Part 18

"Come," said the shepherds, "let us go Into the city old, And see the strange, mysterious child, Of whom we have been told."

And, leaving there their flocks, they went Into the town near by; And found the babe, as they had heard, His gentle mother nigh.

And, having seen him, they made known, To people all abroad, The things that had been told to them About the Son of God.

The people listened to the news With very great surprise, The wondrous things the shepherds heard, And witnessed with their eyes.

But these strange things within her heart The mother kept concealed, And pondered o'er them, nor her thoughts To any she revealed.

The shepherds, thrilled with gladness, praised The God of heaven above, For all things they had heard and seen Of His unbounded love.

Good Old Simeon.

NOW, when a week had passed, the babe Received the sacred sign Which God to Abraham had given, As covenant divine.

They gave him Jesus for his name, According to the word Of the archangel Gabriel, Who stands before the Lord.

And, then, a few weeks later, To Jerusalem they went, Before the great Jehovah The young child to present;

And to offer, on the altar, In thankful sacrifice, A pair of doves, or pigeons, Of small and humble price.

At that time, in the temple gate, There was an aged saint, Who waited for the promised Christ Nor did his firm faith faint.

A just and righteous man was he, And Simeon was his name, And the Holy Ghost, with power, Upon his spirit came.

And it was thus revealed to him That he should never die, Until his mortal eyes had seen The Lord's Christ, from on high.

And he came, by the spirit, The temple court within Just as his earthly parents Their infant child brought in.

Then Simeon took the Holy Child Into his arms, and said: "Bless Thee, my God, for all the way Thou hast Thy servant led.

"And now let me depart in peace According to Thy word, Since my old eyes have haply seen My Saviour and my Lord;

"Whom Thou hast sent into the world, To lighten all mankind, And that Thy people, Israel, Their precious Prince may find."

Then Joseph and the virgin Were filled with great surprise At the words that Simeon uttered-- So grave, devout and wise.

And Simeon blessed both parents, And said to Mary then, "This child is set that Israel May fall and rise again;

"And for a sign, which wicked tongues Shall slander and indict, And that the thoughts of evil hearts May be exposed to sight."

The Prophetess.

THEN, also, lived one Anna, A prophetess of God, Who, in His faith and service, Her way, through life, had trod.

She was an aged widow, too, Daughter of Israel's race; And, coming in that instant, She joined in thanks and praise;

And then throughout the city went, And told the glorious news From house to house, wherever dwelt The pious, hopeful Jews;

Told that the great Messiah, Long looked for, now had come, An infant in a virgin's arms, And in a lowly home.

The Wise Men.

NOW, when this wondrous babe was born Into his low estate, Another strange event occurred, Which Scripture doth relate.

There dwelt, far off, in eastern land, Wise men devout and good Who nature's grandest mysteries Revered and understood.

One night as eagerly they scanned The splendors of the sky, They saw a new, strange star appear Among the worlds on high;

And said it came thus suddenly Important news to bring-- The sign that Balaam had foretold-- Of Israel's glorious King.

And when they reached Jerusalem, "Where is your King?" they said, "For we have come to worship Him, And by his star were led."

This question greatly troubled Proud Herod, on the throne, For, in the land of Judah, He would be King alone.

At once he called the priests and scribes, Demanding they should tell In what place had it been foretold That Christ should come to dwell.

And readily they answered-- Nor waited to take note-- "In Bethlehem of Judea," For thus the prophet wrote:

"Thou Bethlehem, in Judah's land, Art not 'mongst princes small; For out of thee shall come a Prince And rule my people all."

Then Herod for the wise men called, And, with foreboding fear, He bade them tell him just what time The star did first appear;

And said: "Go search in Bethlehem, And when the babe you find, I, too, will come and worship Him, For thus I am inclined."

The wise men were rejoiced to see The radiant star once more, And gladly followed, as it led The way to Joseph's door.

