The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-12-26
TEE DAY In BROOkLYN.

The advent OF the great anniversary OF the Christian
era may be truly said to have been observed In
fitting and becoming manner. The adults joined in
giving thanks TO the benefcent Creator for all his
blessings, which are all embodied in the occasion
commemorated in the holy festival originated in
Bethlehem, where the infant Saviour, born Of the
Blessed Virgin, guided the wise men OF the East
more than eighteen centuries ago, and where
the promise OF the first and long ex-
pectcu coming Of the Messiah was fulfilled.
The Juveniles, too, were filed with the Joy Of the
great event. and partook OF that air OF happiness
which prevailed, and joined, without exactly CON-
pretending why, In the prevailing gladness OF the
God-loving people OF their households. Much zest
was given to their pleasant emotions 1t Is need
Less to say, by the liberal bestowal OF gifts
suitable to their respective ideas OF that which
IL good. In the distribution or such articles
OF holiday wares as toys and sugar candies 1t is
not at all surprising that grown persons undulgent
parents and othcrs) should have recourse to such
an invention as that genial old soul OF liberaty.
Santa Claus, who Is not only doomed to bear upon
his back on Christmas Eve a burden OF many
thousand tons weight Of miscellaneous articles for
little boys and girls, but Is also compelled to bear
the odium OF the abuse and vituperation
OF such youngsters as are not altogether
pleased with what he has left for them.
Youngsters as well "a 'oldsters', are often very
capricaous and not always appreciatively grateful:
but Kris kringle has broad shoulders, and these lat
ter form an Ipsurmountable barrier against the
assaults OF tine little malcontents. Judging, how.
ever, from the smiling faces seen at windows and
the streets during the day the children have been
pretty well generally speaking, satisfied with the
patronage bestowed by the mysterious benefactor OF
Long before the first gray streak OF early dawn
dsccrnaDe In the eastern horizon the streets OF
the city and suburbs were lined with men and
women hurrying to the churches In their commend
abe pety aud devotion hastng TO oner their nrst
mass was celebrated in all the Catholic churches-at
81. James une CathedraD, st. Pauis, 81. Mary's
t5tar OF the sea-, st.Peter's, s.. Patrck's 81 Jo-
soph's, 81 Stephens. ST. Charles Borromeo's, the
Assumption. Annunciation, our Lady OF Mercy.
the Immaculate Conception and others. Several
OF these most tasteiully decorated with
cvergreens while all were beautifully lighted up, the
affairs Ind chanccs being In several Instances per-
fecty dazzling with tile radiance or hundreds OF wax
tapers and gas JETS The star OF Bethlehem
lighted over the altar In some OF the churches nadia
me eject. when the celebrant, deacon and sub
panied By numerous acolytes ali elegantly
attired IN their holiday vesiments aud as
snmed their positions az the altar the choir
burst form, blending with the rich devotional tones
or the organ, and swelling rapturously in words Of
praise the ote OF the Creator Ia the rendition Of the
Psifts dG0fQnbs, appealed TO aud found many an
echo Ia the hearts or the faithful Ia attendance.
after the gospel had been read q sermon was
preached. telling Of the infinite mercies OF God 20
Ills peoples how aiter the fan Of Adam through dis
obedience, which SIN ENABLED such incaculable MISE
ries upon ms posterity, lie promised through Ills
mankind tnas 70, four thousand year,
ardenty pray ed for, but when at last as had been
t3retod, the 'Star OF Bethlehem guided the wise
men 10 tho stable where between an OK and an ass
wrapped ~ swadding clothes, was found the long
beloved and anticipated Messiah the people turned
away and believed not In Him. such was the world.
They believed not in Cod, because lie was born In
poverty and not In pomp aud slate. Prom this tran
81 thought telling sermons were preached, and the
poor Ia spirit were exalted and the rich humbled
ahd strong appeals were made 10 Christian
CHARITY. Towards tho close Of each OF the masses
collections we're taken up IN all the churches aid
81 the Catholic orphan children OF the city, The
total amount contributed was about $4,000 Low
masses were sad then after nrst mass, In continued
succession az which thousands OF persons received
hoy communion, until halEpast ten O'Clock, wnen
grand lilSn mass was celebrated.
IA WE Protestant Episcopal churches which
were, Dedsthuhy ornamen.ed with eyergTecns
lnteriorly' services were held both morn
Ing anu evening The muscal services at
the Church u We Holy Trinity, 81 Peters, State
street; SL James, corner Of Lafayette avenue and
liza street; 81 Johns corner Of Johnson aud wash
l1gton streets, and Christ church, bedford avenue
were of superior order.
The various Sunday schools prescribed bappy
scenes yesterday morning, the ruby faces OF lie
little ones having the appearance oil ripe peaches
afer cncounteriny the piercing winds in passiug
fom thcir homes 10 the SCHOOLS, an1 tnC.r