Part 229 (1/2)

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I

THE NATIVITY

_How the Lord Jesus Was Born in a Stable_.

(In the days of the Roman Emperor Augustus, a census of all the people of the empire was taken. Everyone went to his own city to be counted in the census. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David; to enroll himself with Mary.)

And it came to pa.s.s while they were there that she brought forth her firstborn son; and she wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were shepherds in the same country abiding in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock. And an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were much afraid.

And the angel said unto them, ”Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all the people: for there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this is the sign unto you; Ye shall find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger.”

And suddenly there was with the angel a mult.i.tude of the heavenly host praising G.o.d, and saying,-- {38}

”Glory to G.o.d in the highest, And on earth peace among men in whom he is well pleased.”

And it came to pa.s.s, when the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, ”Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see what has come to pa.s.s, which the Lord hath made known unto us.”

And they came with haste, and found both Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in the manger. And when they saw it, they made public the saying which was spoken to them about this child. And all that heard it wondered at the things which were spoken unto them by the shepherds.

But Mary kept all these sayings, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising G.o.d for all the things that they had heard and seen, even as it was spoken unto them.

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THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT.

By W. A. Bouguereau (1825-1905)

”Thou wayfaring Jesus, a pilgrim and stranger, Exiled from heaven by love at thy birth, Exiled again from thy rest in the manger, A fugitive child 'mid the perils of earth.

”Cheer with thy fellows.h.i.+p all who are weary, Wandering far from the land that they love; Guide every heart that is homeless and dreary Safe to thy home in thy presence above.”

--_Van d.y.k.e_

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II

THE WISE MEN

_How They Came from Afar to See the Lord Jesus_.

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, ”Where is he who is born King of the Jews? for we saw his star in the east, and have come to wors.h.i.+p him.”

And when Herod the king heard it, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ should be born.