ii 8 Language Through Nature 



ALONG, long time ago people became unhappy 

 when the days grew short and dark and cold. 

 They saw that plants stopped growing, that animals 

 crept into hiding places, and that the sky was dark 

 and gloomy. There was little they could do, and 

 they became anxious and afraid. 



'But when the days grew longer and full of 

 warmth and light, the people lost their fear. Ani- 

 mals came from their hiding places, birds sang, the 

 earth was beautiful with growing plants, and the 

 land was full of plenty. Then the people were busy 

 and happy, and feasted, and gave each other gifts 

 to show their joy at the returning light. 



After many years there came a night when some 

 shepherds, watching their flocks on a hillside, heard 

 a new message which was for all the world. They 

 saw a wonderful light in the sky, and heard a song 

 not heard before on earth. 



" ' What means that star,' the shepherds said, 

 ' That brightens through the rocky glen ? ' 



And angels, answering overhead, 



Sang, ' Peace on earth, good-will to men ! ' ' 



They were told that a child was born who should 

 bring peace and good-will unto the world. Then, 

 leaving their sheep, they sought for this child, and 



