THE NATIVITY OF CHRIST.

AND it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David :)

To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

And she brought forth her first-born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them and they were sore afraid.

:

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.--LUKE ii. 1-20.

THE GOLDEN TEXT.

"But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that He by the grace of God should taste death for every man."-Heb. ii. 9.

WORK FOR THE WINTER.

DRIVING Storms of rain and sleet Wildly at our windows beat; Biting frost and mantling snow Bid the blossoms hide below.

But for us the winter brings Such a store of pleasant thingsHolidays and greetings kindThat its cold we do not mind.

And the cheerful Christmas chime Calls to mind the joyful time When the Saviour, meek and mild, Came to earth, a little child.

Rude and lowly was His lot;
Rich and great received Him not:
But the poor, and sick, and sad,
Came to Jesus, and were glad.

Do not we sometimes declare, Had we lived near Jesus there, We had loved His will to do, Given Him service glad and true?

Ah! our hearts deceive us oft;
Let us heed His whisper soft,—
"Little child, give Me thine heart,
And My grace shall be thy part.

"See My poor ones all around, In the haunts of sorrow found; Show them kindness as to Me; Let each gift be glad and free."

If we would His service share,
We must ask in earnest prayer,
And be ready to obey

When and where He shows the way.

Some, perhaps, could share their toys With less favoured girls and boys; Save some dainty from their fare,

ARE you called upon to exercise self-denial? Abraham looks down from heaven upon you, and tells you that he was ready to sacrifice his beloved Isaac. Are you afraid of the scoffs and jeers of a fleeting world? Noah builded an ark, Moses rejected the honours of Pharaoh's court, and underwent as many taunts and scoffs as you are likely to do. Are you called to lay down your lives for the testimony of Jesus and a good conscience? Stephen tells you a storm of stones fell upon him, and brake open the prison, and set the prisoner free; his soul escaped; and as a bird, took wing and flew to heaven. Are you assaulted with temptations? St. Paul looks down, and tells you that he had much stronger temptations than you have, and yet he got safe to heaven.-Hopkins.

A HYMN OF PRAISE.

BY MRS. C. E. R. PARKER.

PRAISE the Father, little children,

Maker He of earth and heaven; To the Father of your spirits

Let your songs of praise be given. Pray, oh pray to God the Father,

For He formed you in His love, And He daily watches o'er you

From His throne in heaven above.

Praise the Son of God, dear children,
He, the lowly born and mild,
He, who left the Father's glory,
And became a little child.
God the Son, who died to save you,
Lamb of God on Calvary slain,
God the Son, who lives to bless you,
Sing His praise in joyful strain.

And to God the Holy Spirit,

Little children, give all praise;

He hath power to warn and teach you, He will guide you by His grace.

CARE FOR SPARROWS.

A LITTLE girl seeing the servant throw the crumbs into the fire, said, "Don't you know that God takes care of the sparrows?"

"If God takes care of them," was the careless reply, "we need not trouble ourselves about them."

"But," said the little girl, "I had rather be like God, and help Him take care of the little birds, than scatter or waste the food that He gives us."

So she carefully collected what was left of the crumbs and threw them out of the window. In a short time several little birds flew eagerly to the spot, and picked up the crumbs she had scattered. After this she every day collected in a little basket the crumbs and bits of bread that had fallen around the table, and threw them under the window for the little birds; and during all the winter these little creatures came regularly after each meal to partake of the food thus provided for their support.

How beautiful it was to see this little girl trying "to help God," as she said, and thus early learning to be Children! kind to the helpless of God's creatures! embrace every opportunity of showing kindness to animals.

NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENTS.

The "Weekly Welcome" will, if continued in the New Year, be issued in a larger form and at a higher price.

New Books for Sunday Schools. The King's Highway; or, the Ten Commandments. By the Rev. Dr. Newton. With numerous illustrations. Cloth, 2s. 6d. The Best Things. By the Rev. Dr. Newton. With numerous illustrations. Cloth, 2s. 6d.

Leaves from the Tree of Life. By the Rev. Dr. Newton. With numerous illustrations. Cloth, 2s. 6d.

The Pearly Gates. By Mrs. C. Rigg, Author of "Lost in the Snow." A Book for Sunday school Children. Cloth, 61.. "No Work, No Bread." With Illustrations. Limp cloth, 6d.

London: S. W. PARTRIDGE & Co., 9, Paternoster Row, E.C.