Herald and tribune. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1869-current, 1873-12-25
TO-DAY Is CHRISTMAS.

Away back amid the gloom of near
twenty centuries, a wondrous light,
brightly beamiasiu the East jssce6 by
tho Christian world. Its mid rays ores,
ted the Judeaa hills With mellow glory,
whilst through the Tranquil gloom of night
and over the silent plains they guided tho
footsteps ct the devoted Msgi. until, to
their searching gazo and entaptared
hearts. was revealed the fond object of
their long cherished Expectation aud the
favrriso thetuo Of repeated propbesy. II
wa, tbs Etar Of Batb!sbsu. IN q uaugsr
Of straw. unconscious IF the divine mis-.
sion which involved the h;ghcss. interests
Of human destiny, Of the most brilliant
and illuhrious career the world should
ever attest, and Of the horrible death
that would elcthe every sphere Of light
With utter darkness, shake the foundations
ofearth ard hell With mighty copvulsions
and draIe he heavens With mourning, lay
the beautiful aud wonderful child, whom
they called Jesus. This scene-tho ad.
vent Of The Goldman, occurlel eighteen
buudrsd aud seyeuty.tbreo years ago, and
this is the Commeporatioa- Day.
Since the Event, God manifest in the
aasb," along the line ofths sesoner .toi
ngcs, has streamed a constant Hood.tide
Of christian light aud Influence. until now
there is hardly people on the globe to
whom the Gospel Of 'tts Resurrection aud
THO bifo' has not been proclaimed.
Christr:as! The world is thrilled with
the happy, thrice happy thought. TIE
wild bells ring out their brs zen notes on
the crisp air and to the wild sky. If
there is not a Christmas>tree 10 the house.
bold, there Is a green tree Of hope and
happiness 10 the heart. Face .furrowed,
5rOw,wrinklcd, hair.hoary Care %rotires
FROM the nirth.loving, merry,makiug,
good humored, gay and festive throng.-
The rcrcbaut has cloyed his ledger, for
all purchases ars made tho lawyers Of,
iico is clientlcss for everybody is shaking
hands with his %neighbor tho deyotee Of
hacchus is slipping his sparkling Nor
ccaux or something a wee bit stronger ;
the artisan has lain aside bis implements
OF honest Industry the farmer withdraws
his placid smile frem his broad aud fertile
dcres the blest Of fortune is happy amid
the splendors Of luxurious wealth, and the
poor man, in his humble cabin On the
blasted heath, feels the quickcning and
giaddenlng inspiration Of the natal day
Of the "-zing Of Kings and Lord OF
Lords" 1H .1"
To'day, the world %feast', riots, %re7els,
and ShirlS in a bewildsring maze of pleas,
urc. Youth is supremely joyous, and old
hearts are touched and melted into the
tenderness, beauty, pathos and p,etic
feeling oflifc's first years.
Go generally is the day observed, i,
may BE- said that the universe is tn, ban,
qret.hall Of the Christmas festival.
A MERRY CHRISTIANS
to all our readers. May you enjoy the
Innocent mirth and delight associated
with this hallowed day, and no dissipa
ton, wicked frivolities and sinful indus
senccs be written against you in the mans
uscripts Of that God whose glorious adj,
vent into the incarnats state for your
eternal salvation, it memories.
Thc Lord has come The worlds great
stage.
Begins a bettor, brighter age
The old gives place unto the nsw.
The false rctires before the true;
y progress that shall never tire,
A central heat of sacred FIRE.
a hope that scars beyond the tomb,
Reveals that Christ has truly come.
The Lord is come! In every heart
Where Truth and Mercy claims q part
La every land where Right is Might,
And deeds of darkness shun the light
In every church where Faith and Love,
Lift earthward thoughts to things above;
IN every holy, happy home.
We bless Thee Lofdthat Thoutsst come,