Hosanna: Bible stories retold

THE Shepherds near Bethlehem had been quietly watching their flocks, and perhaps looking out anxiously for the dawn, when suddenly, without any warning, an Angel came down to them from heaven, and the Glory of the Lord surrounded them with a great and wondrous light.

The Shepherds were very frightened at first, but the Angel quickly reassured them by saying that he had brought very good news, which would be a great joy to all people! For a Holy Babe was born in Bethlehem that night, Who had come to this earth to be the Saviour of the World!

Then the Angel told them that they would know his words were true, by finding the little Babe, wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.

And, suddenly, a multitude of the heavenly host were with the Angel; and they all praised God, and said, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

Then the Angels all went back to heaven, and the Shepherds turned to each other in solemn awe, and they said, "The Lord has made known to us a wonderful thing—let us go to Bethlehem and see for ourselves what has come to pass."

So they left their flocks and hurried to the town.

And there in a lowly stable, they saw the Holy Babe who was sent to Mary on the morning of Christmas day!

Months before this the Angel Gabriel had been sent from heaven to tell Mary that she was to be the most blessed of all women, for the Holy Child who was to be given to her, was to be called the Son of God.

Now He had come! And she laid Him—the Son of God—in a manger, "because there was no room for them in the Inn." The town was so full of travellers at that time, that Mary and Joseph were given a shelter in the stable. And so the Baby Jesus had a manger for His cradle.

Now I am going to tell you a little true story which happened where I live.

There was a Children's Service, and the clergyman asked the children if they could remember what he had begged them to do the Christmas before?

Then a little girl stood up, and gently and bravely answered, "You asked us to say—"

"Oh, come to my heart, Lord Jesus, There is room in my heart for Thee!"

And he answered "Yes, that was it and you are a kind little girl to tell us!"

So to-day, with this sweet prayer in our minds, we can remember that there is a place in the heart of each one of us, which we can keep for Jesus!

We can think of His love to us; we can love Him in return; and worship Him every day we live.

And if we make room for Jesus in our hearts here, we shall find by and by, that He will give us "a crown of glory, that fadeth not away."