They opened, then, their treasures, Gold, frankincense and myrrh-- Fit offering to a Prince Divine, From reverent worshipper--

And joyfully bestowed their gifts Upon the Son of Man-- And thus the custom, since observed, Of Christmas gifts began.

The wise men to their lodging went, For rest and sleep, that night; But God came to them in a dream, Before the morning light;

And said, "To Herod ye shall not return, Nor tell my Son's abode." And so returning to their home, They took a different road.

Away to Egypt.

AND when they had departed thence, To Joseph came a dream, In which an angel of the Lord Appeared and spoke to him:

"Rise, take the babe and mother, And into Egypt flee. For Herod seeks to kill the child-- Go, till I call for thee."

Then Joseph rose, obedient, And while it still was night, With the young child and mother, To Egypt took his flight.

Then cruel, wicked Herod, When the wise men told him naught, Or let him know what house contained The babe whose life he sought,

Sent forth his brutal servants To kill each little boy, In and around old Bethlehem-- Each mother's hope and joy;

All--every tender nursling, From two years old and less; Nor heeded Rachael's weeping, Her mourning and distress.

But wicked, wicked Herod, Who would be king alone, Was soon thereafter called to die, And leave Judea's throne.

And now the wrathful tyrant Has no more power to harm; And his fierce and jealous hatred No more can cause alarm.

To Joseph, down in Egypt, Now comes another dream, Wherein an angel of the Lord Appears again to him;

And says: "Now, back to Israel's land With child and mother go; For he, the murderer, is dead, Who was the infant's foe."

Then Joseph rose and willingly Obeyed this new command, And, taking child and mother, Returned to Israel's land.

But hearing Archelaüs Was king in Herod's room, He turned aside to Galilee, Which was his former home;

And dwelt in Nazareth city, Thus plainly may be seen The truth of Scripture words: "He shall Be called a Nazarene."

And there the blessed Jesus Spent childhood's simple days, And, as he grew, waxed strong and wise By God's unholding grace.

The Child in the Temple.

NOW, every year, these parents Jerusalem did seek; To keep the feast of passover, And spend the holy week.

And when the child was twelve years old, They did as heretofore; And went up to Jerusalem, The road oft traveled o'er.

They kept the feast as usual, And, then, with cheerful mind, Returned the way that they had come-- But Jesus stayed behind.

The parents traveled all day long, Believing that their Son, Somewhere, among the company, Was coming safely on.

But when, at evening, they encamped, And sought for Him around, To their surprise and sore distress, He was not to be found.

Still seeking Him they turned their face, And traveled back again, The old road to Jerusalem; But seeking was in vain.

For three days long they went about, Within the city lines, Then, in the temple, found the lad, Among the great divines.

He sat and heard the doctors talk, And asked them questions wise; And all who listened were amazed At his profound replies.

And His parents were astonished When they beheld Him thus, And Mary said: "O why, my son, Hast thou so dealt with us?

"Thy father, Joseph, and myself Have three days sought for thee, And sorrowed greatly, fearing we Thy face no more would see."

Then Jesus, gravely, said to them: "Wherefore my absence mourn? My Father's work I have to do, Till I to Him return."

And Mary, in her inmost heart, Did secretely confine The things He did, the words he spoke, This wondrous Child Divine.

And Jesus rich in wisdom grew, As passed the years of youth, And gained the favor of all men, By virtue and by truth.

John the Baptist.

NOW, in the fifteenth year, when reigned Tiberias Cæsar grand, And Pontius Pilate, under him, Ruled over Judah's land,

And three of Herod's sons controlled The regions North and East, And Annas and Caiaphas were Appointed, each, high priest,

The word of God came unto John-- Old Zacharias' son-- Who, in Judea's wilderness, Had dwelt and prayed alone.

His raiment was of camel's hair, There in his strange retreat, While locusts and wild-honey Comprised his only meat.

He preached where flowed the Jordan Down through Judea's land; Saying: "Repent ye, for the kingdom Of heaven is at hand."

Now, the people all expecting Their Messiah at that time, Mused in their hearts if John were not That prophet most sublime.

