Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1936-12-24
CHRIST is BORN

TIE above title, Christ is
Born" takes on great meaning
at this time of the year for we
are, tomorrow, celebrating the
birthday of Christ. The following
story in modern form e. plains tire
event as it took place in that little
town of Bethlehem:
Christ was born last night.
While thousands who for penera-
tions had awaited His birth slept and
were unaware the promised Redeemer
of mankind came into the world.
Not with fanfare.
Not with kingly pomp.
Not feralded by armies which so
many of His people in recent years
had imagined would accompany His
coming to deliver them from the bond
age of a foreign empire and to re-
store to them the full glory of Solo
mon and his temple.
But humbly. with sheep and goats
for attendants. He was born in a
stable, because there was no room in
the inn of Bethlehem.
Thus the words of the Pr phet
Micheas were fulfilled: And thou
Bethlehem the land of Juda art not
the least among the princes of Juda;
for out of thee shall come forth the
captain that shall rule my people OF
Israel"
And Mary. His mother, wrapped Him
in swaddling clothes and laid Him in
a manger. because it was cold in the
stable. Outside the streets Of Beth
lehem were silent, quiet.
All day there had been clamor in
the streets-for here, too. as in all of
the Roman empire, people have re-
turned to be registered in the city of
their birth.
Merchant princes from Achzib in
Galilee and bankers from Jerusalem
with their followers and b. dyguards,
and beggars from Samaria with their
lice and their rags.
All day the streets of Bethlehem
and the clatter of sandeled feet.
But last night the streets were
strangely quiet.
None of these merchants or bank
ers, or even beggars knew of the
birth of Christ. They were asleep.
Word of the birth was brought to
this city last night by shepherds who
had been tending their flocks on the
outskirts of Bethlehem.
These men brought the glad tidings,
given to them, they said, by angels
who sang: GLORY to God in the high
est; and on earth peace to men of
good will"
An angel of the Lord, they said, had
appeared before them and said to
them: Fear not; for, behold, bring
you good tidings of great joy, that
shall be to all the people.
For this day is born to you a
Saviour, who is Christ the Lord, in
the city of David
And this shall be a sign to you;
you shall find the infant wrapped in
swaddling clothes, and laid in a
Manager"
And so, the shepherds, said, they
left their flocks on the hillside and
came to Bethlehem, the city of David,
to find the child.
And when they came to the inn
of the city, the boldest of them
stepped up to the door and knocked.
No one answered He knocked more
loudly, and there was a numbering
noise on the inside, and soon the door
was opened a crack and the innkeeper
asked them, angry: What is this
racket? Who are you? There are no
rooms do you hear not
single room go away"
But :" began one of the shep-
herds.
mot a ROOM"
But, we don't want a ROOM"
mot want a room, then why are
you knocking here? Don't you know
this is an inn?"
I'VE are looking for the Christ"
very simply.
1.-The Christi"
Eyes, we have seen His angel"
The innkeeper opened the door a
trifle wider and blinked an eye at
them. Then he reared back his head,
opened his mouth and laughed a
lusty shout of laugh.
"Ho no hooOo, the Christ"
He caught his breath, and then
shouted at them, "And l suppose you
think l have Him under my roof.
Ho no." He ran a chubby hand
through his thinning hair.
That" he told the shepherds, sis
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