_In which is told the story of the Christ child, the annunciation
to the shepherds, and the adoration of the wise men._
In the distant country of Judea lies the little town of Bethlehem.
It is five miles south of Jerusalem. There were such queer little
homes; such narrow streets; and only one large inn. Down these
narrow streets all day crowds of people had passed. People who had
once lived in this little town of Bethlehem and had moved away were
coming back to pay taxes. It was late in the evening. The little
streets were almost deserted. The inn was full, and the tired
travelers were making ready for the night.
No one noticed a man and a woman that came very slowly. The man
had a heavy beard and wore long white robes, and led a donkey
with a woman sitting on it. How tired the woman looked! But there
seemed to be a light shining from her eyes, and one marveled at
her beauty. The man’s name was Joseph, the woman’s name was Mary.
Arriving at the inn Joseph knocked and was told that there was no
room. So creeping wearily to a little stable behind the inn, they,
too, made ready for the night.
In the early hours of the morning a son was born to Mary and
Joseph, a baby whom they called Jesus.
On this very night that Joseph and Mary journeyed to Bethlehem,
shepherds were watching their sheep on the hills. Drowsy and sleepy
were they when suddenly the angel of the Lord appeared, and a
bright light shone upon them. They were much frightened.
An angel said to them: “Fear not, for, behold, I bring you good
tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. In Bethlehem is
born this day a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. You will find the
babe wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger.” Then the sky
was filled with voices saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on
earth peace, good will to men.”
When the song ended, the angel disappeared. Then the shepherds
hurried to Bethlehem to find the Christ Child. It was still dark.
The people and animals were sleeping. The inn was closed. The
shepherds went to the stable beyond, and there they found the
Christ Child wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger.
Then a strange procession entered the town. People looking from
their windows were curious to know whence came those men. Wise men
of the East riding on camels were they, following what seemed to be
a brilliant light in the shape of a star. And now the light ceased
to move and they stood looking in a crude stable door. The camels
kneeled, the wise men got off, and went into the stable to see the
little babe.
The wise men bowed low before the baby. Then they went out and
returned with costly presents for the little Jesus. There were gold
and sweet perfumes. These were gifts that people gave to kings. The
wise men had taken a long journey across the hot sands to bring
these gifts to the little Jesus, for they knew he was the Messiah.