So the Jews sent priests and Levites, Down from Jerusalem, To see this new, strange preacher, And closely question him.

And, "Who art thou?" they asked of him, And humbly he confessed "I'm not the Christ, looked for by you, Nor with such honor dressed."

"What then? Art thou Elias?" He said: "Not that I know." Art thou a risen prophet?" He firmly answered, "No."

Then said they: "Tell us who thou art, That we may answer give To them that sent us thither Some knowledge to receive."

He said: "I am the voice of one Who through the land doth cry, 'Make straight, as said Esaias, The way of the Most High.'"

The messengers were Pharisees, Who said: "Why then baptize, If thou be not the promised Christ, Or he that should arise?"

John answered: "I, indeed, baptize With water from the stream; But there is one among you now Of whom you do not dream.

"'Tis He who cometh after me, The latchet of whose shoes, Because He is so mighty, I'm not worthy to unloose.

"And He shall, with the Holy Ghost, Baptize you and inspire, And fill your souls with power divine, And with celestial fire.

"Whose fan is in His hand, and He Will thoroughly purge His floor; And gather up His wheat, but then, With fire the chaff devour."

And many other things said he, Exhorting all who heard; And preaching unto them, with zeal, The Gospel's precious Word.

Emmanuel.

AND in those days it came to pass That Jesus--Holy One-- From Nazareth came to Jordan, To be baptized of John.

For He had reached just thirty years, The age the law declared Those called into the priesthood, For service were prepared.

But John forbade Him, saying, "'Tis I have need to be A subject of Thy baptism, And comest Thou to me?"

And Jesus, answering, said, to him, "Suffer it now, for thus To keep the law of righteousness, It well becometh us."

Then, meekly, and with solemn awe, Did John the Lord baptize, And when the heavens were parted wide, He saw, with great surprise,

As Jesus felt the water, and With humble reverence prayed-- The Holy Ghost descending, like A dove, upon His head.

And a voice, in tones majestic, Came from the heavens, so bright, Exclaiming, "This is my beloved Son, In whom I take delight."

The Temptation.

THEN Jesus, with the Spirit filled, And soul exalted high, Was led from Jordan's bank into The wilderness near by,

To be tempted of the devil-- Who in evil most delights. There He, with wild beasts, made his home For forty days and nights.

After this the Lord was hungry, When the devil came, and said, "If thou'rt the Son of God, command These stones to be made bread."

But He answered, "It is written, Man doth not live by bread alone, But by each word, proceeding From God, upon the throne."

The devil then conducts Him through The holy city, fair, And sets Him on the temple roof, High in the ambient air;

And says to Him, "If so Thou be The Son of God, indeed, Cast thyself down from hence, and for Thy safety take no heed;

"Since it is written, 'Unto God In danger thou shalt flee, For to His angel band He gives A charge concerning thee.'"

Then Jesus unto him replied, "Again the written word Rebukes presumption and declares, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord."

Again the devil takes Him up Into a mountain--high, And shows Him all the kingdoms of The world, both far and nigh.

And saith unto Him, "All these things Will I give unto thee If Thou wilt own my princely power, Fall down and worship me."

Then Jesus called him by his name, "Satan," He said, "be gone, For it is written, 'Worship pay To Israel's God alone.'"

Then, thus repulsed, the devil fled, Pursued his wicked way, And angels came and ministered Unto their Lord that day.

The Meeting with John.

THE next day Jesus, calm and pure, Was walking all alone, Down, near the banks of Jordan, When He was seen by John;

Who said, while pointing unto Him, "Behold the Lamb of God, Who takes the world's dark sin away, And bears the awful load."

Again did Jesus walk, when John With two disciples stood, Who, looking on Him, said to them, "Behold the Lamb of God!"

And the disciples, at this word, Followed where Jesus went; Who, turning, gently asked of them, Their purpose and intent.

"Master," they said, "Where dwellest thou?" He answer, "Come and see." They went, and stayed with Him that day, In holy converse free.

