The angel addressed the holy mother as “highly favored,” “the Lord with thee.” God’s presence in her life was a reason why she could be trusted with the greatest responsibility ever given to a woman, to bring up, to teach and guard the most wonderful child ever born. Contrast how royal princesses are seldom entrusted with the care and training of future kings and emperors. Vs. 46-55. Mary’s appreciation of what God had done for her personally,--her wider vision of what her experience was to mean to the world. She accepted the trust and believed the amazing promise, (v. 38) but realized that the present and future generations were to share in the blessing (vs. 48, 54, 55.) Ch. 2:19, 51. Mary kept in her heart all the strange, wonderful occurrences, pondering them, trying to understand God’s dealings, and to bring herself and her actions into line with them. She realized that hers was an unusual task, and set herself to watch and understand its meaning. PRAYER Oh Lord, our Heavenly Father, we pray for Thy rich blessing upon this gathering of mothers, and upon the mothers of this community. Grant to each one of our children those blessings of body, mind, and soul which Thou seest they most need. Grant to each father and mother the wisdom, love, and courage, and, above all, the personal acquaintance with Thee that shall enable them to train their children for useful, happy, Christian manhood and womanhood, and to love and serve Thee for time and for eternity. We beseech Thee, in the name of the Holy Child of Bethlehem, to remember our homes and the homes of the whole earth with Thy Fatherly blessing. Guard little children throughout the world from sin and sorrow and suffering, from cruel neglect and oppression, from growing up in vice and ignorance. Stir the hearts of Thy servants at this glad time of the Children’s Festival, to take the knowledge of the blessed Christ-Child to the remotest corners of the earth, that all children may learn to know Him, and may grow up into His likeness. We ask it in the name of Thy Holy Child Jesus. Amen. “Holy night! peaceful night! Through the darkness beams a light Yonder, where they sweet vigils keep O’er the Babe, who, in silent sleep, Rests in heavenly peace. “Silent night! holiest night! Darkness flies and all is light! Shepherds hear the angels sing-- ‘Hallelujah! hail the King! Jesus Christ is here!’ “Silent night! holiest night! Wondrous Star! oh, lend thy light! With the angels let us sing, Hallelujah to our King! Jesus Christ is here!”