When the angels had departed, the shepherds returned to Bethlehem; and there, in a stable, they found the infant Jesus, lying in a manger, watched over and cared for by His mother Mary and Joseph.  And so great was the surprise and joy of the shepherds that they went out and told all they met of the wondrous things which they had seen.

Shortly after the visit of the shepherds, the wise men from the East reached Bethlehem, and in a house they found Joseph, and Mary, and Jesus.  Then they fell down and worshipped Jesus, opening the treasures they had brought, and offering Him precious gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.  But God warned them not to go back to Herod, to tell him where the new-born King of the Jews was, and they returned to their own country another way.

[Illustration:  The shepherds worshipping the infant Jesus.]

JESUS IN THE TEMPLE.

When Jesus was twelve years of age, His parents took Him with them to Jerusalem to the feast of the Passover.  Great numbers journeyed from different parts to keep this feast; and travelled in companies or caravans, the women and old men riding on asses or mules, and the rest going on foot.  Thus Joseph and Mary, with Jesus, left Nazareth, and with many others journeyed to Jerusalem, where they kept the Passover.

When the feast was ended, as they returned homewards, Joseph and Mary discovered that Jesus was missing; but supposing Him to have been somewhere among the company, they continued their first day’s short journey.  When, however, evening came, and the caravan halted, and Jesus was nowhere to be found, His parents sorrowfully returned to Jerusalem seeking Him.  At last, on the third day, they went to the Temple, and found Jesus sitting in the midst of the aged and learned Jewish doctors, both hearing them and asking them questions.  “And all that heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers.”

His parents were amazed when they saw Jesus in such company.  But Mary, while she rejoiced at finding Him, gently said, “Son, why hast Thou thus dealt with us?  Behold Thy father and I have sought Thee sorrowing.”  Jesus replied, “How is it that ye sought Me?  Wist ye not that I must be about My Father’s business?”

Jesus was the Son of God, and doing God’s work was being about His Father’s business.  Years afterwards He said, “I came not to do Mine own will, but the will of Him that sent Me.”

[Illustration:  “Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us?”]

THE WONDERFUL DRAUGHT OF FISHES