaven-- are coming down to earth. On the final page, the bird perches in wonder before the Nativity scene in the front yard.

This story will bring wonder to the child and teachable moments for the parents, as they consider caring for the wild creatures outside, observe the changes in nature with the seasons, and what it means to people and all of creation that Jesus came to earth and was born, what we celebrate on Christmas.