Why are the trembling shepherds sore afraid? Why shrink they at the grand, the heavenly sight? "Fear not" (the angel says), nor be dismay'd, And o'er them sheds a ray of God-sent light. O matchless mercy! All-embracing love! The angel speaks and, gladly, men record:-- "I bring you joyful tidings from above: This day is born a Saviour, Christ the Lord!" Hark! "Peace on earth, and God's good-will to men!" The angels sing, and heaven resounds with praise-- That fallen man may live with God again, Through Christ, who deigns the sons of men to raise. W. F. D _CHAPTER I._ THE ORIGIN AND ASSOCIATIONS OF CHRISTMAS. THE FIRST CHRISTMAS: THE ADVENT OF CHRIST. Behold, a virgin shall conceive, And bear a Son, And shall call His name Immanuel. (_Isaiah_ vii. 14.) [Illustration] Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But when he thought on these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a Son; and thou shalt call His name Jesus; for it is He that shall save His people from their sins. Now all this is come to pass, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bring forth a Son, And they shall call His name Immanuel; which is, being interpreted, God with us. And Joseph arose from his sleep, and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took unto him his wife; and knew her not till she had brought forth a Son; and he called His name Jesus. (_Matthew_ i. 18-25.) [Illustration: "There went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. And Joseph went to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child." (_Luke_ ii. 1-5.)] And there were shepherds in the same country abiding in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock. And an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all the people: for there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this is the sign unto you; Ye shall find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, and 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 among men in whom He is well pleased.