,a ,wond]ful ,night ,by ,,james ,h4 ,,sn[d5 ,decorations by ,maud & ,miska ,pet]%am 99 99 99 99 99 ,nights diff] z mu* z days4 ,"s nights h witness$ great ev5ts & be5 *>g$ ) e?ical significance 9 ! hi/ory ( ! _w4 ,"o su* night /&s =? cr[n$ ) supreme di/9ction1 ! night t he>d angels s+1 & 0 />r$ ) ! ,bir? ( ,be?lehem4 ,?is book treats ! v>i\s ev5ts & /eps t l$ to ! c5tral wond] & int]prets ! /ory 9 t]ms ( its significance today & inve/s x ) poetic light4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,! ,,macmillan ,,company ,,publi%]s 33 ,,new ,,york ,transcrib]'s note3 ,! above text is tak5 f ! front flap ( ! du/ jacket4 ,a ,wond]ful ,night ,,! ,,macmillan ,,company ,,new ,,york ,,bo/on ,,*i*ago ,,dallas ,,atlanta ,,san ,,francisco ,,macmillan ,,co41 ,,limit$ ,,london ,,bombay ,,calcutta ,,melb\rne ,,! ,,macmillan ,,co4 ,,( ,,canada1 ,,ltd4 ,,toronto ,illu/ration ,a ,wond]ful ,night ,an ,int]pretation ( ,*ri/mas ,by ,james ,h4 ,sn[d5 ,decorations by ,maud & ,miska ,pet]%am ,illu/ration ,! ,macmillan ,company ,publi%]s ,,mcmxix ,set up & electrotyp$4 ,publi%$ ,novemb]1 #aiai4 ,cont5ts ,,*apt] ,i4 ,an ,age ( ,wond]s ,,ii4 ,prep>ation = ! ,ev5t ,,iii4 ,a ,wond]ful ,fulfillm5t ( ,prophecy ,,iv4 ,an ,hi/orical ,ev5t ,v4 ,simplicity ( ! ,n>rative ,,vi4 ,! ,t[n ( ,be?lehem ,,vii4 ,! ,wond]ful ,night ,draws ,ne> ,,viii4 ,! ,bir? ,,ix4 ,no ,room 9 ! ,inn ,x4 ,angel ,m9i/ry ,,xi4 ,angels & ,%eph]ds ,,xii4 ,! ,conc]t 9 a ,%eep ,pa/ure ,,xiii4 ,! ,fir/ ,visitors to ,be?lehem ,,xiv4 ,! ,/> & ! ,wise ,m5 ,,xv4 ,a ,fright5$ ,k+ ,,xvi4 ,an ,impot5t ,de/roy] ,,xvii4 ,spl5did ,gifts ,,xviii4 ,0 a ,*ild ! ,be/ ,*ri/mas ,gift to ! ,_w8 ,,xix4 ,a ,_w ,)\t ,*ri/mas ,,xx4 ,has ! ,*ri/mas ,song ,surviv$ ! ,_w ,w>8 ,,xxi4 ,! ,light ( ! ,_w ,o ,little t[n ( ,be?leham1 ,h[ /ill we see !e lie6 ,above ?y deep & dreamless sleep ,! sil5t />s g by3 ,yet 9 ?y d>k /reets %9e? ,! ev]la/+ ,light2 ,! hopes & fe>s ( all ! ye>s ,are met 9 !e to-night4 --,phillips ,brooks4 ,illu/ration3 ,a ,wond]ful ,night ,illu/ration3 ,a ,wond]ful ,night ,i4 ,an ,age ( ,wond]s ,transcrib]'s note3 ,! fir/ lett] ( ea* *apt] is 9 ! =m ( an illu/rat$ dropp$ capital4 ,we live 9 an age ( wond]s4 ,great discov]ies & />tl+ ev5ts cr[d ^u u s fa/ t we h sc>cely recov]$ f ! bewild]+ effects ( "o be=e ano!r comes1 & we are ?us kept 9 a con/ant :irl ( excitem5t4 ,! heav5s are full ( %oot+ />s1 & :ile wat*+ "o we are di/ract$ by ano!r4 ,s frequ5t is ?is exp]i5ce t our n]ves almo/ refuse to respond to ! %ock ( a new s5sation4 ,we are no long] surpris$ at surprises4 ,! m>vel\s has become ! commonplace1 & ! unexpect$ is :at we n[ expect4 ,yet we are n to suppose t our age is ! only "o t has _h its wond]s4 ,o!r times _h !irs also1 only ^! old-"t wond]s h become famili> to u & ceas$ to be wond]ful2 b 9 _! day !y 7 m>vel\s1 & "s ( !m equall$ if !y did n surpass any wond]s we h witness$4 ,! ,great ,w> 0 ! mo/ cataclysmic eruption t has ev] convuls$ ! _w1 b x 0 n m revolution>y & s5sational 9 ! tw5tie? c5tury ?an ! ,fr5* ,revolution 0 9 ! eighte5? & ! ,re=mation 0 9 ! sixte5? c5tury4 ,! discov]y ( ,am]ica 9 ! fifte5? c5tury creat$ imm5se excitem5t & 0 relatively a m colossal & />tl+ occurr5ce ?an any?+ t has happ5$ s9ce4 ,! telescope & ! ,cop]nican !ory 7 z great a*ievem5ts 9 _! day z ! spectroscope & ! nebul> hypo!sis are 9 our day4 ,! mo/ useful inv5tions & ! mo/ m>vel\s products ( ! human bra9 are n ! railway & telegraph aft] all4 ,! art ( pr9t+1 :i* inf9itely multiplies ?\ght & s[s x 9 ! v air & e morn+ photographs ! _w anew1 is a m useful inv5tion & 9 its day 0 a great wond]4 ,/ill f>!r back1 hidd5 9 ! mi/s ( antiquity1 lies ! inv5tion ( ! alphabet t is ev5 m useful & m>vel\s4 ,x is :5 we get back to ! olde/ tools1 ! hamm] & pl\gh & loom1 t we come to inv5tions ( ! greate/ fundam5tal utility1 & we c\ld bett] af=d to give up all our mod]n magic ma*9es ?an to "p ) ^!4 ,! olde/ lit]ature is ev] ! ripe/1 ri*e/ & be/1 & ,hom] & ,%akespe>e ov]top all our mod]n writ]s z ! ,alps ov]%ad[ ! hills ly+ ar\nd _! feet4 ,:at mod]n prea*] c comp>e 9 eloqu5ce & p[] ) ,paul & ,isaiah8 ,nature is ev] full ( new wond]s1 & yet ! grass 0 z gre5 & ! m\nta9s z gr& & ! gold5 nets & silv] fr+es ( ! cl\ds 7 z respl5d5t 9 ! days ( ,abraham z !y are to-day4 ,we are ! heirs ( ! ages1 b wond] & wisdom 7 n born ) u1 & ) u !y w n die4 ,:]e mu/ we g to f9d ! greate/ wond]8 ,n to ! sci5ti/'s discov]ies & ! inv5tor's cunn+ devices3 ! greate/ m>vel is n mat]ial b spiritual2 & to f9d x we mu/ n look into ! pres5t or future1 b g back to ! fir/ ,*ri/mas morn+4 ,on t morn+ ! ,judean %eph]ds _h a /ory to tell :i* all !y t he>d x wond]$ at & :i* is /ill ! wond] & song ( ! _w4 ,! bir? ( ,jesus is absolutely ! greate/ ev5t ( all "t4 ,:atev] view is tak5 ( him he has become ! ,ma/] ( ! _w4 ,*ri/ has creat$ ,*ri/5dom1 sil5tly lift+ its moral level z m\nta9s are heav$ up aga9/ ! sky f b5ea?4 ,! com+ ( su* a unique & p[]ful p]sonality into ! _w is an inf9itely great] wond] ?an ! discov]y ( a new cont95t or ! blaz+ out ( a new /> 9 ! sky4 ,,ii4 ,prep>ation = ! ,ev5t ,ne> ev5ts may h remote causes4 ,! riv] t sweeps by u _c be expla9$ )\t go+ f> back to hidd5 spr+s 9 di/ant hills4 ,! huge wave t breaks ^u ! ocean %ore may h _h its orig9 9 a subm>9e upheaval five ?\s& miles away4 ,a wide circle ( causes conv]g$ t[>ds ?is bir?2 all ! spokes ( ! anci5t _w ran into ?is hub4 ,:5 ,abraham />t$ we/ z an emigrant out ( ,babylonia1 n kn[+ :i!r he w5t1 he 0 unconsci\sly travel+ t[>ds ,be?lehem4 ,jewi% hi/ory = c5turies head$ t[>ds ?is culm9ation2 ?is 0 ! mat*less blossom t bloom$ out ( all t gr[? f ,abraham to ,joseph & ,m>y4 ,prie/ & prophet1 tab]nacle & temple1 gorge\s ritual & /ream+ alt>1 sacrifice & psalm1 k+dom & captivity1 triumph & trag$y 7 all s _m roots to ?is tree4 ,^! 7 ! education & discipl9e ( ! *os5 p1 prep>+ !m z soil out ( :i* ! ,messiah c\ld spr+4 ,! great ideas ( ! unity & sov]eignty1 spirituality & righte\sness ( ,god1 ! s9fulness ( s9 & ! ne$ ( an atonem5t 7 9 flam+ picture language emblazon$ be=e ! p & burnt into _! consci5ce4 ,*ri/ c\ld d no?+ until ^! ideas 7 root$ 9 ! _w4 ,pagan a*ievem5ts1 also1 ! glory t 0 ,greece & ! gr&eur t 0 ,rome1 7 roots to ?is same tree ( prep>ation = ! com+ ( ,*ri/1 ?\gh !y knew x n4 ,greece ) all ! glories ( its philosophy & art %[$ t ! _w nev] c\ld be sav$ by its own wisdom2 & all ! laws & legions ( ,rome 7 equally impot5t to lift x out ( ! dit* ( s94 ,nei!r a brilliant bra9 nor a mail$ fi/ c save a lo/ _w4 ,yet bo? ,greece & ,rome made positive contributions to ! prep>ation = ,*ri/4 ,greece fa%ion$ a m>vel\s in/rum5t = propagat+ ! gospel 9 its highly flexible & expressive language1 & ,rome r$uc$ ! _w to ord] & hu%$ x into peace & ?us turn$ x into a va/ amphi!at] 9 :i* ! gospel c\ld be he>d4 ,greece also contribut$ philosophy t ?rew light on ! gospel1 & ,rome gave x a ri* inh]itance ( law4 ,god ?us set ?is ev5t 9 a mighty framework ( prep>ation4 ,he got ! _w ready = ,*ri/ be=e he br\ght ,*ri/ to ! _w4 ,he 0 9 no ha/e & took pl5ty ( "t be=e he /ruck ! great h\r4 ,! h>ve/ mu/ lie out 9 ! %[]s & sun%9e = weeks & mon?s be=e x c rip5 into gold5 :eat1 & ! meteor mu/ %oot ?r\gh millions ( invisible miles = "o brief fla% ( spl5dor4 ,! c5turies seem$ sl[-foot$ dur+ t long & dre>y /ret* f ,abraham to ,m>y1 b :5 ! fulness ( "t 0 come1 ,god s5t =? 