When Bob failed to appear in his place in the class next Sunday morning, and that for the second time, his teacher became anxious. He pitied the boy in his unhappy surroundings. He had been trying hard to keep the lad in Sunday School, but he knew how hard the struggle was for Bob. The good work now seemed at an end. Bob might be poor and ragged, and might fight his way in school, but on Sunday it was different. He could bear rags and shame and insult. But even he had some pride, and he refused to sit in a class together with boys who did not want him. After much effort, however, Mr. Benson persuaded him to be present at the Christmas entertainment and speak the piece that had been assigned him.
Christmas night came. The church was packed with happy people. Two beautiful evergreen trees were the center of attraction. Between them was an arch, on which were the words “Peace on earth, good will among men.” The exercises passed off cheerily, and even Bob, as he sat beside his teacher, dressed in a suit that some friend had given him, could not but catch the spirit of joy and good cheer that shone from the happy faces of the boys and girls about him. For every lad and lassie will agree when we say that there is no happiness like the glad anticipations of Christmas.
And nothing is so catching, you know, as the happy heart.
To Bob all this was a dream. Suddenly the minister, who had gone before the audience, called his name. At first he shrank back, frightened; but a smile from Mr. Benson reassured him, and he stepped upon the platform. The glitter of the lights dazzled his eyes, and the stare of the many people made him tremble. But he raised his head defiantly and began:
He came of old to Bethlehem,
The Christ of Mary born;
He came to save sin-laden men,
Sad, suffering, and lorn.
The seraph throng the heavens along
Hymned their divine acclaim;