The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1924-12-26
Among the Churches
Uuder Direction of Rev. J. Sherman Potter

make that night for man. 1t was
only after the dire urgency OF the
case was pressed upon him that the
gate-keeper bethought him OF little
niche, a cave in the hills. a place
where the beasts of burden were
won to be. And the gate was at
last opened and they were allowed
to enter. 1t was indeed a humble
lodging place. only lowly manager
filed with straw. but how thankful
were the weary travellers to have IT.
They made themselves as comfortable
as they might after the toilsome days
OF journey and silent night settled
down upon the plain and the village
OF Bethlehem upon the crest of
little hill
1t was a clear cold night of winter.
for December nights can be quite
cold in Palestine. and yet it was not
a night altogether like other nights.
Surely upon that night when hui
manity stood upon the threshold OF
the greatest event that ever transpired
in the history of man it could not
have been a night like other nights.
There was an unusual stiffness in the
air, a Holy Hush. was though heaven
were STOPPING low to whisper some
wonderful tidings to the listening
world"
Night in the Hills
at was not a night like other
nights. so thought the simple shep-
herds yonder upon the hillsides. IT
had been busy day with them as
the sheep must receive special care.
when the nights are cold. There
had been the barking of dogs. the
bleating of sheep and goats. the
of bells. but by nightfall all
were safe in the fold and the herds
men. simple men of the plain. sat
about their cracking fire at the
gate of the fold. This FIRE served
a double purpose; of warding off the
panthers and the wolves that some
times came out of the brakes to prey
upon the defenseless flock, and to
furnish a bit of warmth to take
the stiffness out of their numbed |
fingers and to cook their simple fare.
Gradually as the darkness drew on
they wrapped their warm claocks
about them and with feet to the fire
and with heads resting upon their
arms dropped off into the deep slumb-
Of those who toll all day and are
weary. All save one may sleep. he
the watcher of tho height yonder, |
must not sleep but keep a sharp
lookout. peering into the darkness to
observe the approach of wild beasts
or yet more wild men who would |
not scruple to rob them of their |
flock. He stands leaning upon the
staff his head barred to the stars and |
the chilly night. Upon his faithful
ness depends the safety of his COM
panions as we'll as rhcir flocks When
around him there gathered |
a soft Write light At first he
thought it was the light that her
aids the day but, no, it cannot be.
for it is only just past midnight.
He looks up into the Heavens, the
stars have disappeared. and shaft
Of light is dropping from the sky,
lar back of any star. 1t was as
though someone had rolled up
blind of window of heaven and let
the glory light stream through. A
chill fear smotc the watchman.
Stumbling with clumsy feet over the
loose stones OF the hillside he ruhscs
down to his companions, crying out
'Awakeh, Awake" His companions
sleeping by the dying embers leap to
their feet ready to do battle with
beast or man who might come to do
them harm. But the need not their
crude weapons for the intruder who
mas appeared.
Look. the light" cried their COM
The heavens arc on fire.
The end of time is at hand"
Receive Message
With trembling they dropped upon
heir knees, closing their eyes against
he light that had suddenly become
brighter than the brightest day. But
tut of the brightness a voice of in
mite sweetness reached their ears.
aging, Fear not, for behold, I bring
'ou good tidings of great JOY, which
hail be to all people for unto you is
'orn this day in the City of David
Saviour which is Christ the Lord
And this shall be sign unto you:
'ou shall find the babe wrapped in
WaddlfDu rlofbre Ix..~- -