A Symbolic Tradition

There was a great throng of peasant folk and children, all carrying lighted tapers, and radiant with delight; for this was the Procession of the Offered Lamb, and to walk in its train was considered by all as the greatest honor and privilege. And especially did the shepherd folk love the beautiful old custom which……

Pablo the Donkey

Pablo, the Small One, traveled the weary miles to Bethlehem; there, in a stable, which became a King’s stable, he saw a King born, a King of men – of centuries – of life – of death. Yes, and the Small One’s tired old eyes saw the Wise Men and Shepherds who came to pay……

Gifts of the Wise Men

In the quiet parlor the family drew close together, feeling the deep meaning of Christmas. The Wise Men had come to the manger, bearing their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. These were the things that the Wise Men had to offer. But, as Mother said, the Child Jesus needed other things even more –……

The Three Kings of Cologne

BY EUGENE FIELD From out Cologne there came three kings To worship Jesus Christ, their King. To Him they sought fine herbs they brought, And many a beauteous golden thing; They brought their gifts to Bethlehem town, And in that manger set them down. Then spake the first king, and he said: “O Child, most……

God’s Musician

It is the evening between Christmas and St. Stephen’s Day. The church-bells have run themselves hoarse, and now a blizzard is trumpeting a Gloria of its own. The music roars down from the heights. It blows a great blast into the church spire, calling out to the great bells: “Hey there, old fellows, Gloria in……

Generations of Adorers

Hugh and Dickon opened the heavy wooden door of the Old Church and went in. Once inside, Hugh paused and looked about him. The monks had not used the church for generations, not since the spacious and beautiful edifice of St. Mary’s had been built. It was typically Anglo-Saxon in form, rectangular, without transepts, instead……

The Twelve Days of Christmas

As we approached the house, we heard the sound of music, and now and then a burst of laughter from one end of the building. This, Bracebridge said, must proceed from the servants’ hall, where a great deal of revelry was permitted, and even encouraged, by the Squire throughout the twelve days of Christmas, provided……

After Christmas

It had turned very cold. The stars that had shone so brightly on the evening of Christmas Day had been the first torchbearers in a procession of sparkling days and nights. Every morning the sun rose out of a glowing bed of fire and slowly climbed a sky of cold, brilliant blue. There was not……

The Spacious Firmament on High

BY JOSEPH ADDISON The Spacious Firmament on high, With all the blue Ethereal Sky, And spangled Heav’ns, a Shining Frame, Their great Original proclaim: Th’ unwearied Sun, from day to day, Does his Creator’s Pow’r display, And publishes to every Land The Work of an Almighty Hand. Soon as the Evening Shades prevail, The Moon……