" Little Ruth pulled at her mother's dress.
"Mother, the oxen sleep out under the stars these warm nights and the
straw in the caves is clean and warm; I have made a bed there for my
little lamb."
Ruth's mother bowed before the tall man. "Thou didst hear the child.
It is as she says--the straw is clean and warm." The tall man bowed
his head. "We shall be very glad to stay," and he helped the
sweet-faced woman down from the donkey's back and led her away to the
cave stable, while the little Ruth and her mother hurried up the
stairs that they might send a bowl of porridge to the sweet-faced
woman, and a sup of new milk, as well.
* * * * *
That night when little Ruth lay down in her bed, the rays of the
beautiful new star shone through the window more brightly than before.
They seemed to soothe the tired aching shoulders. She fell asleep and
dreamed that the beautiful, bright star burst and out of it came
countless angels, who sang in the night:
"Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth, good will to men." And
then it was morning and her mother was bending over her and saying,
"Awake, awake, little Ruth. Mother has something to tell thee." Then
as the eyes opened slowly--"The angels came in the night, little one,
and left a Baby to lay beside your little white lamb in the manger.
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