8 ,son4 ,,iii4 ,a ,wond]ful ,fulfillm5t ( ,prophecy ,?is bir? 0 a wond]ful fulfillm5t ( prophecy4 ,! ,jews _h *]i%$ ! hope ( ! promis$ ,messiah = ?\s&s ( ye>s4 ,?r\gh all _! national vicissitudes1 enslavem5t 9 ,egypt1 w&]+s 91 ! wild]ness1 e/abli%m5t & gr[? 9 ! promis$ l&1 int]nal division & ext]nal captivity 9 ,babylon1 re/oration1 & f9al subjection to ! ,romans1 ?is hope burn$ on ! horizon ( _! future z a fix$ />4 ,x 0 ?is t ev] l$ !m on & held !m toge!r & made x impossible to break or subdue _! _s4 ,?is 0 ! dawn t fill$ all _! d>k & bitt] days ) ! rosy gl[ ( hope4 ,yet ! ,messiah came n1 & z ! c5turies sl[ly roll$ along !y mu/ h gr[n we>y & at times h d\bt$4 ,sceptics sc(f$1 ,:]e is ! sign ( 8 com+8 ,b ! great he>t ( ! nation rema9$ true to its tru/1 :ile prophets caught glimpses ( ! com+ glory & :ite-head$1 trembl+ old sa9ts pray$ t !y might live a little long] & n die be=e he came4 ,p]haps ?is hope 0 nev] at a l[] ebb ?an :5 ! ,roman p[] 0 ru?lessly gr9d+ ! nation d[n into ! du/4 ,b sudd5ly at ?is d>ke/ h\r a bl9d+ light burnt ?r\gh ! floor ( heav5 & %eph]ds ran ab\t ann\nc+ t ! ,messiah 0 born6 ,:o c imag9e ! surprise1 ! wond]1 ! ov]:elm+ amazem5t ?is news creat$8 ,h[ _m 7 eag] to g to ,be?lehem & see ?is ?+ :i* _h come to pass6 ,& :5 x 0 f\nd to be true1 !y rejoic$ ) exce$+ great joy & old m5 bless$ ,god & said1 ,"l1 n[ lette/ ?\ ?y s]vants dep>t 9 peace4 ,yet :y %\ld !y h wond]$ at ,god's fai?fulness 9 keep+ 8 promise1 z ?\gh he c\ld ev] h =gott5 x or fail$ to br+ x to pass8 ,:y %\ld we ev] wond] at ! fai?fulness ( ,god8 ,d\btless 9 "s degree because ( our human infirmity4 ,our s5se ( unity ) ,god & tru/ 9 him h be5 weak5$ by s9 until we are ready to d\bt him z ?\gh he 7 "o ( ourselves4 ,8 promises also are s f>-rea*+ & great1 spl5did & bless$1 !y s f> surpass our ?\ghts ( wisdom & m]cy1 t1 ev5 ?\gh !y h be5 repeat$ to u until we are famili> ) !m1 :5 !y are fulfill$ we wond] at ! fai?fulness t w br+ s great ?+s to pass4 ,,iv4 ,an ,hi/orical ,ev5t ,! /ory />ts ) ! place & "t ( ! ,savi\r's bir?4 ,jesus 0 born 9 ,be?lehem ( ,judea1 9 ! days ( ,h]od ! k+4 ,!re are _m my?s & leg5ds float+ ?r\gh ! _w t are (t5 beautiful & useful1 b !y hang l gorge\s cl\ds 9 ! air & are ev] *ang+ _! %ape & place4 ,!y are gr[?s ( ! imag9ation & lack hi/oric roots & reality4 ,!y are *>y ( names & dates & hide _! orig9 9 f>-away mi/s4 ,h[ev] p[]fully & pa!tically !y may reflect ! ne$s & hopes ( ! human he>t1 !y are unsub/antial z dreams & af=d no f\ndation on :i* to build our fai?4 ,hea!n religions are g5]ally wov5 ( ?is leg5d>y /uff4 ,! ,greek & ,roman div9ities 7 all my?ical4 ,b ! sci5tific _s has swept ^! imag9>y deities out ( our sky & r5d]$ belief 9 !m impossible4 ,our religion mu/ be root$ 9 reality & _c live 9 cl\ds1 h[ev] beautifully !y may be color$4 ,we refuse hospitality to any?+ b fact4 ,give u names & dates1 is our dem&4 ,! ,bible responds to ?is requirem5t4 ,*ri/ianity is an hi/orical religion4 ,! gospel n>rative beg9s ) no su* indef9ite /atem5t z ,once ^u a "t1 b x />ts 9 ,be?lehem ( ,judea4 ,! t[n is !re & we c /& on ! v spot :]e ,jesus 0 born4 ,! n>rative places ! "t ( 8 bir?1 9 ! days ( ,h]od ! k+4 ,hi/ory kn[s ,h]od2 !re is no?+ my?ical ab\t ?is mon/] ( iniquity4 ,^! /atem5ts are facts t no ke5e/ critic or s*ol>ly unbeliev] c plausibly dispute4 ,s ! gospel sets its record 9 ! rigid frame ( hi/ory2 x roots its orig9 d[n 9 ! rocky l$ge ( ,judea4 ,*ri/ 0 n born 9 a dream1 b 9 ,be?lehem4 ,we are n1 !n1 build+ our fai? on a my?1 b on immovable matt]s ( fact4 ,?is ?+ 0 n done 9 a corn]1 b 9 ! broad day1 & x is n afraid ( ! geograph]'s map & ! hi/orian's p54 ,! ,*ri/mas /ory is n ano!r beautiful leg5d 9 ! _w's gall]y ( my?s1 b is sob] & solid reality2 its /ory is hi/ory4 ,our religion is tru?1 & we w wor%ip at no o!r alt>4 ,v4 ,simplicity ( ! ,n>rative ,?\gh sur*>g$ ) su* trem5d\s mean+1 c>ry+ a heavi] burd5 ( news ?an 0 ev] be=e committ$ to human language1 yet ! simplicity ) :i* ! /ory is told is "o ( ! lit]>y m>vels ( ! gospels4 ,?is ev5t has inspir$ poets & pa9t]s & has be5 embroid]$ & illum9at$ ) an imm5se am\nt ( ornam5tation4 ,g5ius has p\r$ its spl5dors ^u x & tri$ to give u "s wor?y conception ( ! sc5e4 ,b ! evangeli/s _h no su* purpose or ?\ght1 & _! /ory is told ) t *>m+ artlessness t is p]fect art4 ,!y 7 n m5 ( g5ius1 b pla9 m51 mo/ly tax collectors & fi%]m5 untra9$ 9 ! s*ools1 ) no ?\ght ( skill or lit]>y art4 ,yet all ! /yli/s & arti/s ( ! _w /& 9 wond] be=e _! unconsci\s ef=t & supreme a*ievem5t4 ,no attempt at rhetoric disfigures _! record1 n a ^w is writt5 = effect1 b ! simple facts are all[$ to tell _! own eloqu5t & m>vel\s tale4 ,! inspir$ writ]s mix$ no imag9ation ) _! v]ities1 = !y _h no o!r ?\ght ?an to tell ! pla9 tru?2 & ?is gives u confid5ce 9 ! tru/wor?9ess ( _! n>rative4 ,^! m5 did n foll[ cunn+ly devis$ fables :5 !y made kn[n unto u ! p[] & com+ ( our ,"l ,jesus ,*ri/1 = !y 7 eye-witnesses ( 8 glory4 ,,vi4 ,! ,t[n ( ,be?lehem ,! l& ( ,pale/9e is divid$ f nor? to s\? by a c5tral range ( m\nta9s :i* runs up ?r\gh ?is n>r[ /rip ( c\ntry l a sp9al column4 ,ab\t five miles s\? ( ,j]usalem a ridge or spur %oots (f f ! c5tral range t[>ds ! ea/4 ,on ! t]m9al bluff ( ?is ridge lies ! t[n ( ,be?lehem4 ,on ! we/ x is %ut 9 by ! plateau1 & on ! ea/ ! ridge breaks /eeply d[n into ! pla94 ,v9ey>ds cov] ! hillsides ) gre5 & purple1 & :eatfields wave 9 ! valleys4 ,9 ! di/ant ea/1 across ! ,dead ,sea1 ! m\nta9s ( ,moab are p5cil$ 9 d>k blue aga9/ ! sky4 ,at ! pres5t "t ! t[n has eight ?\s& inhabitants4 ,its flat-ro($ h\ses are well built & its n>r[ /reets are clean4 ,x is a busy place1 its *ief indu/ry be+ ! manufacture ( s\v5irs ( olive wood :i* are sold ?r\gh\t ! ,*ri/ian _w4 ,its pr9cipal *ur* is ! ,*ur* ( ! ,nativity1 :i* is built ov] a cave t is "o ( ! mo/ sacr$ & memorable spots on ! globe4 ,x is believ$ t ?is cave is ! place :]e ,*ri/ 0 born1 & a silv] /> inlaid 9 ! /one floor is int5d$ to m>k ! exact spot4 ,x 0 !n us$ z ! /able ( ! adjo9+ inn1 & 9 its /one mang] ! infant ,jesus may h be5 laid4 ,at ! "t ( ?is ev5t ,be?lehem 0 a m]e village ( a few hundr$ p4 ,x might h be5 ?\ght t ,j]usalem1 ! hi/oric metropolis & pr\d capital ( ! c\ntry1 ! *os5 city ( ,god & seat ( ! temple & c5t] ( wor%ip1 a city beautiful = situation1 magnific5t 9 its ar*itecture1 sacr$ 9 its associations & _w-wide & spl5did 9 its fame1 %\ld h be5 honor$ ) ?is supreme ev5t 9 ! hi/ory ( ! ,jews4 ,b an anci5t prophet1 :ile not+ its comp>ative insignificance1 _h yet put 8 f+] on ?is t9y po9t on ! map & pron\nc$ ^u x a bless+ t caus$ x to blaze out l a /> amid/ its rural hills4 ,b ?\1 ,be?lehem ,ephratah1 ?\gh ?\ be little among ! ?