The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1864-12-24
THE CHHIsTMAs GIFT.
By COUSIN MARY.


The sun rose bright and clear on Christ
mas morning; the air was cold and the
earth was covered with mantle of pure
white snow, as though to prepare for Il .
blessed Saviour's birthday. Very early
signs Of life we're seen in the little village,
Tor on Christmas morning what child
thinks OF the cold or signs for one more
nap At ten o'clock the church bells
ehimed, aud soon merry sleigh bells jim.
gled. aud from amid the great warm robes
rosy cheeks glowed. bright eyes danced
and happy voices inttrehanged "merry
Christmases" as they went to the house Of
God Then all was quiet without. while
within the church we're heard the solemn,
gentle tones If the man of God, telling
the ever new wondrous story Of The Christ
child I; how many years ago far away the
shepherds were Watching their focks IL
night. and suddenly great light shone
round them and while they feared an an
gel appeared and told them 70 fear not,
for on that day was born the Saviour OF all
mankind and he shepherds went and fund
. little baby lying in q manager, and thsI
Was the bles, ed Christ. child. Little chill
dren. do you know why We give presents
on Christmas day? 1t is because on thai
day God gave His Holy Son to the world
the best gift, aud the m lost precious gift,
children, that was ever made.
But among those who listened were
two sad hearts; and as they left the church
children's voices hushed ard parents eyes
filled with tears of sympathy as they pass
ed them. Bat two short seeks before
and no hands were buster preparing
Christmas gifts, than were DR.. Lynn.
aud bis wife's, and no little heart throb
bed with brighter anticipations than did
their dear little Nelly's, whose blue eyes
had opened on but seven "Merry Crist-
msses,' but to-day the great wax doll,
which it had been Nelly's highest ambi-
ton to possess, lay undisturbed in the
drawer. and Nelly's papa and manma sat
alone in their room, for tho angels had
called their little girl to their bright home.
While they sat thinking Of their great
loss the door bell rang, and the servanl
brough. word that the DR.. was wanted to
70 to see Mrs. Heath, who was dying
He quickly prepared himself for his cold
walk, and 10 few minutes was 1t the door
Of the poor widow. On entering the room
be. found her lying with her eyes closed
BY her side lay sweet little girl of five
years, earnestly gazing At her mother, half
frightened by her pale looks and low
means.
The DIS. step reused the sick woman,
and opening her eyes she told him she
knew she was dying. He quick eve saw
she was right. and he asked her if she
feared death
"Not for myself" was her reply, "but
for my orphan child; oh doctor, my hear.
fails when l think of leaving my Jennie
homeless, houseless and friendless in this
great world, no not friend less," she added.
"for will leave her with Him who has
promised to be father to the fatherless. "
Tears filed the good doctors eyes a. be
heard these words of Christian faith: and Is
the thought Of the littls empty crib At home
he determined to remove the last fear
that troubled the dying Christian. Sol
emily laying his hand on the chiId's head
he said:
"Mrs. Heath, will take your child 10
comfort our hearts for our Nslly's
lose.'
A bright smile lighted up the face Of
Mrs. Heath AZ she said:
MAY ths friend of the widow and the
fatherless bless you"
An hour passsd and the only sound 10 |
the room vas the deep Breathing Of the |
sick woman- Little Jennie, hushed By tho |
stillaess, safety slept beside her ucthsr,
little pealisise dc great nhjourtare ehors