eir own
home, and there to see this new-born king. They took a long journey,
with camels and horses, and at last they came to, the land of Judea,
just at the time when Jesus was born at Bethlehem. As soon as they were
in Judea, they supposed that every one would know all about the king,
and they said:

"Where is he that is born king of the Jews? In the east we have seen his
star, and we have come to worship him."

[Illustration: THE SHEPHERDS IN THE FIELD--"And there were in the
same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their
flock by night.... And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not: for, behold,
I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For
unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is
Christ the Lord.'"--(Luke 2: 8-10-11.)]

But no one of whom they asked had ever seen this king, or had heard of
him. The news of their coming was sent to Herod the king, who was now a
very old man. He ruled the land of Judea, as you know, under the emperor
at Rome, Augustus Caesar. Herod was a very wicked man, and when he heard
of some one born to be a king, he feared that he might lose his own
kingdom. He made up his mind to kill this new king.

He sent for the priests and scribes, the men who studied and taught the
books of the Old Testament, and asked them about this Christ for whom
all the people were looking. He said: "Can you tell me where Christ, the
king of Israel, is to be born?" They looked at the books of the
prophets, and then they said: "He is to be born in Bethlehem of Judea;
for thus it is written by the prophet, 'And thou Bethlehem in the land
of Judah are not the least among the princes of Judah; for out of thee
shall come forth one who shall rule my people Israel.'"

Then Herod sent for the wise men from the east, and met them alone, and
found from them at what time the star was first seen. Then he said to
them:

"Go to Bethlehem; and there search carefully for the little child; and
when you have found him, bring me word again, so that I also may come
and worship him."

[Illustration: _The wise men went their way_]

Then the wise men went on their way toward Bethlehem; and suddenly they
saw the star again shining upon the road before them. At this they were
glad, and followed the star until it led them to the very house where
the little child was. They came in, and there they saw the little one,
with Mary, its mother. They knew at once that