A Miracle In Bethlehem

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Tina, one very unpopular hyena, experiences the true meaning of Christmas when she comes face to face with the newborn Jesus. Tina's heart is healed forever as the tender field animals watch the life-changing experience only a Savior can bring. You will enjoy this sweet story, in poem form, of baby Jesus' love, as three unique little animals witness His first miracle under the glowing star of Bethlehem.


Based on the Bible verse ... "Peace on earth to those on whom His favor rests."   Luke 2:14

Endorsements for "A Miracle in Bethlehem"

“Jayne is a very creative person and a mom extraordinaire.  The beauty of her soul comes through in this wonderfully original story.” 
 ~ Antonio Perez, Chairman and CEO of Eastman Kodak Company

“Jayne Cox has written a charming book for children.  However, it is more than charming. Behind the delightful  verse is a profound Gospel message:  Jesus is the Prince of Peace, who calls us to nonviolence and brings reconciliation.  In her book is found the true meaning of  Christmas.” 
~ Rev. Gregory R. Kandt, Church of the Incarnation, Charlottesville VA

“A Miracle in Bethlehem is a delightful and winsome story of what can happen when even the most surprising of creatures enters the manger and encounters the Baby Jesus face to face (or hand to paw as the case may be!). May many little ones be blessed in the reading of this sweet-spirited Christmas book!”
~ Pastor Tom Goodrich, Meadows Presbyterian Church, Charlottesville VA

“As one who reads hundreds of children’s books a year in search of chapel material, I find Jayne Cox’s book, A Miracle in Bethlehem, enchanting.  This simple story provides numerous opportunities to explore the meaning of the manger in our daily lives.”
~ Dr. Ronald Sykes, Headmaster of The Covenant School, Charlottesville VA

“A Miracle in Bethlehem beautifully presents the  Christmas story of the peace of God, appearing in the most precious of vessels.  The beautiful illustrations are perfect, making it easy for children to connect with the message of hope in Jesus’ birth.”
~ Dr. Harry G. Kennon, Pastor First United Methodist Church, Charlottesville VA

“As they read this Christmas story, children will intuitively understand that Christ’s birth heralds the healing of all creation.”  
~ Rev. Jeffrey P. Fishwick, Retired Rector Christ Episcopal Church, Charlottesville VA

“My heart was touched as I read A Miracle in Bethlehem.  I was once again reminded of the ‘Love Gift’ God gave lost humanity.  The story drives home the truth that the ‘Love of Christ’ can penetrate even the coldest and hardest heart.  I feel this book will be a great resource for all parents who desire to explain the love of the Christ-Child to their children.”
~ Rev. Billy J. Willis, Senior Pastor Charlottesville First Church of the Nazarene

 
Jayne Talks About "A Miracle in Bethlehem"
A Miracle in Bethlehem was originally written as an English assignment in December 1973, to be completed over the Christmas holiday. I was sixteen years old, and a student at Farmingdale High School, in Long Island, N.Y. I distinctly remember sitting at my bedroom desk, holding my head in my hands, as tears dropped on to my loose-leaf paper. The English assignment was to write a Christmas story. I was distracted by the aroma of my mother's holiday cooking,  Christmas music playing on the stereo, and the muffled voices of the neighborhood kids outside my window. Unable to concentrate, I prayed to God, asking for guidance.  It was not long after that I began to write without hesitation. The work “hyena” popped into my head. Odd as it may seem, I decided that this hyena needed a name. Tina the hyena and two bunnies became the main characters in my story. 
Once classes resumed, the paper was handed in, and eventually returned with a grade of 95%, along with many encouraging words from my teacher,  Michelle McKenna, “...with some illustrations, this could be a very nice children’s book.” 

Over the years, I would often take out the story, change a word or two, and place it back in my desk drawer, hoping to someday publish it.  I finally listened to the gentle coaxing of my heavenly Father to pursue my dream.   A Miracle in Bethlehem is now a published work through Tate Publishing & Enterprises. The book's message for young children is one of Jesus's unconditional love, comfort, healing, and peace, as He touches the heart of a lost soul and brings about her powerful transformation.