Literature and Art 121 



and told them that he had come to teach them a 

 new worship. They need no longer fear darkness 

 nor offer sacrifices of blood. He would teach them, 

 as he had been taught, a better way. They listened 

 to him gladly and accepted his 

 message with rejoicing. 



He cut down the dark oak 

 tree that stood for the Power 

 they feared, and taking a 

 young fir tree that stood 

 straight and green, with 

 its top pointing to the 

 stars, he said, "Here is 

 the living tree ; it shall 

 be the sign of your new 

 worship. See how it 

 points to the sky. Let us take 



., i r j- > 1 1 1 "^ young fir tree that stood 



it tO yOUr Chieftain S hall. Straight and green" 



So they carried the little tree in joyful proces- 

 sion and set it in the midst of the chieftain's great 

 hall. They kindled lights among its branches, and 

 as its sweet odor filled the house they listened while 

 the stranger told them of the first Christmas, and 

 of the message of peace on earth and good-will to 

 men. 



