As Madelon tented her sheep one cold and wintry night, wise men and other
shepherds passed by the snow covered field where she was with their gifts
for
the Christ Child. The wise men carried the rich gifts of gold, myrrh
and
frankincense and the shepherds, fruits, honey and doves. Poor Madelon
began
to weep at the thought of having nothing, not even a simple flower for
the
Newborn King. An angel, seeing her tears, brushed away the snow revealing
a
most beautiful white flower tipped with pink - the Christmas rose.