Luke 2: 8-20.
To human sense, it was years ago; and from the open plains of Bethlehem arose the hillsides as if reaching up to touch the star-lit dome and woo the gentle glow across this midnight darkness, a herald of that light about to dawn upon a slumbering, sick, and dying world.
In this canopied stillness, in this quiet vale, some humble shepherds kept guard about their flocks with loving care. The watchful dog stood sentry against the wolf lest it might molest; and the whole atmosphere seemed full of expectant joy.