The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1907-12-26

The night like nights of the winter season in the hill
country was clear crisp and sparkling with There was
wind The amOspherseemed never so pure and the still
ness was than silence it holy hush warning that
heaven was STOPPING low to whisper good thing
listening earth.
By the gate huggng his mantle close the Waterman walk
ed at times he stopped attracted by stir among sleeping
herds, or by jackas off mountain side The mid
night was slow coming to him; but at came His task
was done tor the dreamles ee labor besses
its wearied chldren moved towards the fire but paused
light was breaking around him. soft and white like the
He waited breathessly. The light deepened; things
before invisible came to view he the whole field all it
sheltered chill sharper than that the frosty air-a chill
of ear-smoe him looked up; the stars were gone the
light dropping from window in the sky; it became
splendor then, in terror he cried,
Awake, awake!'
Up sprang the dogs, and bowling ran awav
The herds rushed together bewildered
The men cambered to their feet weapons in hand
What is it," they asked, in voice
"See!" cried the watchman "the sky is on fire
Suddenly the light became ntolerably bright and thew
covered their eyes, and dropped upon their knees then as
their soul shran with fear they fell upon faces blind and
anting, and would have died had said to them
Fear notr
And they listened
Fear behold bring YOU good tdinqs of great
JOY, which shall be to all people"
The voice in sweetness and soothing human and
low and clear penetrated all their being and filed them with
assurance They arose their knees and looking worship
a a
clad in robe intensely white; above shoulders tower
ed the tops of wings shining folded over its forehead
glowed with steady lustre brilliant Hesperus its hands
were stretched towards them in blessing was serene
and divnely beautiful.
They had often heard and in their simple wav talked of
angels and they doubted now said in their hearts The
glory God is about and this is he old came to the
prophet by the river of Ulai.
Directly the angel continued:
For you is born this dav in the CITY of David
Savior, which is Christ the Lord!
Again there while the words sank into their
minds
And this shall be sign you the annuncator said
next Ye shall find the babe wrapped swaddng
lying in manger."
The herald spoke again. his good tdngs told yet
he stayed awhile Suddenly light which he seemed the
centre turned roseate and began emb up far as the
men could see there flashing of white wings coming
and going ofradian forms and of multitude chant
ing in unison.
GLORY God in the highest on earth peace goodwill
towards men!
Not once the praise, but many times
Then the herald raised his eyes seeking approval ofone
for off, his wings stirred and spread slowly and aiescaly
their upper side white snow in the shadow vari tinted
like mother pearl when they had expanded many cubs be-
yond his stature he lightly and without effort hoaed
out of view taking the light up with him Long after he was
gone down from the sky fell refrain in measure melloed b
distance, GLORY to God in the highest on earth peace
goodwill towards mem
When the shepherds fully to their senses they stared
at each other stupidity, until of them said was Gabriel
the Lords messenger unto men,.
None answered
''Christ the Lord is born: said he not SOP"
Then another recovered his voice, and replied THAT is
what he said"
And did he not also say in the city David which is
Our Bethlehem yonder And that should find him babe
in swaddling- clothes?"
"And lying in a manager
The first speaker gazed into the houghtfuly but at
length said like possessed of sudden resolve There is
but one piece in Bethlehem where there one
and that in the the old khan Brethren let us 90
see this thing which has pass The priests doctors
have been long time looking the Now he is born
and the Lord has given sign by which to him. Let
us go upland worship him.
$780, But the focks!'
E%5 The Lord Twill take of them. Let make haste
Then theysa and left the marah e.