In the great temple, Shi Tenno-ji, in Osaka, is the shrine of the Guiding Bell. The rope is made up of the bibs of dead children, and little Japanese go thither in order that by ringing the bell they may help and be helped along the road to Paradise. The Christmas bells are always guiding bells to all mankind. Wherever they ring, whether they sound only in the imagination which carries us back to the days of long ago, they summon man unfailingly to a Paradise wherein all may become as little children in the spirit of faith and hope and love. And wherever these bells are heard the heart will never cease to sing and dance away the dust of the world and charm men from the sordidness which keeps us back from entry within the gates of gold. "A little child shall lead them"--this is the veridical prophecy of the good days to come. In fulfilment of such a prophecy let us share the good-heartedness and charity of the Christmas season. Let us lend our ears to hear once more the song which, though it comes from heaven through the voice of angels, has its message for the souls of men on earth. Let us turn our backs upon the selfish and the discordant till the angelic anthem is echoed back with human voice to the Throne of God. Then heaven and earth shall have become one indeed. I. The Little Grey Lamb _Founded upon an old legend_ The Little Grey Lamb _A simple tale of long ago, How the little grey lamb became white as snow._ On Bethlehem's hills on a winter night, Shepherds kept watch in the cold star-light. The sheep, safely folded, were fast asleep: There was nought to trouble their slumber deep. But one little grey lamb was filled with woe For he longed to be white as the winter snow. Then sudden the heavens grew bright like noon, With a light which was neither of sun nor moon. And music rained down ineffably sweet, As the shepherds sprang to their trembling feet. But the sheep slumbered on through that wonderful night, Save the little grey lamb who longed to be white. Then forth from the skies came an angel's voice: "Good tidings, ye shepherds! God bids you rejoice. In Bethlehem's inn the Child ye shall see, Who is born to make all men happy and free." Then swiftly they journeyed the Christ Child to find, And the little grey lamb followed closely behind. From his little white heart rose a timid prayer: "Is it only for men, O Baby most fair, Thou hast cleansing from all that is sinful and bad? Wilt Thou not heal me and make me glad?" So he followed the shepherds and entered with them, When they came to the stable of Bethlehem. They entered, they worshipped, and homeward returned, While a solemn joy in their bosoms burned: But the little grey lamb nestled close in the hay, Quite close to the crib where the Baby lay. And a tiny hand stole forth from the bed, And rested awhile on the little lamb's head.