XI.
JESUS OF NAZARETH.
If their home at Nazareth was dear to Mary and Joseph
before they left for Bethlehem, what was it now
when the sound of little feet was heard upon its floor,
and a childish voice called for "Father" or for "Mother!"
Joseph's trade, that kept him away all the
morning and afternoon, seemed harder than ever, but
he consoled himself by thinking that his loss was Mary's
gain.
Yes, she had the Child all to herself during those early years. He sat at her feet as she spun, or stood by as she did the kneading, or the baking, or the washing of the little house. When she dropped anything, He was quick to pick it up. He noticed what she wanted before she knew herself, and ran to fetch it; and as soon as He was able He helped in the household work. Neighbours would stand at their doors to watch the young mother and her beautiful Boy as they went together to the fountain. They were all in all to each other, it was plain, and His manner towards her, so reverent and so tender, was delightful to see.
How happy were Mary and Joseph, when, sitting down to their simple meal, they had the little Jesus between them; when, morning and evening, they knelt beside Him, knowing that He whose prayer went up with theirs was Himself the God to whom they prayed. See them—how reverent they are, how still, how attentive. Was there ever a scene on earth more beautiful than morning and night prayers at Nazareth!
In the synagogue they heard the Prophecies read
