peared suddenly to them. At the same moment a bright light from heaven shone around them; and they were afraid. The angel then said to 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, who is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; ye shall find the Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger."

When the angel had done speaking, a great number of angels appeared; and they praised God in these words, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will towards men." angels then went away into heaven.

The

The shepherds were full of joy; for they had never before seen such a won

derful sight, nor heard such heavenly music. They said to each other, "Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known to us." They then left their flocks, and went in great haste to the inn where Mary and Joseph lodged. And they found a lovely Babe lying in a manger. The shepherds looked at the young Child with wonder. When they had seen Him, they told all that the angel had said to them. the people wondered when they heard these things; but Mary thought seriously about them. The shepherds then went back to their flocks, praising God for all that He had shewn them.

All

Let us, like Mary, fix this sacred history in our hearts. Those children who love Jesus will like to hear it, because it tells them

about their Saviour, who loves little children so tenderly.

7. JESUS PRESENTED IN THE TEMPLE.

AT the end of forty days Mary went to Jerusalem, to present Jesus in the temple. She gave, according to custom, two young pigeons as an offering to God; for she was too poor to give a lamb. This little offering was, however, pleasing to God, because Mary gave it with a sincere and grateful heart. The priests and people saw the Infant Jesus in the temple; but their evil hearts knew not that He was the Saviour of sinners. Some of the people were, however, very good; and prayed that they might see the Saviour, who was to come at that time. Among these good people there was one named Simeon. He was a just man, and hoped every day to see the Saviour of mankind

come into the world; for the Holy Ghost made known to him, that before he died he should see the Lord's Christ.

On the same day that Jesus was taken to the temple, the Spirit of God directed Simeon to go there. When Simeon saw the Infant Jesus, he knew directly that He was the Saviour he had expected so long. He then took the Holy Child in his arms, and praised God in these words: "Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word; for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people; a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel."

Joseph and Mary were astonished when they heard these words. Simeon then turned to them, and blessed them. He said to Mary, "Behold, this Child is set for the falling and rising again of many