Now, one of these men was Andrew, Who, filled with thoughts profound, And, meeting his brother, Simon, Said, "We the Christ have found."

And brought him straight to Jesus, who Said to him, as he came, "Thou'rt Simon, son of Jonah, now "Cephas shall be thy name."

The Meeting with Nathanael.

THE following day would Jesus Return to Galilee; And, finding Philip, saith to him, "Come thou and follow me."

Then Philip found Nathanael, And, unto him, he saith, "We've seen the Christ of prophecy Jesus of Nazareth."

Nathanael answered shortly, "Thinkest thou can it be That good come out of Nazareth?" Saith Philip, "Come and see."

When Jesus saw Nathanael come, Him did He kindly greet; "Behold an Israelite," He said, "In whom is no deceit."

Nathanael asked, "Whence know'st thou me?" "Beneath the fig tree's shade, Before that Philip called to thee, "I saw thee," Jesus said.

Nathanael said to Him, "Rabbi"-- With wonder overawed-- "Thou art the King of Israel, Thou art the Son of God."

"Because I told thee," Jesus said, "I saw thee 'neath the tree, Believest thou? Yet shall thine eyes Much greater wonders see.

"For thou shalt see bright angels, Through heaven's open span, Ascending and descending Upon the Son of man."

The Marriage at Cana.

THE third day spent in Galilee There was a marriage feast; In Cana was the wedding held, And Mary was a guest.

And Jesus, to this marriage feast Received a formal call-- The wondrous Gospel Teacher, With His disciples all.

And when more wine was wanted, The mother of the Lord Requested Him to show His power, And wine to them afford.

But Jesus answered, "Woman, My youthful days are o'er, And to direct my actions Should be your part no more.

"To show to men, by miracles My power, the wondrous sum, 'Tis mine to choose the proper time Which has not fully come."

Then, Mary to the servants said, "Hark what He saith to you; And, whatsoever it may be, That thou shalt surely do."

And there were set six waterpots, That cleanly Jews might reach To wash their hands, and they contained Two or three firkins each.

Jesus unto the servants said-- Who paid respect to Him-- "These vessels all with water fill;" They filled them to the brim.

Then He commanded, "Draw out now, And bear a cup well filled Unto the ruler of the feast;" And they did as He willed.

And the ruler, when he tasted The wine from water made, Not knowing how it was produced, Unto the bridegroom said:

"Each man who spreads a feast, sets forth Good wine at first, of course, And, when the guests have drunk it all Produces what is worse.

"But never at a marriage feast Has bridegroom done as thou Who gave poor wine at first and kept The good wine until now."

Thus, by this first of miracles, Did Jesus show His power, And His disciples knew Him Christ, From that important hour.

Driving Out the Money-Changers.

THEN the Jews' passover drew nigh, And to Jerusalem Went Jesus, and His followers The journey made with Him.

But when they reached the temple court A market there they found; Creatures on sale, for sacrifice, And merchants sitting round.

Then Jesus made a scourge of cords, And drove them all outside, And, angered by their wickedness, The money scattered wide.

And the disciples then recalled The Psalmist's ancient word, "I have been eaten up with zeal Unto thy house, my Lord."

Then said the Jews, "We want to see What evidence you show That you possess authority Such things as these to do?"

"Cast down this temple," Jesus said, Let its proud walls decay, And I will raise it up again, Ere three days pass away."

They answer, "Forty years and six This temple took to build, And wilt thou rear it in three days? Art thou so strangely skilled?"

But of his body thus he spoke, A temple strong to view, And the disciples, when He rose, Recalled that word most true.

Now, while in old Jerusalem, At the passover feast, Jesus performed great miracles, By which His fame increased.

Yet He gave not His confidence To any, great or small, Because He read the human mind And knew the hearts of all.

And needed not to be informed That man is weak and vain, Who will applaud and honor now, And persecute again.

A Ruler of the Jews.

THERE was a man, a Pharisee, One of the chosen race, Who, in the council of the Jews, Maintained an honored place.

