The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1874-01-03
tnrisIEDaS Gems.


The first song ever composed in
England was q Christmas carol IN
Anglo Norman French.
The first tragedy III the language,
and one Of the oldest comedies, were
both brought out as a part of the
Christmas festivities Of the period
The Savior had not where to lay His
head, but His Scriptures are translated
into thousand languages, and the
gFandest structures of the modern
world are the home of his church, and
the temples of his worship.
Christmas is each year more gener-
ally observed in Now England, where
it was once prescribed by law, and be-
fore another generation it is probable
that most OF the religious denomina-
tons there viii observe the anniversary
by public religious exercises.
The beautiful spirit of benefcence
has endeared Christmas Day to the
poor and young. What joyous time
it brings to the heart of childhood
And how pleasant it must be to a truly
generous nature to participate in the
usual felielties of the holiday season,
and TO observe the eXultation of the
young at the tokens of affection they
receive
There is a very curious custom OBJ
served by the Greek Church through
out Russia. 1t is the baptism at
Christmas of tie patron saint. Each
vIhage and each city has its particular
patron. In the larger towns tho cere-
mony is performed by the Bishop. A
&c ant ,n ha
saint, represented by carved wooden
etfigy, is baptized.
Christmas should be consecrated to
high and holy uses, and the day made
subservient not only to present enjoy
ment, but to happy reflections in the
future. The memory of such q season
should always sparkle and brighten
with the Joyous, the generous, the
oenifcent and the good-so that it viii
be, indeed, Merry Christmas"
The Christian nations of the world
honor the anniversary Of the Saviour's
birth with solemn worship and with
social joy; with the Impressive pomp
Of religious ceremonials; with poetry,
music, eloquence, ana spiritual COM
munion. In this beautiful festival
the grandest and the gladdest Of the
sons of men, they celebrate the spirit
nal regeneration OF mankind.
Even III rude times Christmas has
had the power to mitigate the feroci.
ties OF war. TO the siege of Orleans,
III 1923, the English historian says the
so.emaittes and festivities of Christ
mas gave a short interval of repose.
The English lords requested Of the
French commanders that they might
have Il night OF minstretsy with trum-
pets and clarions This was granted,
aud The horrors Of war were suspended
by melodies which we've thought to be
delightful.
Let Christmas be consecrated to the
communion OF religious worship and
social festlvitJ; to Worship solemn,
not gloomy, but OF hearts full of grati
tude aud love; TO social festivity,
as becoming the day; let friends be
remembered. and the poor feel that
they are Included in our sympathies:
in every heart let there be peace and
love; and over all the bright blue
heaven of hope, radiant with the gold
en- sunshine OF happiness.
One of the preltiest Of Christmas
customs is the Norwegian practice OF
giving on Christmas day dinner to the
birds. On Christmas morning every
gable, gateway or barn door is deco
rated with sheaf of corn fixed on the
top of a tall pole, wherefrom it is in
tended the birds shall make their
Christmas dinner. Even the peasants
will contrive TO have q handful for this
purpose, and what the birds do not eat
on Christmas day remains for them to
finish at their leisure through the win
ter.
OF all times in the year the Christ
mas-tide Is that at which hearts and
purse strings should open widest in
thoughts and deeds OF charity. Those
should give who never gave before,
and those who are charitable should at
this season give the more. Some Of
our overflow of happiness should not
fail to reach the poor and miserable,
whom Santa Claus, an aristocratIc fel
low, IS otherwise apt to slight. ITO
give is more blessed than to receive"
when with SO little so much
may be brought about. The
most of those best able to give, who
are apt to be personally acquainted
with the misery of our city and the
proper ways for It's relief, viii do well
to distribute their bounty through the /
organized channels which
reach all classes.