ay disappear,
Infinite strength on finite weakness waits.

Why are the trembling shepherds sore afraid?
Why shrink they at the grand, the heavenly sight?
"Fear not" (the angel says), nor be dismay'd,
And o'er them sheds a ray of God-sent light.
O matchless mercy! All-embracing love!
The angel speaks and, gladly, men record:--
"I bring you joyful tidings from above:
This day is born a Saviour, Christ the Lord!"

Hark! "Peace on earth, and God's good-will to men!"
The angels sing, and heaven resounds with praise--
That fallen man may live with God again,
Through Christ, who deigns the sons of men to raise.

W. F. D

_CHAPTER I._

THE ORIGIN AND ASSOCIATIONS OF CHRISTMAS.

THE FIRST CHRISTMAS: THE ADVENT OF CHRIST.

Behold, a virgin shall conceive,
And bear a Son,
And shall call His name Immanuel.

(_Isaiah_ vii. 14.)

[Illustration]

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When His mother Mary
had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found
with child of the Holy Ghost. And Joseph her husband, being a
righteous man, and not willing to make her a public example, was
minded to put her away privily. But when he thought on these things,
behold, an angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying,
Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife:
for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall
bring forth a Son; and thou shalt call His name Jesus; for it is He
that shall save His people from their sins. Now all this is come to
pass, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through
the prophet, saying,

Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bring forth a Son,
And they shall call His name Immanuel;

which is, being interpreted, God with us. And Joseph arose from his
sleep, and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took unto
him his wife; and knew her not till she had brought forth a Son; and
he called His name Jesus.

(_Matthew_ i. 18-25.)

[Illustration: "There went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the
world should be taxed. And Joseph went to be taxed with Mary his
espoused wife, being great with child." (_Luke_ ii. 1-5.)]

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 sore afr