The same to Jesus came by night, Saying, "Rabbi, well we know Thou art from God, for no mere man Such miracles can do."

Jesus replied, "Thou dost believe, Yet such a faith as thine Is naught, unless thou undergo An inward change divine.

"Except a man be born again, I truly say to thee, The holy kingdom of his God His eyes shall never see."

Then Nicodemus said, surprised, "How can a man, when old Become a little babe again, Such wonders to behold?"

And Jesus answered, "Verily, The birth of which I speak Is by the Spirit's gracious power, Which every one must seek.

"That which is born a little babe Is but a fleshly frame, But inward birth to all imparts The Spirit's living flame.

"And, as the way the wind doth blow Is not known by the sound, So shalt thou feel, but not discern, The inward change profound."

Then Nicodemus asked again, "How can these things be so?" Christ answered, "Dost thou rule thy race And yet these things not know?

"I verily declare to you The truths that are divine, And ye receive not in your heart These precious words of mine.

"If I have told you earthly things And you do not believe, How shall you of these heavenly things, My truthful words receive?

"And no man hath ascended up To heaven's throne, above, But the eternal Son of man, Who hath come down in love.

"And as a serpent Moses raised, Upon on upright pole, That those who felt a poisonous bite Might look and be made whole,

"So must the Son of man be raised-- In hate, and wrath and strife-- That whoso shall believe on Him May have eternal life.

"For God so loved this sinful world He gave His only Son, That those who should believe on Him Might find their heaven begun.

"For God sent not His Son below The wicked to condemn: But that, through Him, salvation might In mercy reach to them.

"He that believes is saved from death, But he that doubts must die; Because he has rejected, thus, The Son of God, most high.

"And this is what condemns their lives, That light is shining clear, And men love darkness lest their deeds Of evil should appear."

John the Baptist.

AFTER these things did Jesus go Forth into Judah's land, Attended by his followers, A faithful holy band.

John in his holy zeal baptized The people all around, In Aenon, near to Salim, Where water did abound.

And John's disciples told him all-- How Jesus, too, baptized, And crowds of people went to Him; But John was not surprised.

He answered, "Man can nothing take, Except to him 'tis given, And to baptize with water Was my command from Heaven.

"And ye, yourselves, can witness true I said, I am not He-- The Christ, the long expected one-- He cometh after me.

"Full happy is the bridegroom, but His friend, which standeth near, Rejoiceth in his happiness, So I am filled with cheer.

"He will go on, in power and might, His glory must increase; While I, His humble forerunner, Must dwindle and decrease.

"He that descendeth from above Is Lord and King of all; While he that is mere earthly man Is tainted by the fall.

"He that from heaven comes to earth-- The mighty Prince and Lord-- Tells men what He has seen and heard, And none receive His word.

"Yet he that hath received His word Hath set his loyal seal, That God's eternal righteousness He doth to man reveal."

But John's bold, fearless preaching Now, suddenly, must cease-- How truly he had prophesied Unto himself decrease!

Wicked Herod.

HEROD, tetrarch of Galilee, John's teaching oft did seek, Thought him a just and holy man, And gladly heard him speak.

Yet Herod had a wicked heart, And crime had stained his name, For he lived with his brother's wife, And none had dared to blame.

But John, with holy courage, had Condemned his sinful life, And said, "It is not right for thee To have thy brother's wife."

Therefore, the woman hated him-- Herodias was her name-- And would have killed him if she could, With neither fear nor shame.

But Herod she persuaded, To seize the preacher bold, And in a dungeon's gloomy cell His prisoner to hold.

Now, when the news of this event To Jesus had been brought, While in the land of Judah, Where He baptized and taught,

And He well knew that word unto The Pharisees had gone, How, in His mission here and there, He plainly favored John,

He left Judea's flowerey land, And turned His face again To Galilee, His early home, In Herod's proud domain.

Yet neither horse nor chariot had This royal Son of God; But traveled humbly and afoot The hot and dusty road.

The Woman at the Well.