There through the entrance she saw the shepherds lay their humble presents at Mary’s feet and then kneel in solemn adoration.
“I have brought nothing to offer,” whispered the maiden, looking wistfully into the rude shelter. “I cannot go in without a gift—a little gift for the Christ-child.”
Tears of disappointment filled her eyes. Slowly she turned to leave the place. But after she had taken a few steps she stopped and burst into sobs. How could she go away without a glimpse of the Heavenly Child? Then, as she stood weeping, a marvelous thing happened. An angel appeared beside her and said:
“Lo, here at thy feet is a gift for the Christ-child.”
Then she saw growing near her, slender stems covered with delicate green leaves and bearing lovely flowers.
The maiden did not stop to wonder. Here was a gift fit to offer the little Saviour. With trembling joy she gathered the Christmas roses and stepped lightly into the humble house where the little babe lay smiling in his mother’s arms. In Mary’s lap the maiden laid her gift of flowers, and, with radiant face, she knelt and filled her heart with the glorious vision.
CHRISTMAS GIFTS
Laura E. Richards