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The Shepherd's Song
Joshua ben Levi, a young Judean shepherd, is in search of a miracle. His wife, Miriam, is expecting their first baby, but complications threaten to take the lives of both mother and child. In desperate need of God s help, Joshua journeys to the temple in Jerusalem to make an offering and to pray. What follows is a compassionate, emotional story about God s love as Joshua becomes one of the shepherds chosen to greet the Christ child on the night of his birth. Torn between concern for his wife and a desire to follow the angel s directive-- to go and find the babe lying in a manger-- Joshua makes a startling discovery that will change his life forever. What sets this Christmas story apart from many others is that although it is written as fiction, the descriptions of time, place, and circumstances are based on fact. This is a story that will penetrate your heart and remind you why the shepherds rejoiced on that wondrous night in Bethlehem.
124 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
About the author
Larry Barkdull
53 books6 followersI am a longtime publisher and writer of books, music, art and magazines. My most recent books are Priesthood Power–Blessing the Sick and the Afflicted and Rescuing Wayward Children. I have just completed a major 5-book doctrinal series called The Three Pillars of Zion, which was announced August 2009. I have created two Facebook groups called, “Rescuing Wayward Children” and “Three Pillars of Zion–Becoming a Zion Person.”
For nine years, I owned Sonos Music Resources and published the Tabernacle Choir Performance Library, and I was also the owner and publisher of Keepsake Books. Combined, I have published about 600 products for numerous authors, composers and artists. I founded two non-profit organizations: The Latter-day Foundation for the Arts, Education and Humanity (to promote LDS arts), and Gospel Ideals International (to promote the gospel of Jesus Christ on the Internet). My wife, Elizabeth (Buffie), and I have been married for 38 years we have ten children and 15 grandchildren. We live in Orem, Utah. Visit me on Facebook: “Larry Barkdull”
from http://www.larrybarkdull.com/about-me
For nine years, I owned Sonos Music Resources and published the Tabernacle Choir Performance Library, and I was also the owner and publisher of Keepsake Books. Combined, I have published about 600 products for numerous authors, composers and artists. I founded two non-profit organizations: The Latter-day Foundation for the Arts, Education and Humanity (to promote LDS arts), and Gospel Ideals International (to promote the gospel of Jesus Christ on the Internet). My wife, Elizabeth (Buffie), and I have been married for 38 years we have ten children and 15 grandchildren. We live in Orem, Utah. Visit me on Facebook: “Larry Barkdull”
from http://www.larrybarkdull.com/about-me
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
October 3, 2011
This quick read gives an amazing fictional view point from the perspective of a shepherd about Christ's birth. I LOVE how it's a fictional story with all sorts of historic information about Jews/House of Israel, the Law of Moses, Jerusalem and the temple. It also has an amazing inspirational message. I would highly recommend everyone to read this as we move into the holiday season to remind us of our Savior. Oct 2011
Read this again this year for the Christmas season. I read it in 2 hours just one quite evening at home. I noticed more of the symbolism in Joshua's journey and especially found the part of his journey with his lamb very touching and inspirational. The majority of the book is about Joshua's trial and spiritual and physical journey but the climax is truly the most touching when the angels appear to the shepherds to annouce Christ's birth. It is one of those amazing books because it motivates you to be better and do more in the name of our Savior. Dec 2014
Read this again this year for the Christmas season. I read it in 2 hours just one quite evening at home. I noticed more of the symbolism in Joshua's journey and especially found the part of his journey with his lamb very touching and inspirational. The majority of the book is about Joshua's trial and spiritual and physical journey but the climax is truly the most touching when the angels appear to the shepherds to annouce Christ's birth. It is one of those amazing books because it motivates you to be better and do more in the name of our Savior. Dec 2014
December 27, 2018
I like to read a Christmas book each year during the holiday season. I started this little book on Christmas Eve and finished it on Christmas day. It was so touching. A beautiful fictional story set in Jerusalem at the time of Christ's birth. I loved the historical and cultural facts and details included to help create such a clear mental picture of what life at that time and in that place was like. I was really moved by this little book and imagine I'll revisit it at Christmas time in years to come!
January 3, 2020
This was an interesting book. It felt at times that the author had done excessive research on the time period and tried turning a research paper into a story but it was still a sweet story rich with historical backing. I learned a lot from it and liked the authors descriptions and depictions.
