Litchfield enquirer. [volume] (Litchfield, Conn.) 1829-current, 1856-12-25
Christmas.

g But peaceful was the night.
Wherein the Prince Of Light
His reign Of peace upon the earth begaa:e 49,
The winds with wonder whist.
Smoothly the waters kisd,
Whispering new Joys to the mild ocean:
Who now quite forgot to rave. y
While birds ofca sit broo ling on the charmed wave
Again this hallowcd season has returned, and
what rich memories and sacrdd associations does 1t
awaken in Us How many changes have passed ov. +
the world since those weary shepherds we're watch
ing tho Judcan plains for the Star of Bethlehem,
the bright augury Of the wondrous birth OF the
child-God. Tho magnificent empire Of the Caesars
has fallen. crushed by It's vastncss; the light
and graceful structure Of the Greek has perish
ed. and the Bosphorus now reflects in It's golden
the deserted pslaceso the city Of Constantine
Mohammed has dreamed his dream" andwith tina
Koran and the sword has transmitted his sensual
creed TO millions. making even the proud csstiliau
bow for ages 70 the supremacy Of the higher civiz
alton Of the Saracem until the coming Of that fortu
nate monarch who won the rare distinction Of ex
terminating one empire. and of aiding in the dis
covery and founding Of another more glorious in the
over the World for centuries, and the light of the
gospel Of Christ weu'd have expired II the 8
tic orders had not kept the lamp, though " dimiy
burning until its radiance touched the soul Of the
m NIX of wilcmbesg. and from him was emitted
that spark which has sin. iiiumined the world
Prophets, priests and heroes have lived and died,
and " noble army Of ma.tyrs'. have testified "a
the truth that Jesus born In Bethlehem oil
Ju.lea.''
Different ages and people have celebrated in differ.
emit ways and Languages the birth Of the Messiah
The kings and MOBILES Of q former day with wine
and wassii. the blazing yule-Ios and goodIy cheer
forgetful Of the solemn mystery Of Saviors advent
have turned the holy festival lnto sensecss revsl
The PspaI city has commemoratedit in illumnatina-
ting her gorgeous cathedral and in triumphal pro.
cessions almost squalins in splendor those of her
proudest days, and with only the substitution Of
the Host for the vine leaves wheat Of her classic
10 gods. The Gcrmsus have cesebr.ted It insheir
skating parties. which in wildness approach to the
mad race of the walpwigis Kight 80 finely define.
ated by their own great post.
christirn has other thoughts and duties for this
day. The great love Of the Father In bestowing
upos us +" as Precipitation for our SINS, His own
Son. the joy Of the young virgin she gases reverent
ly, yet with all smothers tenderness, upon her first
born, and views him the pure link that binds her
own soul to heaven. her God yet her swn child and
feeling that she is the most blessed Of women. the
deep yearning Of faithful Anna and Simeon for .
sight Of the Lords Christ granted at last to their
longing eyes, the attemp rightly to chant Glory to
God IN the highest. and on earthipeace, goodwill
toward men, to sing like David "alway Of the
loving kindness Of the Lord 10 feel, like Isaiah
that shall 30 out with joy. and be led forth With
deace; these are some Of the thoughts that we'll
up from the hearts deepfountain, Is the beams Of
this blessed morning play upon II:
s. - allowed and SO gTacions isthe time"
Ihis season bsuegestiye Of sacred dntis, teaching
rs 70 celetsats with chastened joy thoss family re-
unions that for Iitsls while almost seems to lend
70 earth tinse Of heaven, md 70 watch The quiet
ssss Ut shse sysa 9 tas szau hsod ~ Alassd