bring you good tidings of great joy!" Then he told them that a Saviour was born that day in the city of David, and they would find the babe lying in a manger.

When he had finished speaking, a multitude of angels joined him, and together they sang praises to God, and peace and good will to men. Then disappearing above the clouds, the shepherds saw them no more.

The Jews had long been expecting a Saviour. He was first promised to Adam and Eve when they were driven out of Paradise; afterwards to Abraham and Isaac; then Jacob, on his death-bed, called his sons around him, and declared that in Judah's line the Messiah should be found; and many of the prophets, at different times, renewed the promise, until they were earnestly looking for the appearance of their Redeemer. It was not the child of poor parents they were desiring, but a prince, whose home should be a palace, who should be surrounded with riches and splendor. Oppressed as they were, and under the iron yoke of the Romans, it was not strange they longed for a deliverer, who should make them once more free, and restore their wealth and prosperity. But they were wrong; the king they expected would never come. Jesus came to give them freedom from sin, the riches of the Gospel, and to show them the way to everlasting life.

The shepherds seem to have known the truth, and rightly understood the promises: at least, they believed what the angel said. They proposed to each other to go at once and see what had come to pass; and they made haste and went to Bethlehem. They soon found the stable, and, entering in, saw the young child, with Joseph and Mary, to whom they related what they had seen and heard while in the fields. As they told the wonderful story, Mary listened

with feelings of awe and deep humility, and when alone pondered over these things in her heart. The shepherds did not long remain, but, as they passed through the city, in the early morning, just at break of day, they stopped, and told all their acquaintances and friends the joyful news of the Saviour's birth. Some thought they had been dreaming; but others rejoiced in their hearts, as they hoped that now better days were coming for their nation. These good men went back to their sheep; and through the long quiet days they doubtless lifted their hearts in praise to God, and thanksgiving for his goodness to them.

When the babe was eight days old, according to the custom of the Jews, he was circumcised, and they gave him the name of Jesus, the name the angel Gabriel had given to Mary for him, because he should save his people from their sins.

Four weeks passed; and Joseph and Mary took the infant Jesus to Jerusalem,* five miles distant, to present him to the Lord in the Temple, and to make a sin-offering of two young turtle-doves. This was the law of the land, and they would not neglect it. Those who were rich took also a lamb for a burnt-offering; but the parents of Jesus were poor, and brought only the more humble gift.

The Temple, to which they had taken the child, was a splendid building, where the Jews assembled to perform their religious ceremonies. It was into one of the courts that surrounded it that Joseph and Mary entered, and presented their offering to the priest.

As they stood before the altar, an aged man approached. It was Simeon, one of the few prophets that remained to

*Dr. Robinson.

bless their people and country. Now, to Simeon God had made known that he should see the promised Messiah before

old man, feeble with age and its many infirmities; and in his arms lay the child of promise, the Lamb of God that had come to take away the sin of the world. Simeon was satisfied. He had lived long enough; he was ready to die, and enter into the rest prepared for the children of God. Giving the infant again to its mother, he told her of many strange things concerning it, and warned her that she would suffer deeply for the trials that Jesus must pass through. To all his words the parents reverently listened, and their hearts were filled with mingled emotions of pain and surprise.

At this moment another person entered the court, and joined the little group. It was Anna, the prophetess. More than one hundred years had passed over her head, and eighty-four of these had been spent in widowhood. Long and deeply had she mourned the desolations of her

.

people, spending days and nights in prayer and fasting for their deliverance. Her prayers were answered, her desires fulfilled. The truth was revealed to her; Messiah had come; and her heart overflowed with joy, as she poured forth her thanksgiving from grateful lips. She went from the Temple, and made known the glad news to all who, like herself, were longing for the event; and many hearts in Jerusalem were that day filled with joy by her words.

The holy family returned soon after to Bethlehem, where they probably intended to remain until the child was old enough for them to take the journey to Nazareth.

The city was now no longer so crowded as it had been. The census had been taken; the people had gone to their homes; and we may suppose that Joseph found a more comfortable dwelling-place for his family. While they were resting here, some travellers arrived in Jerusalem of more than ordinary interest.

They were learned men, or Magi, and came from Persia or Arabia. They spent much of their time in studying the stars; and, having seen a bright light in the heavens,—perhaps a comet, they believed it the sign of some great event. Rumors had reached them, in their distant land, that the Jews were expecting a king; and, supposing that the light they saw was connected with his coming, they determined to seek for him, and offer him their homage. Taking with them the most precious gifts their country afforded, they began their journey westward. At last they entered Jerusalem; and, as they passed through the city gates with their heavily-laden camels and their rich Eastern costume, the people gathered eagerly around them. Then they inquired of one and another where they should find

the King of the Jews; "for," said they, "we have come to worship him."

Soon the news of their coming was carried to Herod, and filled him with uneasiness. He was king, and did not wish to give up his throne; yet he feared that now the prophecies were to be fulfilled, and at once he called. together the Chief Priests and Scribes, to consult with them. The former were at the head of the different orders of priests, and the Scribes were the lawyers of the nation, and expounders of the Scriptures. When they were assembled, he demanded of them where Christ should be born, he who had been promised in the sacred writings of the Jews. They, recalling at once the words of the prophet Micah, answered, "In Bethlehem of Judea."* Having ascertained this, he sent them away, and ordered the Magi to be secretly brought to him. He asked them particularly when the star appeared, expressed a friendly interest in them and the object of their journey, and told them to go to Bethlehem and seek for Jesus, and when they had found him to come and let him know, that he might also go to worship him. Deceived by the professions of Herod, these strangers readily promised all he desired, and left the palace abundantly satisfied with the interview.

Once more upon their way, the same bright light reäppeared to them, leading them south, towards Bethlehem, and resting above the house where the infant Saviour lay. At the sight of this their guiding star, they were full of joy, as at the presence of a friend; and were now assured their journey had not been taken in vain.

They did not tarry long at the gateway of the dwelling;

* Micah 5: 2.