“I Wonder as I Wander” is a Christmas hymn written by folklorist John Jacob Niles (1892-1980), based on a song fragment he heard while traveling in the southern Appalachians. A young girl was heard singing this over and over again.
I wonder as I wander out under the sky
That Jesus my Savior did come for to die
For poor orn’ry people like you and like I
I wonder as I wander out under the sky
John Jacob Niles wrote this down and then added to it. However, at the time he asked where she got the song. She said from her mother who was taught it by her grandmother.
People in Appalachia didn’t have much of this world’s wealth or education, but they were rich in the things of God.
The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.
Where do your riches lie?
Give it some thought.
Gary