robes and heard the weird, sweet voices of the heavenly host who came
with precious gifts into the forest.

"Oh," said the Little Tree, "they are coming here, toward me! What
shall I do?" And in fear it bent its head so low that it almost touched
the ground. But the music came nearer and nearer, and the Little Tree
felt a tender hand upon its branches, and a soft, gentle voice said to
it: "Arise, Little Tree, and come with us, for we have come into the
forest to seek you. Yes, you, the very smallest among the trees, are to
be our gift-bearer. Come; lift up your head."

In fear and trembling the Little Tree did as the angel bade it. But when
it looked into the angel's face and saw the love and kindness there, all
fear was gone, and it said to the angel: "Yes; make me ready. I will
come with you to the little Christ-child in the manger." So all the
angels brought their gifts of precious jewels and shining gold, and
fastened them upon the branches of the Little Tree. Then the leader of
the angels' band took up the Little Tree from the ground and bore it,
laden with its precious burden, to the feet of the Christ-child.




THE STORY OF ABRAHAM


Long, long ago there lived in the far away land of Ur a man who was very
wealthy. His name was Abraham. The country in which he lived was
beautiful and very rich. The fields were not only well watered by rivers
and streams, but were carefully cultivated. Corn, dates, apples and