\s&s ( ,judah1 yet out ( !e %all he come =? unto me t is to be rul] 9 ,israel2 ^: go+s =? h be5 f ( old1 f ev]la/+4 ,& s pr\d ,j]usalem 0 pass$ by1 & ?is supreme honor 0 be/[$ ^u ! humble village4 ,great m51 z a rule1 are n born 9 cities4 ,!y come up out ( obscure villages & hidd5 nooks & corn]s4 ,!y orig9ate clos] to nature ?an city-born m5 & seem to spr+ f ! v soil4 ,! mo/ not$ bir?place 9 ,scotl& is t ( ,burns3 x is a humble cottage ) a ?at*$ ro( & a /able 9 "o end ( x4 ,! mo/ celebrat$ bir?place 9 ,engl& is t ( ,%akespe>e1 & aga9 x is a pla9 cottage 9 a c\ntry village4 ,l9coln 0 born 9 a log hut 9 ! wilds ( ,k5tucky1 ,mohamm$ 0 ! son ( a camel driv]1 & ,confucius ! son ( a soldi]4 ,! city mu/ g to ! c\ntry = its ma/]s1 & ! _w draws its be/ blood & bra9s f ! f>m4 ,x 0 9 accordance ) ?is pr9ciple t ! ,savi\r ( ! _w %\ld be born1 n 9 a city & palace1 b 9 a c\ntry village1 & t 8 fir/ b$ %\ld be1 n a d[ny c\*1 b a slab ( /one4 ,,vii4 ,! ,wond]ful ,night ,draws ,ne> ,n[ x came to pass 9 ^? days1 !re w5t out a decree f ,cs> ,augu/us1 t all ! _w %\ld be enroll$4 ,?is is ! po9t at :i* ! ord]ly & s*ol>ly ,luke op5s 8 acc\nt ( ! bir? ( our ,"l4 ,x seems l go+ a long way (f f & ar\nd to ! end 9 view4 ,b !re are no isolat$ facts & =ces 9 ! _w & all ?+s "w toge!r4 ,:5 we see provid5ce />t 9 we nev] c tell :]e x is go+ to come out4 ,if ,god is ab\t to bless u1 he may />t ! *a9 ( causation t %all at l5g? rea* u 9 "s f>-(f place or l&2 or if he is ab\t to save a s\l 9 ,*9a he may />t ) "o ( u 9 ! contribution we make to =eign missions4 ,cs> ,augu/us1 ma/] ( ! _w1 f "t to "t ord]$ a c5sus to be tak5 ( ! empire t he might "k its res\rces & reap f x a ri*] h>ve/ ( taxes4 ,x 0 probably betwe5 ! mon?s ( ,decemb] & ,m>*1 ,b4,c4 #e-d1 t su* a c5sus 0 be+ tak5 9 ! prov9ce ( ,syria4 ,9 accordance ) anci5t ,jewi% usage1 all citiz5s repair$ to ! tribe & village f :i* !y 7 desc5d$1 & 7 !re enroll$4 ,9 ! t[n ( ,naz>e? 9 ! nor? liv$ ,joseph1 a village c>p5t]1 & ,m>y1 8 esp\s$ wife1 :o ?\gh a virg9 0 great ) *ild1 hav+ be5 ov]%ad[$ by ! ,holy ,_s & ! my/]y hav+ be5 reveal$ to h] & h] betro!d husb&4 ,!y 7 bo? desc5d$ f ! royal l9e ( ,david1 & !re=e to ,be?lehem !y mu/ g4 ,) u su* a j\rney ( eighty miles w\ld mean no m ?an /epp+ on a railway c> at n9e o'clock 9 ! morn+ & /epp+ (f at noon4 ,b ) !m x meant a toilsome j\rney on foot ( sev]al days4 ,sl[ly !y w5d$ _! way s\?w>d1 l$ on by ! irresi/ible h& ( ,cs>1 f> away on 8 ?rone4 ,! anci5t ,hebrew prophecy ( ,micah & ! imp]ial decree ( ,cs> ?us m>vel\sly fitt$ into ea* o!r & work$ toge!r4 ,m>y mu/ h kn[n ( ?is prophecy1 & we "k n ) :at a s5se ( my/]y & fe> & joy %e drew ne> to ! pr$ict$ place :]e ! ,messiah 0 to be born4 ,be?lehem sits l a cr[n on its rocky ridge4 ,at l5g? its walls & t[]s loom$ 9 ! di/ance1 & !n pres5tly up ! /eep road climb$ ! c>p5t] & 8 esp\s$ wife & pass$ ?r\gh ! gate into ! village4 ,:5 !y came to ! inn1 x 0 already cr[d$ ) visitors1 driv5 ?i!r by ! decree ( ,cs> t _h set all ,pale/9e 9 commotion4 ,9 connection ) ! inn1 g5]ally ! c5tral space ( its f\r-squ>e inclosure1 b probably 9 ?is case a cave 9 ! lime/one rock1 0 a /able1 or place = ! camels & horses & cattle ( ! gue/s4 ,among ^! ori5tal p x 0 7& is7 no uncommon ?+ = travel]s1 :5 ! *amb]s ( ! inn 7 fully occupi$1 to make a b$ ( /raw & sp5d ! night 9 ?is place4 ,9 ?is /able1 possibly ! v cave :]e n[ /&s ! ,*ur* ( ! ,nativity1 ,m>y & ,joseph f\nd lodg+s = ! night4 ,x 0 n a m>k ( degradation or social inf]iority = !m to d ?is1 ?\gh x 0 an indication ( _! meag] means1 z weal?y visitors w\ld d\btless h f\nd bett] accommodations4 ,,viii4 ,! ,bir? ,9 t cave ,m>y br\ght =? h] fir/-born son2 & z !re appe>s to h be5 no woman's h& !re to m9i/] to h]1 %e h]self wrapp$ ! new-born babe 9 swaddl+ clo!s2 & z !re 0 no o!r cradle or b$ to receive x1 %e laid ! *ild 9 ! tr\gh f :i* ! camels 7 f$4 ,?is is all we "k ( :at took place on t memorable night f :i* ! hi/ory ( ! ,*ri/ian _w is n[ dat$4 ,! apocryphal gospels1 leg5ds t aft]w>ds grew up1 fill ! *amb] ) sup]nal light s t visitors _h to %ade _! eyes f ! spl5dor ( ! *ild2 & ! pa9t]s portray ! holy *ild & "m ) halos ( glory ar\nd _! heads4 ,b ?is is all imag9ation & my?4 ,jesus 0 born z o!r human be+s are born1 & look$ j l a human *ild4 ,no "o see+ him c\ld h guess$ t a unique bir? _h ruptur$ ! cont9uity ( nature & br\ght a div9e ,man into ! _w4 ,!re 0 no glory /ream+ f 8 p]son1 & no spectacul> display ( pageantry & pomp su* z att5d$ ! bir? ( a ,cs>4 ,! ,son ( ,man did n come ) obs]vation1 b /ole into ! _w sil5tly & unse54 ,if we c\ld h gaz$ ^u ! ,*ri/-*ild z x lay 9 its mang]1 we w\ld h be5 disappo9t$ & ?\ght t no?+ extraord9>y _h happ5$4 ,b a great ev5t r>ely seems great at ! "t2 long c5turies may elapse be=e x looms into view & is se5 9 its c5tral place z ! axis ( hi/ory4 ,outw>d size & circum/ance d n measure inw>d p[] & possibility4 ,god br\ght only a *ild into ! _w t night1 b 9 t ,*ild 7 %ea!d omnipot5t wisdom & m]cy & might to save ! _w4 ,,ix4 ,no ,room 9 ! ,inn ,!re 0 no room = !m 9 ! inn4 ,& s ,jesus came into a _w :]e !re 0 no room = him 9 ! habitations ( m54 ,aft] all ?is prep>ation ?r\gh :i* ! c5turies grew into read9ess = 8 com+1 aft] all ^! types & prophecies1 sacrifices & symbols1 aft] all ?is we>y wait+ & passionate hope & all ^! gold5 dreams1 :5 ! promis$ ,"o came !re 0 no room = him & he 0 n want$6 ,he came unto 8 own1 & 8 own receiv$ him n4 ,0 !re ev] a great] & sadd] anticlimax & a m cruel disappo9tm5t8 ,let u admit t !re may h be5 no fault 9 ?is matt]1 no lack ( hospitality 9 ! keep] or ! gue/s ( ! inn1 z ! village 0 ov]cr[d$1 & ! fact t ^! late arrivals 7 compell$ to put up ) a place out 9 ! enclosure1 possibly a cave1 :]e ! animals 7 kept1 0 no int5d$ incivility or uncommon h>d%ip4 ,nev]!less1 :atev] may h be5 ! reason1 ! fact 0 t !re 0 no room = ,jesus 9 t inn ! fir/ night he sp5t 9 ?is _w1 & ?is fact 0 sadly prophetic ( 8 reception 9 ! _w he came to save4 ,!re 7 few places :]e he did f9d welcome3 g5]ally !re 0 no room = him ev5 9 places :]e he _h ! mo/ reason & "r to expect x4 ,& if x 0 no lack ( hospitality t kept him out ( ?is inn1 x c]ta9ly 0 ! lack ( ?is grace & ! positive pres5ce ( ho/ility t 9 aft] life exclud$ him f _m places :]e he want$ to be4 ,jesus 0 n want$ 9 8 own c\ntry3 ,h]od tri$ to leave no room = him !re4 ,he 0 n want$ 9 8 own t[n3 8 neighbors tri$ to hurl him d[n a cliff to 8 dea?4 ,he 0 n want$ 9 8 own *ur*3 its m9i/]s & doctors ( div9ity fell ^u him 9 malignant fury & at la/ crucifi$ him4 ,ev5 8 own family f\nd x h>d to make room = him 9 _! inn] circle4 ,small room 0 !re 9 ?is evil _w = ?is pure & l[ly _s4 ,!n :y did he come to x8 ,because he s lov$ x t he gave himself = x4 ,small room d we /ill leave = ,jesus z we cr[d him out ( our he>ts & lives & out ( our social ord] & civilization ) our selfi%ness & s94 ,is x a disc\rag+ fact t !re is s little room = ,*ri/ 9 ! _w8 ,!n let u note ! fact t !re is m room = him to-day ?an ev] be=e1 & ?is room is ev] wid5+4 ,h[ mu* t inn miss$ by n hav+ room = ?is "m & h] babe6 ,its f9e/ ap>tm5t lo/ a glory t fell ^u ! mang] out ( :i* ! cattle 7 f$4 ,h[ mu* %all we miss if we d n h room = ,*ri/8 ,!re is "o _w :]e !re is room = ,jesus & :]e he is want$3 heav54 ,& all :o are l him %all f9d room ) him 9 its _m mansions4 ,x4 ,angel ,m9i/ry ,j]usalem & ,rome knew no?+ ( ?is ev5t4 ,! ,high ,prie/ (f]$ ! ev5+ sacrifice unaw>e t x 0 r5d]$ obsolete by ! com+ ( ! true ,sacrifice1 & ,cs> slept t night )\t a dream t a ,rival _h be5 born :o w\ld uproot 8 empire & erect a worldwide k+dom4 ,e>? 