November 18, 2021
One of my favorite Christmas reads! The history and details of the traditions were interesting (a little too much it distracted from the story) I love the lessons and the perspective of the shepherd on the special night. Just such a great story.
August 31, 2020
Great culture insights into the times surrounding the birth of our Savior. Lovely little story. Doesn't have to be Christmas to read such a story about helping and loving others.
December 10, 2022
An uplifting and informative little read for the Christmas season. I love hope and miracles.
December 12, 2023
Sweet story. Great reminder of what Christmas (and Jesus) are all about.
December 18, 2023
A beautiful Christmas story.
December 7, 2009
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It was very uplifting and truly brought in the Christmas Spirit.
A poor, humble shepherd, named Joshua, is expecting his first child. His wife was lost two before and may lose this third one along with her own life. Joshua decide's to make the long journey to the temple in Jerusalem to pray and offer a sacrifice for his wife. Along the way he meets different people who who are in need during the horrid tax season. He gives of himself selflessly to those who are in need of his help.
On his way home, he encounters the angels who sing of Christ's birth and goes with the other shepherds to to witness the birth whike carrying his heavy burden. As soon as he witness's this birth and the sacred child, he is free of all burden as he holds this precious child.
It was so interesting to read this book taken from the perspective of a humble shepherd.
A poor, humble shepherd, named Joshua, is expecting his first child. His wife was lost two before and may lose this third one along with her own life. Joshua decide's to make the long journey to the temple in Jerusalem to pray and offer a sacrifice for his wife. Along the way he meets different people who who are in need during the horrid tax season. He gives of himself selflessly to those who are in need of his help.
On his way home, he encounters the angels who sing of Christ's birth and goes with the other shepherds to to witness the birth whike carrying his heavy burden. As soon as he witness's this birth and the sacred child, he is free of all burden as he holds this precious child.
It was so interesting to read this book taken from the perspective of a humble shepherd.
January 25, 2014
Cute short story book. A good read at Christmas time. Some of my favorite quotes:
"God created today for us To live and to love, In the safety of His fold, God will bless us today"
We always had enough food, enough shelter, enough clothing, enough love
"If the worst happens, will you cry your allegiance to God today?"
"True faith and worship require offering the best and most precious things to God"
The greatest sacrifice is you, it is charity. When you make that sacrifice, it empowers you and sets you free.
It is when you let go of the rope that you fall into the safe arms of God. That is the great discovery of life.
"I sensed that nothing could happen to me that heaven could not repair, that all would be well, no matter what happened"
"God created today for us To live and to love, In the safety of His fold, God will bless us today"
We always had enough food, enough shelter, enough clothing, enough love
"If the worst happens, will you cry your allegiance to God today?"
"True faith and worship require offering the best and most precious things to God"
The greatest sacrifice is you, it is charity. When you make that sacrifice, it empowers you and sets you free.
It is when you let go of the rope that you fall into the safe arms of God. That is the great discovery of life.
"I sensed that nothing could happen to me that heaven could not repair, that all would be well, no matter what happened"
December 3, 2010
The other day I picked up this small paperback book for only $1.99 at Deseret Book because I wanted to read several Christmas stories this month, and because this one cost so little. What a bargain it was! It is worth a hundred times more. In fact, what I learned from this little book is priceless!
(To my family---don't go out and get this book on my recommendation, because I am going to buy more of them and present one to each of you!) This little book will add to your celebration of the birth of Christ and teach you about your own gifts to the Lord.
(To my family---don't go out and get this book on my recommendation, because I am going to buy more of them and present one to each of you!) This little book will add to your celebration of the birth of Christ and teach you about your own gifts to the Lord.
December 18, 2011
I suppose I was expecting something more from this simple little story, because it made such a powerful impact on my mom last year that she gave a copy to all the kids. I did think it was touching, but not all that original. It felt like My Turn on Earth inserted in the middle of the Nativity story!
That being said, I thought Barkdull did a great job of inserting details about the time's culture and history. Joshua was a well-written multi-faceted character, and I really cared what happened to Miriam. That's a lot for a writer to accomplish in such a few small pages.
That being said, I thought Barkdull did a great job of inserting details about the time's culture and history. Joshua was a well-written multi-faceted character, and I really cared what happened to Miriam. That's a lot for a writer to accomplish in such a few small pages.
