Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1872-12-25

Old and New TImes-Ths Ancient H0II-
day IN Modern Days.

Christmas is an ancient holiday, and
no less great than ancient. The season
at which it is celebrated contributed tC
make favorite, r0llicking time among
the people Of Northern Europe. The
/ days are short and eOld-business both
in doors and out was nearly all suspend
ed and people felt a natural loneliness
and laziness about them which was cal
eui9ted TO render the introduction OF
Christmas one of the most pleasant fea-
lures of Christianity. The people every
where, 1t appears, seized upon the day
| with tremendous avidity, and celebrated
it with an enthusiasm that characterized
the celebration of no other festival. The
advent of the Lord into the world be-
ing the most joyful and ennobling event
| for man that could possibly happen, the
| holiday that eommenorated this mys-
| terry became favOTite with ali believers
in Christianity; and it is curious truth
/ that no one ever was heard to say 8
word against it. 1t is emphat-
ically the holiday Of man. The
customs that grew Up around this
day of hallowed memory, in all parts OF
Europe, were various, but all equally
charming, and full Of poetical or reli-
giOIIs significance. Many Of them are
still preserved and followed in their pris-
tine beauty. In most European cOun-
tries the people hear the joy-bells rung
fortl-the glad tidings Of Christ's com
ing--at twelve o'clock. The beautiful
story is told in the gospel of Matthew,
chapter eleventh, in these words;
Now, when Jesus was born in Bethlehem, OF
Judes, in the days of HerOd, the King, behold
Their. came wise men from the East 10 Jerusa'
lem, say ing; Where is he that is born OF the
Jews +: for we have seen his star in the East,
and are come 10 adore him."
When Her0d, the King, had heard these
thinigs he was troubled, and all Jerusalem
with him and when he had gathered all the
CHIEF priests and scr hes Of the people together.
he demanded OF them where Christ should be-
born. And they said unto him: " In Bethle-
hem. OF Judea; for thus il ia written by the
prophet: And thou, Bethlehem, in the land
OF Judah, art not the least among the princes
OF Judah, for out or thee shall come Il Captain
that shall rule my people Israel.
Then HerOd, when he had privately called
the wise men, inquired OF them diligently
what time the star appeard, and he sent them
10 Bethlehem, and said: a. Go and make care
fnl inquiry regarding the child, and when ye
have found him, return % me that may also
come and adore him." And they, leaving
HerOd, saw the star going before them, unfil
10 stood over the place where the child was
with his mother. And when they saw the star
they reJOiced with exceeding great loy ana
when they were come into the house they saw
the young child with Mary, his mother; ana
falling down they adored him, and opening
Their tTeaSu. they presented him giits-goiu,
and 'rankinscensA, and myrrh. And being
warned Of God in a dream that they should
not return to HerOd, they departed into their
own country another way.
This is the simple yet beautiful story
told by the inspired evangelist of the
birth of Christ. The world re-echOes the
story every year since it was written.
Away in the far East, and up to the
wintry wastes of the pole, under burn
ing skies, across barren sands and al
most impossible mountains, the glad
tidings were carried, and the world re-
ceived them with delight and gratitude
Here is now anotheranniversary, and We
see the great world still rejoice. We see il |
still celebrate the glorious coming with as
much fsrvor and JOY as in the early
time. All civilized men rejoice. Their
hearts are open, and their souls are lifted
up like those Of the wise men when
they entered into the humble place
where they saw "the child, with Mary,
His Mother" and rejOiced with exceed !
ing great joy.
In the northern countries of Europe
-he Christmas is celebrated with fsyule /
Ogs." Every hearthstOne bears a ire |
nend1us big roaring fire, while dozens !
IF candles are kept burning till after
midnight, and the furniture is decorat-
I'd with ivy aud holly, and "the mistle- |
zoe bough." In all the great cathedrals /
,he mass is celebrated at midnight with |
great pomp and glory; joybells are
,ung, and the whole world is glad. Let |
Is participate somewhat in this Joy this /
and endesyor to make others
also participants in our gladness. The /
APPEAL sends greeting to all, and |
wishes a hearty and merry Christmas,
md many Of them, to every reader this
blessed morning.