0 unconsci\s ( ?is bir?1 b heav5 knew x4 ,!re 0 holy ec/acy 9 all ! %9+ ranks above1 & angels seem1 z birds new-come 9 spr+1 to h fl[n hi!r & ?i!r1 9 songful mood1 dipp+ _! :ite w+s into our atmosph]e1 j t\*+ ! e>? or glanc+ along its surface1 z sea birds skim ! surface ( ! sea4 ,ar\nd all ! ev5ts ( ! bir? & m9i/ry ( ,*ri/ !re are ! flutt] & fla% ( angel w+s1 & ?is /ory w\ld lose mu* ( its music & *>m if x 7 /ripp$ ( its angel m9i/ration4 ,! ,bible is full ( angels4 ,!y appe> to ,za*>ias ! "m ( ,john ! ,bapti/1 & !y f9d ,m>y ! virg9 "m1 z a beam ( morn+ light f9ds a :ite-leaf$ fl[]1 & reveal ! my/]y t has come ^u h]4 ,no soon] is ! infant ,jesus laid 9 8 mang] ?an ! door ( heav5 op5s & !re comes troop+ =? a radiant ?rong1 fill+ ! midnight sky ) spl5dor & proclaim+ to e>? ! glad tid+s4 ,angels m9i/]$ to ,jesus 9 ! wild]ness & /r5g!n$ him 9 ! g>d54 ,m ?an twelve legions ( angels wait$ to d 8 bidd+ :5 he 0 arre/$4 ,angels roll$ away ! /one f 8 tomb & sat by ! empty grave1 ann\nc+ 8 resurrection z !y _h ann\nc$ 8 bir?2 & z !y ?rong$ ! skies at 8 com+1 s !y hov]$ 9 ! air at 8 go+2 & :5 he comes aga9 he %all come 9 8 glory ) all ! holy angels ) him4 ,^! angels are /ill 9 ! _w z ! m9i/]s ( ,god1 ?\gh invisible to mortal eyes4 ,we see ! firefly only ?r\gh ! little lum9\s section ( its flight1 b x /ill flies on aft] x ceases to be visible4 ,s we see ^! angels only ?r\gh t %9+ section ( _! pa? 9 :i* !y wait$ on ,jesus2 b !y are /ill fly+ ?r\gh ! _w z invisible spirits4 ,! angels ( little ones are always be=e ! face ( _! ,fa!r 9 heav51 & z !y bore ! _s ( ,laz>us to ,abraham's bosom1 s !y /ill may be> dep>t+ spirits up ! %9+ /airway ( ! />s to ! et]nal home4 ,we "k n 9 :at wide ways !y m9i/] to u2 h[ !re is a ru% ( angel w+s to ! cradle ( e new-born babe2 h[ !y con/antly pit* _! t5ts ar\nd u 9 ! viewless fields ( air2 & h[ (t5 !y be> u up le/ we da% our feet aga9/ a /one4 ,h[ little we "k ( ! _w 9 :i* we live6 ,we weigh its rocks & gr9d !m up & melt !m 9 our crucibles2 we fl+ our nets ?r\gh all space & cat* ! />s2 & :5 we c f9d no?+ m to measure & analyze we ?9k we h f\nd & expla9$ all4 ,b ! f9e/ & be/ ?+s _c be grasp$ by ^! co>se processes4 ,sunbeams _c be weigh$ on hay-scales1 & gorge\sly-color$ bits ( cl\d _c be caught 9 a crucible4 ,we c weigh ! new-born baby1 b n ! "m's love = h] *ild4 ,a telescope _c see an angel1 ?\gh millions ( !m may be fly+ across its field ( vision4 ,!re are m ?+s 9 heav5 & e>? ?an are dream$ ( 9 our philosophy4 ,9 our bl9d mat]ialism we ne$ to h our eyes op5$ t we may "k t ?is univ]se1 :i* (t5 seems s empty & d>k to u1 is a blaz+ sea ( spiritual spl5dor 9 :i* burn+ suns float z black specks & :i* is ?rong$ ) troops ( angels t d ! w ( ,god & wait on u4 ,,xi4 ,angels & ,%eph]ds ,! ,*ri/-*ild 0 born1 & n[ ! problem 0 to get ! wond]ful news out into ! _w4 ,!re 7 no newspap]s to ann\nce x 9 />tl+ headl9es & cry x out ^u ! morn+ air1 &1 if !re _h be51 _! report]s w\ld n h be5 ke5 en\gh to discov] x & probably w\ld h _h no int]e/ 9 x4 ,god us$ o!r means4 ,an angel came f heav5 to proclaim ! great ev5t to e>?4 ,:]e %all he beg91 :at human e>s %all fir/ h ! privilege ( he>+ ! glad tid+s8 ,let ! angel g to ,j]usalem1 we w\ld h said1 & call ^u ! ,high ,prie/ & fir/ take him into 8 confid5ce1 & !n let him g to ! ,temple & /& amid/ ! spl5dors ( t holy sanctu>y & ann\nce to ! assembl$ prie/s & scribes t prophecy _h be5 fulfill$ & _! long-expect$ ,messiah _h come4 ,%all n "s respect be paid to (ficial places & p]sons8 ,has n ,god orda9$ prie/s & presbyt]s ?r\gh :om he disp5ses 8 grace & adm9i/]s 8 k+dom8 ,yet hi/ory witnesses t at times few m5 /& 9 ,god's way m ?an ecclesia/ics4 ,!y are r>ely ! m5 t e>lie/ he> a new message3 ,god mu/ usually tell x to "s "o else fir/4 ,"o ( ! mo/ />tl+ ?+s 9 ! ,bible is ! fact t ! ann\ncem5t ( ! bir? ( ,*ri/ 0 made1 n to prie/s1 b to %eph]ds1 & ! gospel 0 fir/ prea*$1 n 9 a *ur*1 b 9 a pa/ure field :]e !re 7 m %eep ?an m5 to he>4 ,:at a rebuke is ?is to our ecclesia/ical pret5sion & pride6 ,god c easily disp5se ) u1 & may pass u by to speak to "s humbl] s\l4 ,! great p up 9 ! ,temple h no monopoly ( 8 grace1 & x may break out 9 "s :olly unexpect$ place4 ,! gospel is no respect] ( places & p]sons4 ,x may be prea*$ 9 a co/ly *ur* or /ately ca!dral1 b x is equally at home 9 a c\ntry s*ool h\se1 or 9 a wood5 tab]nacle1 or 9 a %eep pa/ure4 ,9 simplicity & ca?olicity x is adapt$ to all classes & conditions ( life4 ,x has ! same message = prie/ & p1 pr9ce & peasant1 s*ol> & %eph]d1 & all receive f x an equal welcome & bless+4 ,,xii4 ,! ,conc]t 9 a ,%eep ,pa/ure ,9 ! night ( ! ,nativity ! %eph]ds 7 9 ! field keep+ wat* ov] _! flocks1 = ^? fai?fully engag$ 9 ! l[lie/ duties may receive a spl5did visitation f heav54 ,! night did n seem diff]5t f o!r nights4 ,! skies 7 z s]5e & ! />s burn$ z calm z 9 all ! pa/4 ,! %eph]ds 7 z unconsci\s ( any com+ wond] z ! sleep+ %eep t lay l drift$ sn[ on ! ridges4 ,yet ! heav5s 7 /ra9$ t5se ) expectation & 7 on ! po9t ( be+ %att]$ into song4 ,flocks ( angels 7 fly+ d[nw>d f ! />s1 & z _! :ite w+s /ruck e>?'s atmosph]e !y k9dl$ x into radiance ) heav5ly glory1 & f ! gall]y ( ! skies !y *ant$ _! song1 accompani$ ) all ! gold5 h>ps & deep-ton$ organ pipes ( ! cele/ial *oir4 ,nev] be=e or s9ce 0 su* a conc]t he>d 9 ?is _w1 & yet only %eph]ds & %eep 7 pres5t to he> x4 ,! encircl+ hills 7 ! gr& amphi!at] 9 :i* x 0 r5d]$1 ! grassy slopes 7 ! only seats1 & !re 7 no tickets ( admission1 b1 l ! gospel itself1 x 0 giv5 )\t money & )\t price4 ,musical arti/s are (t5 s5sitive & critical & exclusive p1 *>y ( a free ex]cise ( _! gifts & p>ticul> z to _! audi5ce1 b angels w s+ = anybody4 ,! simple-m9d$ %eph]ds 7 sore afraid at ?is outbur/ ( heav5ly music1 z wis] p w\ld h be54 ,an angel voice sang ! solo3 ,be n afraid2 = behold1 ,i br+ y good tid+s ( great joy :i* %all be to all ! p3 = !re is born to y ?is day 9 ! city ( ,david a ,savi\r1 :i* is ,*ri/ ! ,"l4 ,& ?is %all be a sign unto y2 ,ye %all f9d a babe wrapp$ 9 swaddl+ clo!s1 & ly+ 9 a mang]4 ,be n afraid6 ,s9 has wr\ght su* disord] 9 ?is _w t ! ?\ght ( _s visitors fright5s u & heav5 itself mu/ n come too ne>4 ,!re are great reasons = fe> 9 ?is d>k5$ _w1 b ! com+ ( ,jesus into x is n "o ( !m4 ,8 only mission is to release u f ! bondage & bitt]ness ( s9 & let u out into ! glori\s lib]ty & joy ( ! sons ( ,god4 ,& ,*ri/ has 9 a m>vel\s degree ca/ fe> out ( ! _w & p\r$ joy ?r\gh all its *annels1 z ! sun disp]ses ! night & spills its spl5dor ov] hills & vales4 ,! good tid+s ann\nc$ ! bir? ( a ,savi\r1 & ?is is ! be/ news ?is s9-/rick5 _w c he>1 = s9 is ! root ( all our fe> & mis]y4 ,back ( e bitt] te> lies a guilty ?\ght or de$4 ,?is connection is (t5 visible ^u ! surface & /abs u 9 ! face1 & !n x may lie hidd5 "u _m g5]ations1 b x is always !re4 ,s9 is ! disease t poisons all our blood & blights our physical & moral & spiritual heal? & happ9ess4 ,cut ?is ugly tree up by ! roots & all its sc>let fruits & poison\s leaves w )]2 cure ?is disease & our human _w w be trans=m$ into a new ,p>adise ( ,god4 ,a ,savi\r is ! supreme ne$ ( ! _w1 & 8 bir? 0 news good en\gh to br+ s++ angels to e>? & fill all ! c5turies ) song4 ,def9ite directions 7 giv5 = f9d+ ! new-born ,savi\r 9 ! city ( ,david1 wrapp$ 9 swaddl+ clo!s & ly+ 9 ! mang]4 ,! angelic message 0 n simply a song 9 ! air1 a halo ( cele/ial light1 a spl5did b fad+ vision1 b x b\nd itself d[n to def9ite places & circum/ances & left some?+ solid4 ,aga9 we note t ?is ?+1 0 n done 9 a corn] & is n afraid ( facts4 ,jesus 0 a true human *ild & took ^u him our =m d[n to 8 infant clo!s4 ,! ,*ri/ is a great wond] 9 8 div9e p]sonality1 ev] transc5d+ our utmo/ compreh5sion1 b we c und]/& 8 swaddl+ b&s4 ,*ri/ianity is n all my/]y1 b x also comes d[n close ar\nd u & embodies itself 9 _m pla9 facts & duties4 ,ye %all f9d ! babe4 ,! %eph]ds 7 n left to w&] ar\nd 9 unc]ta9ty1 b s5t direct to ! place4 ,*ri/ is n hidd5 f u1 cle> directions po9t out ! place :]e he is1 & e s\l t seeks him %all f9d him4 ,! angel solo broke out into a heav5ly *orus :i* gave a broad int]pretation ( ! mean+ ( ! bir? ( ,*ri/3 ,glory to ,god 9 ! highe/1 ,& on e>? peace among m5 9 :om he is well pleas$4 ,?is *orus fir/ ascribes glory to ,god1 = all ?+s good & beautiful come f him & express 8 glory1 z all rays ( daylight %oot f ! sun & are its spl9t]$ spl5dor4 ,! gift ( ,*ri/ manife/s ! glory ( ,god 9 t x displays ! div9e wisdom 9 devis+ ! plan ( salvation1 ! div9e p[] 9 execut+ x1 & ! div9e love z its mighty motive4 ,! glory ( ,god1 t /reams ?r\gh ! heav5s z ?r\gh a dome ( _m-color$ glass1 is conc5trat$ & burns ) ! int]e/ brightness 9 ! p]son ( 8 ,son4 ,! *orus next pron\nces peace ^u m54 ,div9e glory & human good w are relat$ z cause & effect4 ,:5 m5 get "r ) ,god !y at once get "r ) "o ano!r1 z ! c5t] ( a circle1 :5 truly locat$1 pulls e po9t on ! circumf]5ce into its prop] place 9 ! curve2 b :5 m5 are at v>iance ) ,god !y are at enmity among !mselves4 ,div9e glory is ! sun %9+ 9 ! heav5s2 human good w is a g>d5 & or*>d all abloom ) fl[]s & lad5 ) fruit4 ,z ! glory ( ! sun is trans=m$ into rosy buds & sweet fruit1 s is ! glory ( ,god trans=m$ into human good w4 ,! glory ( ,god & ! peace ( m5 are nev] 9 antagonism1 b are always complem5t>y & h>moni\s1 !y are ! two sides ( ! same gospel1 two p>ts ( ! same song4 ,!y _c be sep>at$ & mu/ g toge!r2 9 glorify+ ,god we make peace among m51 & 9 mak+ peace among m5 we glorify ,god4 ,,xiii4 ,! ,fir/ ,visitors to ,be?lehem ,! angels' song di$ away 9 ! solemn sil5ce1 & ! %eph]ds 7 left alone4 ,x 0 a critical h\r ) !m4 ,w\ld !y foll[ ?is vision & turn x into victory1 or w\ld !y let x vani% ) ! la/ e*o ( ! song & relapse into ! old dull r\t9e8 ,no1 !y did n let x pass1 & life 0 nev] ! same to !m aga94 ,let u n[ g1 !y said1 ev5 unto ,be?lehem1 & see ?is ?+ :i* is come to pass1 :i* ! ,"l ha? made kn[n unto u4 ,!y translat$ vision into action & pres5tly 7 climb+ ! rocky slope to ,be?lehem4 ,_h ^! %eph]ds n foll[$ up ! message _! k ( _! ,messiah w\ld h imm$iately be5 cut %ort4 ,we he> div9e messages & see heav5ly visions en\gh1 b too (t5 we let !m fade into =getfulness & pass into no?+ness4 ,a message does u no good until x becomes action1 ! gr&e/ vision t ev] swept ?r\gh our bra9 or illum9at$ our sky leaves no ve/ige ( wor? unless x is turn$ into conduct & "*4 ,let u n[ g & see ?is ?+4 ,we d n "k ,*ri/ until we see him z our ,savi\r4 ,see+ is believ+1 ?is is ! simplicity ( fai?1 & :5 we see ,*ri/ ?r\gh ! direct vision & p]sonal exp]i5ce ( fai? & ob$i5ce we are transfigur$ into 8 lik5ess4 ,& !y came ) ha/e1 & f\nd bo? ,m>y & ,joseph1 & ! babe ly+ 9 ! mang]4 ,7 !y disappo9t$ at ! humble "m1 wife ( a work+man1 & at ! mang] cradle8 ,^! did n mat* ! desire & expectation ( ! ,jews4 ,!y _h long *]i%$ ! passionate hope ( an e>?ly pr9ce :o w\ld come we>+ purple robes & m>%al+ armies to trample hat$ oppressors "u feet & make ,j]usalem ! mi/ress ( ! _w4 ,!y w\ld h said t ! ,*ri/ %\ld be born 9 a palace & laid on s(te/ d[n & cov]$ ) silk5 robes4 ,:at a surprise 0 ?is mang] to _! ?\ghts & %ock to _! feel+s4 ,7 ev] deep-seat$1 long-*]i%$ hopes treat$ ) m cruel irony8 ,b ,god's ways are n z our ways4 ,*ri/ 0 br\ght into ! _w at ! v po9t :]e he c\ld get ! deepe/ /ronge/ hold ^u x & mo/ p[]fully sw+ x />w>d f ! du/4 ,he 0 born among nei!r ! v ri* nor ! v poor1 b 9 ! great middle class at ! c5t] ( gravity ( humanity1 by lift+ :i* he w\ld lift ! _w4 ,_h he come z a pamp]$ *ild ( weal? he w\ld nev] h got hold ( ! great he>t ( humanity2 b he came z "o ( ! p1 knitt+ himself into humble relations1 gr[+ up among pla9 folk ( ! c\ntryside & toil+ z a common work+man4 ,& s :5 he began to prea* ! common p he>d him gladly4 ,promise 0 exactly mat*$ by fulfillm5t4 ,ye %all f9d a babe1 0 ! promise ( ! angel1 & n[ ! record reads1 ,& !y f\nd ! babe4 ,:5 did ,god ev] lead u to expect any?+ & !n disappo9t u8 ,he gave u ?ir/ t urges u to f9d wat]1 & mat*+ ?is ne$ he has creat$ bubbl+ spr+s & sp>kl+ /reams4 ,he gave u hung] t seeks bread1 & x f9ds fields ( gold5 gra9 & or*>ds ( rosy fruit4 ,he gave u m9ds t seek tru?1 & !y f9d x2 he gave u a crav+ = love1 & he>t mat*es he>t4 ,he set et]nity 9 our he>ts & gave u deep in/9cts t rea* aft] ! ,inf9ite1 he>ts t cry1 ,%ew1 u ! ,fa!r & x suffice? u4 ,%all all l[] ne$s be satisfi$ & ?is supreme se>* & cry ( ! s\l be disappo9t$ & mock$8 ,& !y f\nd ! babe1 is ! answ] to ?is ne$ & promise4 ,god s5ds u ) all our deep ne$s & my/]i\s long+s to t cradle 9 ,be?lehem1 :]e !y w be exactly & fully mat*$ & satisfi$4 ,he t ha? se5 ?is ,*ild ha? se5 ! ,fa!r4 ,! %eph]ds1 hav+ se5 = !mselves1 imm$iately began to make kn[n abroad ! say+ :i* 0 told !m conc]n+ ! ,*ild4 ,! gospel is a social & expansive bless+ & _c be %ut up 9 ! individual he>t4 ,we are sav$ to s]ve1 we are told ! good news t we may tell x to o!rs1 we get x t we may give x4 ,& ! m we give x ! m we get x1 = ?is bread multiplies 9 our own h&s z we %>e x ) o!rs1 z did ! loaves beside ! ,galilean sea4 ,great s\ls h ev] gr[n ri* by ! lavi% prodigality ) :i* !y be/[$ _! gifts on o!rs1 & because ,jesus gave himself ,god ha? highly exalt$ him4 ,fir/ angels & !n %eph]ds3 h[ />tl+ ! contra/4 ,jesus has deep aff9ities ) bo?3 on 8 div9e side he is relat$ to heav51 & on 8 human side he is relat$ to e>?4 ,& ! fir/ m5 he drew to 8 side 7 %eph]ds1 repres5tatives ( ! common p4 ,he did n come z a memb] ( any special class1 especially ( ! upp] class4 ,no "o c ev] save ! _w by w9n+ ov] ! ri* & ! great4 ,society _c be lift$ f ! top4 ,:oev] w\ld raise ! level ( society mu/ get 8 lev] "u its f\ndation /ones4 ,tak+ hold ( ! c>v$ cornice w te> ! ro( (f & lift x away f ! build+1 b rais+ ! l[e/ /one w also pu% up ! spire's gild$ po9t4 ,he :o elevates ! peasant w also 9 "t elevate ! pr9ce4 ,jesus did n beg9 ) ,cs>1 b ) %eph]ds1 & !n 9 ?ree hundr$ ye>s a ,*ri/ian ,cs> sat on ! ?rone4 ,! gospel /ill works f b5ea?2 go+ d[n into ! slums ( ,*ri/ian cities2 work+ among ! poor & degrad$ ( hea!n l&s2 & seek+ ! l[e/ tribes ( m5 f :om h be5 defac$ almo/ ! la/ ve/ige ( humanity & re/or+ !m to ! image ( ,god4 ,*ri/ is sav+ ! _w z a :ole4 ,he is n slic+ ! loaf ( society horizontally1 cutt+ (f ! upp] cru/1 b he is slic+ x v]tically f top to bottom4 ,h[ wond]ful is ! simplicity & beauty ( ?is gospel t %eph]ds are drawn by x4 ,x takes "s bra9 to read ,plato4 ,%eph]ds w\ld n get mu* out ( ,sir ,isaac ,newton1 or a *ild out ( ,%akespe>e1 or a sorr[+ he>t out ( ,em]son4 ,b e "o c get milk & honey = 8 s\l out ( ! gospel ( ,jesus4 ,8 wond]ful words ( life h ! same sweetness & sav+ p[] = %eph]d & s*ol>1 peasant & pr9ce4 ,h[ev] l[ly & unlett]$ "o may be !re is wide room = him ar\nd ! mang] ( ?is ,*ild4 ,,xiv4 ,! ,/> & ! ,wise ,m5 ,! bir? ( ,jesus creat$ a new c5t] = ! _w & set heav5 & e>? revolv+ ar\nd 8 cradle4 ,all ?+s began to gravitate t[>ds him z by a new & m p[]ful attraction4 ,angels sang1 %eph]ds wond]$1 a new /> glitt]$ ^u ! blaz+ curta9 ( ! night1 & wise m5 came f af> to wor%ip him4 ,^! wise m5 7 ,p]sian prie/s1 s*ol>s1 sci5ti/s1 a/rolog]s1 /ud5ts ( ! />s4 ,rumors ( a com+ ,k+ or ,savi\r 7 widespread 9 ! anci5t _w & d\btless _h rea*$ ^! wor%ip]s ( ! sun to :om ! />s 7 embodim5ts ( deity4 ,a new /> 9 _! sky1 :atev] x may h be51 w\ld in/antly attract _! att5tion & receive f !m a religi\s int]pretation4 ,! cele/ial mess5g] 0 a fulfillm5t ( _! hope & a guide to _! feet4 ,!y 7 ob$i5t to ! heav5ly vision1 & across long burn+ /ret*es ( des]t s& !y came & appe>$ 9 ,j]usalem ) _! inquiry conc]n+ ! new-born ,k+ ( ! ,jews4 ,!y 7 !re=e broad-m9d$ m5 ^: horizon 0 wid] ?an _! own des]ts1 or !y nev] w\ld h ov]leap$ _! national piety & patriotism & prejudice into se>* & rev]5ce = a ,jewi% k+4 ,b some?+ told !m t ! new ,k+1 ?\gh born a ,jew1 0 ( univ]sal int]e/ & 0 m ?an human2 !y =efelt 8 div9ity4 ,!re=e !y 7 come to ! ,k+1 n to gratify _! curiosity1 n to speculate & debate & frame a new cre$1 b to wor%ip him4 ,!re 0 no w> betwe5 ! sci5ce & ! !ology ( ^! wise m54 ,_! sci5ce did n kill _! religion1 & _! religion did n /rangle _! sci5ce4 ,! />s1 accord+ to _! simple-m9d$ way ( ?9k+1 did n cr[d ,god out ( 8 univ]se4 ,k & rev]5ce made "o music 9 _! m9ds z bo? sci5ce & fai? grew f m to m4 ,a religion t c\ld n /& ! mo/ se>*+ & pitiless light ( s*ol>%ip c\ld n live4 ,sci5ce kills pagan fai?s z ) a /roke ( lightn+4 ,b ! gospel lives1 because wise m5 g to ,be?lehem & f9d !re1 n fiction1 b fact4 ,x welcomes & inspires ! pr(\nde/ sci5ce & philosophy4 ,god 9 8 ,^w is n afraid ( ,god 9 8 works4 ,! talle/ intellects 9 all ^! c5turies h b[$ at ! side ( ?is mang]4 ,,xv4 ,a ,fright5$ ,k+ ,! inquiry ( ! wise m5 />tl$ ,j]usalem & fright5$ ,h]od4 ,! pr\d metropolis _h n yet he>d ! news4 ,! immortal honor ( hav+ giv5 bir? to ! ,*ri/ _h be5 d5i$ to h] haughty br[ & _h become humble ,be?lehem's imp]i%able cr[n4 ,! v "n ( k+ gave ,h]od a t]rible %ock4 ,he 0 a usurp] /eep$ 9 crime & 0 ev] trembl+ on 8 ?rone4 ,no hunt$1 :ite-fac$1 ,russian ,cz> ev] fe>$ nihili/'s bomb m ?an he fe>$ rebellion's revolt & assass9's knife4 ,rebel aft] rebel he _h cru%$ into spatt]$ bra9s & blood1 & "h 0 rumor ( ano!r ,rival born "u ! %ad[ ( 8 ?rone4 ,h]od 0 tr\bl$ & 8 t]ror s5t a /range wave & %udd] ( fe> ?r\gh ! city4 ,s ! same gospel t made angels s+ & wise m5 wor%ip & />t$ good news out ov] ! _w1 creat$ con/]nation & tr\ble up 9 ,h]od's palace & 9 8 city4 ,*ri/ came to give peace & joy1 b 8 gospel is a sword to "s4 ,! good man's pres5ce is always ! bad man's condemnation & /irs hatr$ 9 8 he>t4 ,e good influ5ce t falls ^u u1 accord+ z we use x1 br+s ei!r m joy or tr\ble1 & ! gospel itself is ei!r a savor ( life unto life1 or ( dea? unto dea?4 ,,xvi4 ,an ,impot5t ,de/roy] ,h]od took swift & ?or\gh measures1 z he ?\ght1 to cru% 8 new rival4 ,he call$ ! prie/s into 8 c\nsel & dem&$ to "k :]e ! ,*ri/ %\ld be born4 ,too (t5 has ! prie/ be5 subject to ! beck & call ( ! k+4 ,bad m5 w use ! *ur* = _! own evil purposes :5 !y c1 & w !n gr[ condesc5d+ & complaisant t[>ds ! m9i/] & lib]al 9 _! gifts4 ,we mu/ be ready to receive & help any man1 b we mu/ bew>e ( m5 t pu% _! way into ! *ur* = s9i/] ends4 ,! *ur* is no man's tool1 & :5 x is ?us pro/itut$ its p[] & glory are gone4 ,! prie/s knew _! ,bibles &1 9 answ] to ,h]od's "q1 put _! f+] on ! v text & t[n4 ,!y knew :]e ,*ri/ 0 to be born1 b !y did n "k ,*ri/ :5 he 0 born4 ,we may h an exhau/ive k ( ! lett] ( ! ,bible & yet n "k its _s2 we may "k _m ?+s ab\t ,*ri/ & yet n "k ,*ri/4 ,h]od1 hav+ ga9$ k ( ,*ri/1 imm$iately turn$ x aga9/ ,*ri/4 ,he s5t se>*]s aft] ! *ild1 falsely & wick$ly pret5d+ t he also want$ to come & wor%ip him4 ,!re is no tru?1 or means ( good1 or gift ( ,god s holy & bless$ t m5 w n turn x to evil ends4 ,aft]w>d ,h]od1 9 bl9d b impot5t rage1 s5t soldi]s & ?ru/ a sword ?r\gh e cradle 9 ,be?lehem2 b ! ,*ild1 %ea!d 9 omnipot5ce1 _h escap$1 & ,h]od c\ld soon] h cru%$ ! e>? flat ?an h hurt a hair ( 8 head4 ,h]od 0 ! =]unn] ( a long l9e ( enemies :o h endeavor$ to kill ?is ,*ild4 ,pagan ,rome p\r$ ! fires ( t5 dreadful p]secutions on ! heads ( 8 foll[]s1 b !y c\ld n ext+ui% 8 "n 9 fire & blood4 ,(t5 h ! fires ( m>tyrdom be5 k9dl$ ar\nd 8 disciples1 b !y h /ood fai?ful to him4 ,skeptical s*ol>%ip has tri$ to r$uce 8 gospel to a fable & ev5 to resolve ,jesus himself into a my?1 b z soon c\ld x dissolve ! rocky l$ge ( ,be?lehem into vapor & cl\d4 ,& did n ,voltaire prophecy 9 #agfj t ere ! end ( ! eighte5? c5tury ,*ri/ianity w\ld disappe> f ! e>?8 ,_m are ! au?ors & books t h ?\ght to make an end ( ,jesus1 b he /ill lives ! same ye/]day & to-day4 ,& does n unbelief & unfai?fulness 9 our he>ts also try to /rangle ?is ,*ild8 ,e evil ?\ght we *]i% & e evil de$ we d are s _m swords we ?ru/ into 8 cradle4 ,h]od has a long & num]\s prog5y1 & we may f9d !m close to our own door & ev5 9 our own he>ts4 ,! /> appe>s to h be5 invisible to ! wise m5 :ile !y 7 9 ,j]usalem--9 t guilty city1 :i* 9 its pride ?\ght x _h a monopoly ( div9e favor1 ! />s ( fai? 7 eclips$ by a worldly _s--b :5 !y em]g$ f ! city ! /> once m l$ !m on & /ood ov] :]e ! "y ,*ild 04 ,god has put _m />s 9 our sky to lead u on to ,*ri/4 ,! />s !mselves are z vocal ) div9e messages z ?\gh e "o ( !m 7 a gold5 bell hung 9 ! dome ( ! night to r+ out "s good news f ,god4 ,! ,bible is a great con/ellation 9 :i* e promise & precept is a />1 & all its />s /& ov] ,*ri/4 ,all ! ,*ri/ian c5turies are />r$ ) ev5ts & a*ievem5ts t po9t to ,*ri/ z ,k+4 ,,xvii4 ,spl5did ,gifts ,& !y came into ! h\se & saw ! "y *ild ) ,m>y 8 "m2 & !y fell d[n & wor%ipp$ him2 & op5+ _! treasures !y (f]$ unto him gifts1 gold & frank9c5se & myrrh4 ,is !re any?+ m beautiful 9 ! ,bible1 or 9 all lit]ature8 ,! imag9ation ( pa9t] or poet may well k9dle at ! sc5e4 ,!re are ! wond]+ "m1 ! wor%ip+ wise m5 b[+ d[n1 ! %9+ fragrant gifts1 & 9 ! mid/1 z ! c5t] & glory ( x all1 ! "y ,*ild4 ,?is ,*ild1 :i* ev5 9 its infancy subord9ates "m & wise m5 & gold to itself1 is inde$ a ,k+4 ,wor%ip is ! expression ( rev]5ce1 & rev]5ce is ! root ( all wor? & div95ess 9 life4 ,! human s\l is a poor & pitiful fragm5t until x is complet$ & cr[n$ ) wor%ip1 a lo/ *ild until x f9ds its ,fa!r4 ,! wise m5 f\nd a ,k+ to wor%ip2 !y 7 n foll[+ a false guide across we>y wa/es into no?+ness4 ,our in/9ct ( wor%ip is n false1 b is true & is mat*$ ) its appropriate satisfaction4 ,*ri/ completes our human *ildhood ) div9e ,fa!rhood4 ,he t ha? se5 him ha? se5 ! fa!r4 ,^! ,p]sian s*ol>s 7 =]unn]s ( o!r wise m5 go+ to ,be?lehem4 ,?r\gh all ! ,*ri/ian c5turies m5 ( g5ius h be5 lay+ _! mo/ preci\s gifts at ! feet ( ,*ri/4 ,columbus _h no soon] set foot on a new %ore ?an he nam$ x ,san ,salvador1 ,holy ,savi\r2 & ?us he laid 8 great discov]y1 ,am]ica1 at ! feet ( ,jesus4 ,leon>do da ,v9ci swept ! gold5 goblets f ! table ( 8 ,la/ ,supp] because he fe>$ _! spl5dor w\ld di/ract att5tion f & dim ! glory ( ! ,ma/] himself4 ,! h& t r\nd$ ,/4 ,pet]'s dome re>$ x 9 adoration to ,*ri/1 & ,raphael 9 pa9t+ ! ,transfiguration laid 8 ma/]piece at ! feet ( ?is ,*ild4 ,moz>t !re laid 8 symphonies1 & ,bee?ov5 ! works ( 8 colossal g5ius4 ,%akespe>e1 ) ! be/ bra9 9 six ?\s& ye>s1 :o has p\r$ ! _m-color$ spl5dors ( 8 imag9ation ov] all our life1 wrote 9 8 w3 ,i comm5d my s\l into ! h&s ( ,god my ,creator1 hop+ & assur$ly believ+1 ?r\gh ! only m]its ( ,jesus ,*ri/ my ,savi\r1 to be made p>tak] ( life ev]la/+4 ,t5nyson beg9s 8 ,9 ,memoriam1 9 ! judgm5t ( _m ! sup]be/ lit]>y blossom ( ! n9ete5? c5tury1 ) ! invocation1 ,/rong ,son ( ,god1 immortal ,love4 ,?\gh ,jesus wrote no book himself & nev] wrote any record$ ?+ except a few words 9 ! s& :i* "s pass+ breeze or foot quickly oblit]at$1 yet out ( him h gr[n va/ =e/s ( lit]ature4 ,x w\ld te> great gaps 9 ! %elves ( any libr>y & leave ! rema9+ volumes spott$ ) blank spaces if all ! books ab\t him & ref]5ces to him 7 remov$4 ,a ?\s& books h be5 writt5 ab\t ,l9coln & eighty ?\s& ab\t ,napoleon1 b if all ! books t 7 ev] writt5 ab\t ,l9coln & ,wa%+ton & ,napoleon & ,cs> 7 pil$ up 9 "o heap x w\ld look small beside ! m\nta9 ( books t h be5 writt5 ab\t ,jesus ,*ri/4 ,n only h ! writ]s writt5 ab\t him above e o!r figure 9 hi/ory1 b 9 l degree ! arti/s h pa9t$ him & ! musicians h sung ab\t him4 ,he is ! mo/ f]tile !me ( all lit]ature & art1 & ! gifts t g5ius h heap$ ab\t 8 feet are an incomp>able te/imony to ! adoration t is paid to him4 ,ab\t ! fir/ use to :i* any notable inv5tion is put is to spread ! gospel ( ,jesus4 ,! v fir/ book pr9t$ on a pr9t+ press 0 ! ,bible1 & ?is wond]ful & p]haps greate/ human inv5tion has be5 busi] pr9t+ ?is book ?an any o!r to ?is day & multiplies its copies by ! hundr$ million ov] ! _w4 ,! newspap] is a mighty means ( spread+ 8 pr9ciples4 ,! railway & /eam%ip c>ry 8 gospel1 & ! air%ip gives w+s to ! same good news4 ,telegraph & telephone fla% x1 & wireless waves set ! e!r ov] :ole cont95ts & oceans aquiv] ) ! messages ( ,jesus ,*ri/4 ,! sew+ ma*9e sews = him1 ! typewrit] writes = him1 & ev5 battle %ips & bayonets may fight = him4 ,soon] or lat] e inv5tor mu/ lay 8 magic ma*9e at 8 feet4 ,= him ! /atesman legislates1 ! sci5ti/ inve/igates1 ! au?or writes1 ! arti/ pa9ts & ! s+] s+s4 ,9 an increas+ degree ,jesus is draw+ all m5 into 8 s]vice1 & !y are lay+ _! treasures at 8 feet4 ,! gold ( ! wise m5 0 only ! fir/ gleam ( ! %9+ heaps ( weal? t 8 foll[]s are n[ pil+ on ! alt> ( 8 s]vice4 ,?is process w g on until ! :ole _w w lie at 8 feet4 ,e g5]ation s5ds a m num]\s company to ,be?lehem4 ,) e c5tury wor%ip]s arrive f m di/ant l&s4 ,f e qu>t] ( ! circumf]5ce ( ! globe pa?s n[ run to ! mang] ( ?is ,*ild1 worn deep by millions ( feet4 ,! nations are beg9n+ to come4 ,by & by ^! conv]g+ pa?s w be cr[d$ & all ! ends ( ! e>? %all br+ _! gold & %all wor%ip at 8 feet4 ,:at is ! explanation ( ! mighty1 worldwide1 attractive p[] ( ?is ,*ild8 ,!re is only "o adequate explanation3 ,he %all save 8 p f _! s9s4 ,! _w is tir$ ( m5 :o come to save x ) programmes only an in* long2 :o h no?+ bett] to propose ?an long] laws & clean] sanitation2 :o1 unm9dful ( ! exp]im5t 9 ,ed51 w\ld h u believe t if we 7 only plac$ 9 a pleasant g>d5 :]e we _h pl5ty to eat & little to d we w\ld all be good4 ,! we>y _w wants "o :o c g to ! root ( its unre/1 & x is f9d+ out t ?is c be done by him :o is mighty to save p f _! s9s4 ,all :o put _! tru/ 9 him are bless$ ) purity & peace4 ,9 ?is great _w1 lo/ 9 s9 & beat5 ^u by inf9ite my/]y1 !re is only "o voice t comes l music across our life ) p[] to cleanse & com=t u2 & ?is is ! ,voice ^: infant cry 0 fir/ he>d 9 ,be?lehem4 ,let u n[ g ev5 unto ,be?lehem :ile ! song is 9 ! air & see ?is ,*ild & wor%ip at 8 feet4 ,,xviii4 ,0 a ,*ild ! ,be/ ,*ri/mas ,gift to ! ,_w8 ,:5 we come to ?9k ( x1 does n a *ild seem an insignificant & disappo9t+ gift = ,god to make to ! _w8 ,aft] s long prep>ation & s great promises & hopes1 w\ld we n h expect$ "s great] & m wond]ful gift8 ,b a *ild is s common2 millions are born e mon?2 !re is no?+ unique & wond]ful ab\t a *ild4 ,:y did ,god n r give "s inv5tion or discov]y or piece ( k t w\ld revolutionize & bless ! _w8 ,w\ld he n h done enorm\sly m = mank9d if 9 ! fir/ c5tury ( our era he _h giv5 !m ! pr9t+ press1 or ! /eam eng9e1 or ! electric light8 ,may !re n yet be wait+ = u "s inv5tion or k t w "w wond]s beyond any?+ we h dream$ & %[] mat]ial com=ts on ! _w8 ,?is ?\ght gr[s out ( our bl9d mat]ialism :i* leads u to ?9k t matt] is ! ma/] ( m9d1 circum/ance m important ?an "* & ! ?+s ( ! body ?an ! ?+s ( ! _s4 ,b mat]ial improvem5ts d n necess>ily improve m54 ,! locomotive has little relation to "*4 ,x picks a man up at "o po9t & drops him at ano!r ! same man he 04 ,if he is selfi% & wick$ at ! beg9n+ ( ! j\rney1 he is j z selfi% & wick$ at its end4 ,x is a simple fact t all our mat]ial progress works little improvem5t 9 morals4 ,at ! h\r ,*ri/ 0 born ,rome _h an amaz+ mat]ial civilization1 blaz+ ) spl5dor1 b all ! m rapidly 0 x rott+ at ! core4 ,b a *ild has 9 x ! possibility ( gr[? & ( imp>t+ reg5]at+ ideas & a new life to ! _w4 ,sir ,isaac ,newton did n give any money or mat]ial gift to ! _w1 b he gave x sci5tific ideas & a sci5tific _s1 & 9 giv+ x ?is he rais$ ! intellectual level ( ! _w & gave x ! p[] ( mak+ millions ( money4 ,%akespe>e gave ! _w no new ma*9e1 b he op5$ ! eyes ( m5 to see heav5ly visions & ?us enri*$ !m ) treasures above all ! gold ( ! _w4 ,m>t9 ,lu!r inv5t$ no /eam eng9e or sew+ ma*9e1 b he taught m5 ! rights ( consci5ce & creat$ our mod]n lib]ties4 ,no mat]ial ?+1 h[ev] p[]ful & spl5did1 c make a bett] _w3 ?is "w calls = bett] m54 ,!re=e :5 ,god br+s into ! _w a *ild end[$ ) sup]ior intellectual & moral p[]1 ?\gh 8 gift is only a babe & seems insignificant & h>dly wor? c\nt+ among s _m1 yet he has s5t "o ( ! greate/ gifts ( :i* 8 omnipot5ce is capable4 ,an old ,g]man s*oolma/] always took 8 hat (f to ea* new boy t came into 8 s*ool1 nev] kn[+ :at elem5ts ( g5ius might h be5 mix$ 9 8 newly mold$ bra94 ,:5 ,erasmus came out ( t s*ool 8 prophetic in/9ct 0 ju/ifi$4 ,nev] despise a *ild1 = 9 x sleeps "s ( ! omnipot5ce & wor? ( ,god4 ,b ! ,*ild :i* ,god gave ! _w z its ,*ri/mas gift 0 no m]ely human *ild h[ev] ri*ly end[$4 ,?is ,*ild 0 human & 0 born 9 "t1 b he 0 also div9e & came =? f et]nity4 ,! possibilities t 7 sleep+ 9 ?is ,*ild 7 =ese5 by ! prophet ,isaiah 9 ! names t 7 prophetically giv5 him1 e "n be+ a w9d[ ?r\gh :i* we c look 9 ^u 8 p]sonality & p[]1 e title be+ "o ( 8 cr[ns3 ,8 "n %all be call$ ,wond]ful1 ,c\nsellor1 ,mighty ,god1 ,ev]la/+ ,fa!r1 ,pr9ce ( ,peace4 ,all ^! p[]s & possibilities are inc>nat$ 9 ?is ,*ild1 & he is work+ !m out 9 a r$eem$ _w4 ,god made no mi/ake1 !n1 he gave u no small & common gift1 b he did 8 be/ & gave ! _w ! greate/ possible ,*ri/mas ,gift :5 ?is ,*ild 0 born4 ,all ! grass 9 ! _w came f "o se$1 all ! roses f "o root1 & all ! r$eem$ t %all at la/ populate heav5 & fill x ) praise ?r\gh\t et]nity %all be sav$ by ! grace & clad 9 ! beauty ( ?is ,*ild4 ,,xix4 ,a ,_w ,)\t ,*ri/mas ,:at w\ld be ! effect ( blott+ ,*ri/mas out ( ! cal5d> ( ! _w8 ,imag9ation w\ld h to explore wide & deep 9 ord] to trace all ! consequ5ces4 ,! gladde/ holiday ( ! ye> w\ld fade into a common day4 ,! weeks t prec$e x w\ld lose all _! int]e/ ( prep>ation & expectation & w\ld s9k into dull days4 ,! /ores w\ld n blossom out into brilliant baz>s1 cunn+ f+]s w\ld n be busy 9 secret1 !re w\ld be no mak+ & buy+ & hid+ gifts1 & !re w\ld be no?