s came flying swiftly to the place from which the
strange, new song was sounding. Rank within rank, like a garden of
living flowers, they stood along the sloping banks of the brook while
the child-angel floated into the midst of them, singing:

"I know it, I know it, I know it! Man shall be made like God because
the Son of God shall become a man."

At this all the angels looked at one another with amazement, and
gathered more closely about the child-angel, as those who hear
wonderful news.

"How can this be?" they asked. "How is it possible that the Son of God
should be a man?"

"I do not know," said the young angel. "I only know that it is to be."

"But if he becomes a man," said Raphael, "he will be at the mercy
of men; the cruel and the wicked will have power upon him; he will
suffer."

"I know it," answered the young angel, "and by suffering he will
understand the meaning of all sorrow and pain; and he will be able to
comfort every one who cries; and his own tears will be for the healing
of sad hearts; and those who are healed by him will learn for his sake
to be kind to each other."

"But if the Son of God is a true man," said Uriel, "he must first be
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