Evaleen Stein

“ Soon came a troop of altar boys in white tunics and collars of lace and crimson velvet, and, stepping quickly from candle to candle, tipped them with shining flame till the shadowy cathedral blazed into golden light and the star over the manger glittered with a dazzling brightness. By this time the aisles were filled with a throng of people, who crossed themselves reverently, while on the altar the ox and the ass, the shepherds, the wise kings and the angels seemed listening breathlessly as suddenly the bells pealed forth their joyous message that the Christmas morning had begun. ”

“ Indeed, everything was ready and waiting for the holy hour. Green Christmas garlands wound the fluted pillars and decked the walls between the lovely stained windows, and twined about the altar where a wonderful little scene,—or "creche," as it was called,—had been made in memory of the place in Bethlehem where the little Jesus was born. ”

“ The more she gazed at the overflowing hay, the more she wished that he might lie there, if only for a little while till he grew warm and she could rest; the stone floor was so cold, and her arms were so tired. Surely, she thought, Mother Mary would not forbid her, she looked so loving and compassionate; and the white-winged angels, had they not all come down from the sky? So perhaps they would pity little brother and would take him with them when they flew back to heaven where everything was bright and happy. ”