December 7, 2015
An OK story. Actually the story was sweet. It just took me awhile to get into it. It seemed a little drug out. I actually enjoyed learning more about the day to day life of people during that tie....the culture, the traditions, the rules. Even though it is a fictional story, I still felt like I learned things. I'm guessing the author did research. The location of Jesus's birth was so symbolic....it definitely seemed a possibility as there is so much symbolism in the Bible and religion. Gave me something to think about. I liked the story, but wish it had sucked me in quicker.
November 4, 2010
It was nice to read a Christmas book set during the time and place of the Savior's birth. It provided some interesting insights and opinions into the nativity story (for example, the location of the stable as well as the time being in the early spring during Passover). It gave me new things to think about.
However, for being such a short book, it really dragged for me. There were far too many superlatives and nondescript adjectives.
However, for being such a short book, it really dragged for me. There were far too many superlatives and nondescript adjectives.
January 8, 2011
While reading, I found myself wanting to be more like a shepherd, living a simple, reverent and humble life. Joshua is an ordinary man, with real concerns and trials. He has to dig deep within himself to find where his faith and testimony really are. I enjoyed learning of the customs for marriage and the betrothal process, and I have been intrigued while reading more about the culture. Great little book.
January 1, 2011
The Shepherds Song by Larry Barkdull was a very quick read and I found myself caught up as a young man Joshua ben Levi pondered what to do as his wife lay bleeding to death and a baby in the womb that hasn’t moved in a few days. The mid-wife sent him away while the mid-wives did their best. Joshua closed the front door behind him, with tears streaming down his face…
December 14, 2013
Need a quick read to lift your spirits this holiday? I liked how this short story brought the shepherd hills around Bethlehem into a real setting. This is a glimpse into a simple shepherd's life and trials, and how the hope and promise and reality of the Messiah can heal the heart. This same Messiah can heal our hearts today.
February 7, 2015
I wouldn't normally read a book like this but I did enjoy it. I really liked the historical fiction part. I liked hearing/understanding what life might have really been like when Christ was born. I wondered how many of the places/cultural roles/ laws and others things mentioned were real vs. the author's interpretation of what might have been. It would be cool to research that a bit.
October 7, 2009
What an sweet, amazing story! It's the retelling of the traditional Christmas Story from a shepherd's point of view; perfect for the holiday season. I loved it, but I definitely needed some tissues by the time I was finished!
October 11, 2009
Such a beautiful story! Although the author was repetitive at times and got lost in explanations, the story was just beautiful. It truly reminded me of why we celebrate Christmas and the hope that came (and comes) with the Savior's birth.
January 8, 2010
I heard a discussion about this book on the radio. They talked about symbolism in things concerning Christ's birth that I had never heard before. I thought the book would be really good, but I enjoyed the radio discussion more than the book. A nice story though.
December 28, 2010
I was given this sweet book as a Christmas gift from a friend and read it on Christmas eve and Christmas day. It helped me to focus on the true meaning of Christmas and increased my understanding of the culture at the time of Jesus' birth.
January 9, 2011
This sweet little book is a favorite Christmas tale. Not saccharin and marshmallows. It weaves together the Hebrew traditions and principles of sacrifice with the Christmas story with intelligence and reflection.
December 15, 2011
A great short christmas novel! Written from the perspective of a young shepherd I was enchanted by his narrative of being a shepherd at the birth of Jesus Christ! A great read to put you into the Christmas spirit! :)
December 21, 2013
A perfect story to read at Christmas time to remind you of what Christmas is all about. The story of the birth of the Savior from the viewpoint of a young shepherd. A beautiful story. Not too long but not too short.
November 9, 2015
This was an interesting book with much sadness in it for me. It held my attention and is one I probably will never forget. It is about a miracle that a young shepherd man needs and how he went about making it happen.
November 29, 2023
This was a great quick read, especially during the Christmas season. The fictional story made the whole experience of the shepherds come to life. Lots of tradition was explained which was helpful, but seemed to distract from the story at times. Highly recommend.
December 9, 2009
Enjoyed this sweet Christmas tale. I read Larry's Barkdull's book called the "Mourning Dove" a few years ago and really loved its message. That was my favorite of his.
December 12, 2009
Simple story of faith, prayer, kindness, love, and Christ. Set in Bethlehem, this poignant story of a Shepherd will bring tears to your eyes, and make you smile. I loved it.
December 30, 2009
Good little Christmas story. Quick, easy read, but gives a unique (although fictional) perspective on Christ's birth.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews