THE tree has been taken down. The red ribbon on the wreath outside is an embarrassment. When you come across a box of decorations in July, you will think, “What was that all about?”

You are leaving Bethlehem.

You are leaving your own childhood and all childhood.

But don’t go without taking some of that peace and simplicity with you. If anything disturb you, remember that sacred circle of intimacy. Remember the music the shepherds heard, the star that drew kings.

Simplicity and peace are only foolishness to the world.

Bethlehem, of noblest cities
None can once with thee compare;
Thou alone the Lord from heaven
Didst for us Incarnate bear.

Fairer than the sun at morning
Was the star that told his birth;
To the lands their God announcing,
Hid beneath a form of earth.

By its lambent beauty guided,
See, the Eastern Kings appear;
See them bend, their gifts to offer,
Gifts of incense, gold, and myrrh.

Offerings of mystick meaning!
Incense doth the God disclose;
Gold a Royal child proclaimeth;
Myrrh a future tomb foreshows.

Holy Jesu! in thy brightness
To the Gentile world display’d!
With the Father, and the Spirit,
Endless praise to Thee be paid. 

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