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 Saviour, 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. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

-LUKE 2:8-20.

O Lord, on this day when we remember how infinite strength and wisdom were compassed in the tender body of a little child, help us to recognize our own divine nature and to see the divine nature in all men. This day we woud learn a new love for God and man. We thank Thee for all the happy memories and acts of this day; and with our gratitude we present our petitions for all the lonely and the weak, for all the aged and the sick; and especially that all nations may dwell together under the rule of the Prince of Peace. These things we ask in His Name and for His sake. Amen.

-WILLIAM J. DAWSON, D. D.