The daily Green Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1861-1865, 1863-12-24
Christmas.


the Nativity of Christ, is obscured with the
mists of antiquity. It, however, owes its inst-
tuition 10 the Church, and not to Apostolical
authority. How early the Christians began to
keep the day is not certain, though we are told
that, as early as A. d. 1873, Pope Telesophorus
commenced the observance Of it, but this is
doubtful 1t certainly has no authority Of Di-
vine command, or inspired injunction, to estab-
ish for il a sacred character. but it rather seems
to have originated in that common disposition
to commemorate the birthdays of great and
wise persons, or the commencement of grand
and benefcent eras in the world s progress. And
80 II came about, naturally enough that the
Church tally began 10 keep the anniversary of
the cay when the Savior was born, and that it
since has been observed as joyous festival.
The Church OF Rome, and the Church Of
England, keep Christmas in their places of
worship, with ritual and service, and reproduce
n elaborate form the impressions Of the birth,
nigh, scene at Bethlehem But this feast did
not come over in the Mayfower, and it was
many years after the Puritan had made his
home on the soil of New England before his
austere faith, his intense hatred of the forms
and ceremonies Of the Church Of Rome, had 50
far relaxed as even to recognize the festival by
hanging the children's stockings in the chimney
corner to invite jolly Santa Claus to make his
annual visit and gifts to the little folks, and de-
light the hearts OF the children of Puritans as
well as those Of the believers in the Church.
But gradually Purianism relaxed its watch,
and, although it does not now generally cele-
brate Christmas as d religious festival, does not
everywhere adorn its churches with evergreen,
and hold solemn service with hymns,and sermons,
and chants, and anthems, it yet permits Santa
Claus annually, On Christmas night, to stuff the
little stockings in chimney corners with
every variety of gifts that can make the hearts
of children leap for joy. Episcopalians and
Catholics have no longer the monopoly of Santa
Claus, however much they may have to them
selves the religious observance of this festival
and the owners OF the crowded stockings would
not be willing to exchange him with his rein
deer attached to one Sleigh his furs, his stock
of gifts for the little folks, driving in the crisp
frosty December night, along the roofs of the
houses, and desc ,nding in some marvellous man
ner the chlmneys where the tiny receptaoles invite
his presence, for all the other saints in the cal
endar. lie makes the festival for them indeed
Merry Christmas looked forward to with
the most eager, impatient anticipation, and re-
membered with the most heartfelt delight q
day when the fountains OF joy j. their young
hearts run over with bubbhng laughter, glad
ordinations, and songs 0. happiness. For one
day to them the Christmas tree is the Tree of
g'adness, as they gather from it's branches its
fruit OF good things, hanging in tempting pro-
fusion from every bough.
But the Nativity teaches US another lesson
. Peace on Firth and good will to men lie
who came to redeem void from sin, brought
with Him the blessed gospel of love aud charity;
and on this anniversary of His advent, we should
put away from US the demons o. envy, and ha-
tired and malice, of covetousness and selfshness
and greed, and should open our hearts to the
sweet and divine Influences of forgiveness, kind
ness and benefcence, which shed sunlight on
the darkest places of the Earth, and bring joy to
those who walk in the shadow of poverty. While
the faces about our own Gresides are frightened
with gifts which fond affection has bestowed,
let us remember that there are, perhaps, other
homes where sorrow and de3titution have come as
unwelcome visitors, and let some gilt from our
own store make Christmas to them brighter
and warmer, and dispol some of the gloom that
may linger around their desolato hearths 1t is
joyous festival, and let us open wide its doors,
and bid all with US Iartake of its cheer.