Little lamb, who made thee? Dost thou know who made thee, Gave thee life and bade thee feed By the stream and o'er the mead; Gave thee clothing of delight, Softest clothing, woolly, bright; Gave thee such a tender voice, Making all the vales rejoice? Little lamb, who made thee? Dost thou know who made thee? Little lamb, I'll tell thee; Little lamb, I'll tell thee. He is called by thy name, For He calls Himself a Lamb. He is meek and He is mild, He became a little child. I a child and thou a lamb, We are called by His name. Little lamb, God bless thee. Little lamb, God bless thee. --_William Blake_. {381}{382} [Illustration] THE AGE OF INNOCENCE Sir Joshua Reynolds (1723-1792) [End illustration] {383} SOME MURMUR WHEN THEIR SKY IS CLEAR Some murmur when their sky is clear And wholly bright to view, If one small speck of dark appear In their great heaven of blue. And some with thankful love are filled, If but one streak of light, One ray of God's good mercy gild The darkness of their night. In palaces are hearts that ask, In discontent and pride, Why life is such a dreary task And all good things denied. And hearts in poorest huts admire How love has in their aid, Love that not ever seems to tire, Such rich provision made. --_Archbishop Trench_. {384} LITTLE DROPS OF WATER Little drops of water, Little grains of sand, Make the mighty ocean, And the pleasant land. Then the little minutes, Humble though they be, Make the mighty ages Of eternity. --_Ebenezer Cobham Brewer_. {385} CHRISTMAS HYMNS {386} {387} {388} [Illustration] THE ANNOUNCEMENT TO THE SHEPHERDS By Bernard Plockhorst (1825- ) "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.'" --_Luke 2:8-14_ {389} CHRISTMAS LULLABY Sleep, baby, sleep. The mother sings: Heaven's angels kneel and fold their wings. Sleep, baby, sleep! With swaths of scented hay Thy bed By Mary's hand at eve was spread. Sleep, baby, sleep!