+ wait+ to be disclos$ on ,*ri/mas morn+6 ,! morn+ ( ?is day w\ld dawn gray & bleak j l any o!r morn+1 & no r$ lett] w\ld di/+ui% x on ! cal5d> ( ! ye>4 ,!re w\ld be no glad greet+s ) ! fir/ /reak ( light1 no ru% = gifts & joy\s surprises1 no home ga!r+s1 no neighborhood fe/ivities1 no b5efactions to ! poor4 ,! tide ( life w\ld n on ?is day rise high] & run full] & take on ri*] colors & sp>kle ) bright] joy1 b x w\ld rema9 at ! old level & creep along 9 ! same dull sluggi% way4 ,deep] losses w\ld result f blott+ ?is day f ! cal5d>4 ,!re w\ld be no /ory to tell ( t wondr\s bir? t took place on ! fir/ ,*ri/mas morn+ & fix$ ! date f :i* all o!r ev5ts are dat$4 ,to blot ,*ri/mas out ( ! _w we w\ld h to blot n9ete5 ,*ri/ian c5turies f ! hi/ory ( ! _w2 9 tru?1 we w\ld h to g f>!r back & dig up ! roots ( ,hebrew hi/ory runn+ ?r\gh tw5ty c5turies4 ,we w\ld h to g ?r\gh ! _w & de/roy e *ur* & ,*ri/ian in/itution3 ne>ly e hospital w\ld g d[n "u ?is fell decree1 & mo/ ( our s*ools & colleges4 ,our ,bibles w\ld all h to be burn$1 & our lit]ature w\ld be p]=at$ & ripp$ to pieces4 ,fur!rmore1 we w\ld ne$ to pull out ( human "* & life all ! /r&s ( purity & peace1 ( fai? & love & hope1 t h be5 wov5 into ! he>ts & lives ( m5 by ! h& ( ,*ri/4 ,we w\ld h to /op all our prea*+ & pray+ & hu% e ,*ri/ian hymn & song4 ,we w\ld h no ^w ( salvation f s91 no com=t 9 tr\ble1 & no hope z we look out into ! beyond4 ,! _w w\ld lose its ,light & be wrapp$ 9 night4 ,d we want su* a _w8 ,c we believe t ,god w\ld make su* a _w & leave u z infants cry+ 9 ! night1 infants cry+ = ! light1 & ) no language b a cry8 ,,xx4 ,has ! ,*ri/mas ,song ,surviv$ ! ,_w ,w>8 ,b has n ! ,*ri/mas /> already be5 ext+ui%$ 9 su* a night8 ,has ! angels' song surviv$ ! ,_w ,w>8 ,h n its notes ( glory to ,god 9 ! highe/ & peace among m5 be5 utt]ly dr[n$ & lo/ 9 ! rattle ( ma*9e rifles & ! mighty explosions ( mon/] guns t %ook ,europe & rev]b]at$ ar\nd ! _w8 ,0 n ?is w> ! flat d5ial & total annihilation ( ! message & _s ( ,jesus1 entirely sil5c+ ! angels' song t gladd5$ ! e>? at 8 bir?8 ,c x ev5 be he>d aft] _m mon?s :5 angry voices & ! cra% ( fall+ wreckage /ill di/urb ! _w8 ,^! om9\s que/ions are caus+ anxiety to _m ,*ri/ian s\ls & may well give u pause4 ,b ! g5tle/ =ces are ev] ! mightie/ & la/ ! longe/4 ,! sunlight is swall[$ up 9 ! /orm & ! v sun itself seems blott$ f ! heav5s1 b pres5tly ! blackness breaks1 ! cl\ds roll away1 & ! sun aga9 smiles ^u ! sc5e1 z1 inde$1 x _h nev] ceas$ to smile4 ,! song ( ! birds is hu%$ 9 ! cra% ( ?und] & ! ru% & ro> ( w9d & ra91 b aft] ! /orm passes _! dulcet voices aga9 s+ out ) fre% gladness 9 _! song4 ,a hamm] c p\nd ice to p[d]1 b e p>ticle is /ill unconqu]$ ice1 & only ! g5tle kiss ( ! sun c subdue & melt x into sweet wat]4 ,high explosives & poison\s gas c deva/ate ! e>?1 b only ! balmy brea? ( ! spr+time c clo! x 9 v]dure & cause x to bur/ into bud & bloom4 ,! w> has inde$ enwrapp$ & 9 a degree wreck$ ! _w1 & ! voices ( peace 7 little he>d 9 ! /orm4 ,b n[ t ! guns are sil5c$ & ! cl\ds are roll+ away peace is aga9 surg+ up 9 ! he>t ( humanity z a passion & is at ! "w ( cle>+ away ! wreckage & ( rebuild+ ! new & bett] _w t all m5 hope is to em]ge out ( ! ru9s ( ! old4 ,alex&] & ,cs> & ,napoleon & ! ,kais]--m>k ! anticlimax6--are gone1 _! swords are ru/1 _! dreams are du/1 b ,jesus ,*ri/ rema9s ! same ye/]day1 to-day & =ev]4 ,8 p5etrat+ & p]si/5t voice 0 n really sil5c$ ev5 dur+ ! confusion ( ! w>1 r 0 he !n speak+ 9 ! ?und]\s tones ( judgm5t2 & n[ ! ,*ri/mas angels are be+ he>d aga9 z birds are he>d aft] ! /orm4 ,! h& ( ,*ri/ has be5 %ap+ ! c\rse ( ! _w1 ev5 :5 convuls$ 9 w>1 & is n[ remold+ its pla/ic elem5ts into =m4 ,he has n be5 de?ron$ & discr[n$ 9 ?is _w-cataclysm 9 :i* s _m ?rones & cr[ns h come tumbl+ d[n1 b is /ill ! ,pr9ce ( ,peace4 ,! ,man ( ,naz>e? is speak+ ) a maje/ic voice to-day to all ^! nations & ass]t+ ! wa/e & wick$ness ( w> & ! bro!rhood ( man z !y 7 nev] ass]t$ be=e1 & urg+ !m to build a league ( peace t may be ! greate/ outcome & bless+ ( ! w>4 ,a new _w may arise out ( ! ru9s ( ! old t w be wor? all ! blood x co/ & may be ! prelude ( ! fulfillm5t ( all ! dreams ( prophets & poets ( a ,p>liam5t ( ,man "u ! rule ( :i* ! k9dly e>? %all slumb]1 lapt 9 univ]sal law4 ,!n %all ! angels' ,*ri/mas song break f ! gall]y ( ! skies & fill all ! _w ) its notes1 ,glory to ,god 9 ! highe/1 & on e>? peace among m5 9 :om he is well pleas$4 ,,xxi4 ,! ,light ( ! ,_w ,jesus 0 born into a d>k _w4 ,politically x 0 b\nd4 ,despotism con/rict$ & /rangl$ x at ! top1 & at ! bottom its millions 7 %ackl$ slaves4 ,intellectually x 0 decad5t4 ,philosophy _h /opp$ & /agnat$ 9 ,a!ns1 & no fre% curr5t ( ?\ght 0 irrigat+ ! _w1 no new light 0 break+ ^u ! human m9d4 ,religi\sly its pagan fai?s 7 outworn & dy+ or dead4 ,judaism itself _h gone to se$ & 0 only a dry husk4 ,morally ! _w 0 t]ribly corrupt1 f its l[e/ slums up to ! palaces ( ! ri* :]e s5suality ran riot4 ,z a consequ5ce ( ^! conditions1 pessimism spread a d>k pall ov] ! _w4 ,m5 ev]y:]e 7 9 despair4 ,!y ent]ta9$ ! d>ke/ & bitt]e/ views ( life4 ,no?+ seem$ to !m wor? :ile4 ,! _w 0 all a muddle1 & ! human he>t cri$ out t life ,ha? really nei!r joy1 nor love1 nor light1 ,nor c]titude1 nor peace1 nor help = pa92 ,& we are "h z on a d>kl+ pla9 ,swept ) confus$ al>ms ( /ruggle & flight1 ,:]e ignorant armies cla% by night4 ,into ?is d>k _w ,jesus 0 born4 ,he 0 only a babe1 a s+le speck 9 ! va/ mass ( humanity1 b ?is ,babe 0 lum9\s & %one ) heav5ly light4 ,a /> %$ its radiance ov] 8 cradle--symbol & prophecy ( 8 mission4 ,z he grew 9 ye>s he grew 9 lum9osity until he light$ up ,pale/9e & %ot "s rays across ! bord]s ( t little l& into ! great _w4 ,dea? c\ld n qu5* 8 gr[+ light1 b he rose to heav51 z ! sun rises to its z5i?1 :5ce 8 light n[ falls 9 increas+ spl5dor ov] all ! _w4 ,?is ,light has be5 %9+ n9ete5 hundr$ ye>s & x has made a wide & deep impression on ! d>kness4 ,op5 ! map ( ! _w1 & its bright spaces correspond ) & are l>gely caus$ by ! %9+ ( ?is ,light4 ,! tea*+s & _s & p[] & p]sonality ( ,jesus are illum9at+ ! _w4 ,political despotism & slav]y _c live "u ! light ( 8 gospel ( bro!rhood & are flee+ f 8 pres5ce4 ,intellectual light is flood+ all ,*ri/ian l&s3 has x n be5 t\*$ by 8 tor*8 ,moral d>kness is be+ p5etrat$ & dissipat$ by ! purity & peace ( ,*ri/4 ,pessimism meets its mat* & victor 9 8 mighty jubilant optimism4 ,he cle>s ! _w ( ! muddle ( its confusion & turns x into our ,fa!r's h\se4 ,he lifts life up & makes x wor? :ile 9 its great & gr& mean+4 ,z f ! uplift$ h& ( ! ,/atue ( ,lib]ty 9 ,new ,york h>bor !re %oots a %eaf ( electric light t illum9ates all ! bay1 s f ! pi]c$ h& ( ,*ri/ !re %9es a blaze ( light t p5etrates & scatt]s ! d>kness ( ! _w4 ,we live 9 ?is ,light4 ,?is is ! mean+ & true bless+ ( ,*ri/mas "t4 ,?is is ! real joy t breaks ov] ! _w on ,*ri/mas morn+4 ,all our gifts d]ive _! significance f ?is ,gift2 all our joys are sc9tillations ( ?is ,light4 ,o ?\ ,light ( ! _w6 ,9 ?y ,light help u to see light4 ,may s9 n wrap u 9 d>kness1 may n a worldly life bre$ 9 u a _s ( bitt]ness & despair4 ,%9e ^u u ) ! light ( ?y tru? & ?y love4 ,light up ! _w = u s t we %all see x z our ,fa!r's h\se4 ,may ?y pres5ce put a deep]1 ri*]1 gladd] mean+ into all our life & p\r a new spl5dor ov] all ! _w4 ,& may nations come to ?y ,light & k+s to ! brightness ( ?y ris+4 ,illu/ration ,pr9t$ 9 ! ,unit$ ,/ates ( ,am]ica