“His parents were in the habit of going up to Jerusalem once a year, to the feast of the passover, an ordinance which I will explain to you when you are older. It was customary for children to go with their parents to this feast; and Jesus went with Joseph, and Mary his mother, for he was, at that time, twelve years old. A very interesting incident occurred, when his father and mother left the temple. But I wish each of you to read one of the chapters I have mentioned. I have been endeavouring to explain them to you, and I hope you will now understand them.”
After they had read these scriptures, the children all joined in a hymn, which their mother had composed for the day, and then retired with her blessing.
The joyful hour again returns,
Let mortals prostrate fall;
For lo! this day the angel bands
Have crown’d thee Lord of all.
From morning light, till evening shade,
Thy glorious name we’ll sing;
And nations shall proclaim the birth
Of our exalted king.