"'Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace among men in whom he is well pleased.'
"Then the shepherds went to Bethlehem, and found the little child Jesus lying in the manger, and loved him, and told everyone what they had seen and heard.
"And later, wise men from the East came on their three white camels, guided by the star of Bethlehem, which shone in the sky. And as they came near to Bethlehem, they [{250}] said to everyone, 'Where is he which is born king of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the East, and have come to worship him.'
"And the star led them at last to the stable where Jesus was, and they brought beautiful gifts, gold, frankincense and myrrh, and they worshiped him."
"And that is how Christmas came!" said Margaret.
"I am very glad that the little child Jesus was born."
"You must love him very much," said mamma, "for he was born, and grew up, and died at last, for our sakes. And now I want to read you a sweet little poem, which a very good man, named Phillips Brooks, once wrote about Bethlehem. I want you both to learn it to say to papa. Now listen while I read."
| "O little town of Bethlehem, How still we see thee lie; Above thy deep and dreamless sleep. The silent stars go by; Yet in thy dark streets shineth The everlasting light; The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in thee to-night. "O holy child of Bethlehem, Descend to us we pray, Cast out our sin, and enter in, Be born in us to-day. We hear the Christmas angels The great glad tidings tell; Oh, come to us, abide with us, Our Lord Immanuel." |
[Footnote: By courtesy of E. P. Dutton & Co.]