SCRIPTURE LESSON. HEY that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; PRAYER. LORY be to Thee, O God our Father, who hast pro- SCRIPTURE LESSON. ND Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid. 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 Savior, which 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. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.Luke ii: 4-14. PRAYER. GOD, our loving Father, we thank Thee for the rich gift of Thy dear son, and that through his love and goodness, we have seen Thy love and goodness. We thank Thee for the sweet faith that enables us to behold in him the good shepherd, the true light, the way, the truth, the resurrection and the life, the redeemer of men, and the savior of the world! May we cherish his loving spirit, be obedient to his holy commands, rejoice in his divine promises, and consecrate ourselves, more and more, to the principles of his holy religion, and finally everywhere may there be glory to Thee in the highest, peace on earth and good will unto men. Amen! SCRIPTURE LESSON. ND, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, 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.-Luke ii: 25-32. PRAYER. THOU who art our Father, and the Father of the spirits of all flesh, we come to Thee with grateful hearts at this glad season, when we call to mind the birth of Thy dear son, whom Thou didst send to be our guide and savior. We thank Thee that Thou didst so love the world as to send him—that we might believe, and have eternal life, that we may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent. We pray that our hearts may be so filled with holy love that we may sing the angels' song, and try to bring peace on earth by our kind words and useful deeds, thus evermore making our lives an anthem of praise. And when we no longer dwell on earth, permit us according to Thy purpose and Thy promise, to serve in a fairer land, in the Father's house of many mansions, world without end. Amen. SCRIPTURE LESSON. ND Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul, also;) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser; she was of a great age, and had lived with a husband even years from her virginity. And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem. And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth. And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon him.-Luke ii: 33-40. PRAYER. NTO Thee, O Father, would we render thanks for all the blessings of life. Thou art our shelter when storms of adversity thicken around us, and art ever near to bless and comfort those who will allow Thy spirit to pervade their hearts. In Thee do we trust, and in the covert of Thy wings do we find rest and shelter. Teach us to place our hearts upon Thee, and not upon things which perish, and if our riches increase, may we not set our hearts upon them, but be ever mindful of our Father in Heaven. May we hallow Thy name, and may Thy peace dwell within us; and may Thy will be ours, and finally bring us to enjoy Thy kingdom forever. Amen. SCRIPTURE LESSON. OW his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried be hind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us ? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me ? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.Luke ii: 41-50. PRAYER. GOD, our Father in heaven, we praise Thee for the coming of Jesus Christ into the world. Help us, we pray Thee, that in this hour we may partake of his spirit, and dwell with delight upon the many wondrous scenes of his eventful life. We would go back in thought to the village of Bethlehem, and the plains of Judea, and hear the song of the angels, "Glory to God in the highest; on earth, peace, good-will to men." May we grow as he did, in grace and in knowledge, and in favor with Thee. May we have faith and confidence like his, and, through him, find a present salvation. Amen. |