laid in a manger." The tree again raised its head to listen, and the
Little Tree, much puzzled, thought within itself: "It is very strange,
indeed. * * * Oh, how I wish that I could see it all!"

It waited a little longer, and everything grew quiet, and a great peace
came upon the forest. * * * Then suddenly the town, and even the forest
was illuminated with a strange, white light that made everything as
bright as day, and the air was filled with the flutter of angels' wings,
and with music such as the world had never heard before.

The people and the trees, even the stars in the heaven, lifted up their
voices and sang together * * * and the whole world was filled with music
and joy and love for the little Christ-child who had come to dwell upon
the earth.

The Little Tree was filled with fear and wonder, for so great was the
excitement that the other trees had almost forgotten it, and it could
not understand the mysterious sounds; but bye and bye its tall friend
said: "Listen, listen, Little Tree! Such news I have to tell! The Christ
has come--the King! And the whole world is singing such beautiful music.
There are wise men coming from the East, bringing beautiful gifts to the
Christ-child. The angels, too, are upon the earth, and they bear gifts
of gold and rare, beautiful stones. Wait! I will tell you more."

The tall tree had scarcely lifted up its head when it stooped again and
whispered to the Little Tree: "Look! Look! Little Tree! They are coming
this way; the angels are coming here, into our forest! Lift up your head
high and you will see them as they pass."

The Little Tree lifted up its head and saw the white flutter of angel