a child, simple, and lowly, and helpless. It may be that he will never
gain the learning of the schools. The masters of earthly wisdom will
despise him and speak scorn of him."

"I know it," said the young angel, "but in meekness will he answer
them; and to those who become as little children he will give the
heavenly wisdom that comes, without seeking, to the pure and gentle
of heart."

"But if he becomes a man," said Michael, "evil men will hate and
persecute him: they may even take his life, if they are stronger than
he."

"I know it," answered the young angel, "they will nail him to a cross.
But when he is lifted up, he will draw all men unto him, for he will
still be the Son of God, and no heart that is open to love can help
loving him, since his love for men is so great that he is willing to
die for them."

"But how do you know these things?" cried the other angels. "Who are
you?"

"I am the Christmas angel," he said. "At first I was sent as the dream
of a little child, a holy child, blessed and wonderful, to dwell in
the heart of a pure virgin, Mary of Nazareth. There I was hidden till
the word came to call me back to the throne of the King, and tell
me my name, and give me my new message. For this is Christmas day on
Earth, and to-day the Son of God is born of a woman. So I must fly
quickly, before the sun rises, to bring the good news to those happy
men who have been chosen to receive them."