The Sun.
London, England, 1869-12-25 00:00:00

LONDON, SATURDAY, DEC. 25, 18G9.

Christmas has come again, with its many claims
on our regard and attention, with its hopes, memo-
ries, and associations. The recurrence of any festival
and the observance of any fixe I time must, in this
chequered state of existence, be fraught with more
pain than pleasure to the many, though the few may
be delighted, and bail the opportunity for rejoicing.
Rightly considered, however, it cannot be said that
the season of Christmas is one of unrestrained
mirth and festivity. There are many duties apper-
taining to its advent, as well as many pleasures con-
nected with its celebration, and, if the blessed memo-
ries it brings, and the bright hopes it bolds out can
cheer the sinner and soothe the nfflicted, there are
other and darker reflections that will intrude and cast

sobering and saddening influence upon us. This is

not a time when we should count our gains or num-
ber our population, speculate upon our chances of
competition with foreign nations, or descant upon
our progress or prosperity. We are to celebrate the
birth of one who was born in want, and reared in
poverty, to whom the glory of the kingdoms of this
world were offered, and who despised the • gift.
Christmas is the triumph of the poor, the feast of the
untitled, or it is nothing. It is true that lie in
whose honour it is kept had another inheritance, and
reigned as King of Kings and Lord of Lords before
he entered the manger of Bethlehem, but worldly
distinctions sink into nothing in such comparison.
The world in which the SAVIOUR walked has under-
gone many changes, and who that dwelt in those
days could have drea:ned of the excellenc:.s, the
beauty, and the grandeur of our modern attain-
ments. Art has flourished, science triumphed, and
knowledge increased a hundredfold, but there is one
thing needful which the care and trouble of sur-
rounding generations have overlooked, through in-
difference; or set aside from perversity. Who shall
say that in what constitutes the real mea:.iag
of the thing we of the nineteenth century have
gained iu knowledge and increased in desire how to
keep Christmas worthily ? Is the world animated by
a higher sense of duty ? Does mankind seek better to
copy the Divine example, which was one.; given for its
pattern and encouragement. The thought is a pain-
ful one, but it may lend to wiser and worthier actions.

To keep Christmas in m'rzh
.and gaiety and not to
cast a glance at its hidden purpose will be to cast
aside alike our duties and our privilege. The world
with its cares and its interests is almost overwhelm-
ing; but let us leave the present and - take a glance

at the hallowed past, while we gaze at the holier
future. Are we or those around us really making
the most of the opportunities afforded to us? Do
the thoughts of the first Advent induce and influence
to make ready and prepare for the second coming of
our SAVIOUR ? It is to be feared not, fur the prevail-
ing thought of all, or nearly all, is to win a higher
place in the social rank or to lay up stores of wealth.
The poor seem to be crushed down more and more in
the weary struggle of life, and those who cannot hold
their ground must sink to rise no more. human
beings appear to have time for everything else but to
care for each other ; and yet was not this the lesson
that was taught them in the life of Ilitn whose
birth was in a stable and whose death was on the
Cross. Our streets swarm with children, who are
untaught; our prisons are filled with uneducated
criminals, who have found temptations in plenty,
but few to counsel or assist them. Our poor are
ground down, and it seems alinost impossible
to aTurcl them adcgirs.te relief in their dis-
tre s. We are far, indeed, from r,alisiog the in-
spired sision of the Palmist, when he prayed that
our sons might grow up as the young plants, and
that our daughters might be as the polished corners
of the temple. It is true that he asked also that our
garners might be plenteous and full of all manner of
stores, and for that benefit we seek earnestly, and
will rise early, late take rest, and eat the bread of
carefulness. The Christmas of this year comes to
us in this country surrounded with much to deplore
and denounce—sin, want, and misery intrude their