The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1874-12-31
THE TWENTY-FIFTH OF DE-
CEMBER.


From very early period in the Christian
era, as early as the second and third centu-
ries, Christ'S birthday has been celebrated
in the Christian churches. At first il was
one of the movable Christian festive days,
some celebrating it at one, and Others at
other times. Tie Eastern or Greek Church,
for time, it seems, celebrated tie baptism,
and not the nativity of Christ. It finally,
however, came TO celebrating both upon the
same day. History goes to prove that the
Romish Church was the first to celebrate
the nativity, and finally an agreement was
made between the two churches that the
nativity should be commemorated on the
twenty-fifth day Of December. It is not,
therefore, claimed that upon this day the
Infant Jesus was actually born, but that,
which by agreement, was to be the one upon
which should be celebrated His nativity.
1t is not very strange that there appears
to be a synchronism between this Christian
and a certain Pagan worship. 1t was at
the feast of Sol that the Roman civil off
GERS entered upon their duties, at which
time visits were made and congratulations
extended. 1t was the season for commenc-
ing anew the beginning of year, derived,
as it appeared, from the motion of the sun,
which, at this time, reached its greatest
ing towards the north. 1t was the opening
of new era, when the days which had
gradually been growing shorter and shorter,
threatening, as it were, by such progress, to
swallow up all light, again began to increase
in length, and thus give hope that the
sun would in time return and give
warmth and fruitfulness to the world.
Thus it was, no doubt, that the Chris
tians were led in the centuries far
back to choose this day to celebrate the
birth of Christ. He came when the world
was threatened with the darkness of sin,
and gave promise of light and righteous
ness in the ages to come. The rising of the
''Son of Righteousness, like the return of
Sol, gave promise of good to men.
The Romans gave unbounded hcence to
even their slaves during their festival. 1t
games, dancing, masquerading and every
festivity known among them as the ''De-
cember Liberties" With the ceremonies
the Christians sought to mingle Chris
Bells were rung, and repeated masses
were said during the day (hence
Christ-mass). Some of the more pleasing
ceremonies of the present day have been
derived from the Northern races of Europe,
among which are those of the Christmas
tree, now so popular with US. The custom
OF decorating churches is derived from tue
Druids. 1t will thus be observed that this
Christmas festival has come down to us an
admixture of Christian, heathenish and
social customs.
The twenty-ffth of December is there
fore celebrated as one of the greatest festi-
walls of the Christian church. 1t is treas
ured day in the minds of all. From early
ohiIdhoOd we nave learned to love the day
we call Christmas. 1t is full of hallowed
recOllections, and along with it clusters a
host of pleasant memories, yelling back in
the past into volumes of delight. How the
name brings thousand bright and treasured
memories to the soul-days of pure child
hood-those days when our paths were
strewn with the sweetest and brightest
flowers of life; flowers which fade, alas
but become brighter too, as they fade. 1t
has always been period when unholy i'm
pulses were chased from the mind; when
the finite approached nearer the Infinite, and
became subjected to purifying power. 1t
is q time when not only childhood is more
buoyant, but when man, otherwise har-
dened man, bows down again, and subdues
that stern nature which time has planted
within him. The Christmas shrine becomes
the same for all; the old and the young,
the strong and the weak, all approach each
other and become common devotees. How
grand the thought, too, that in these pleas
ures there is nothing selfish. 1t is the
great festival of Christendom, in which the
wide world opens its heart for the
same purpose, to make JOY in com
memoration of the nativity of Christ. The
Star of Bethlehem sank, yet its sacred efful-
gence was left, and beams forth, again and
again, while the wide world is filed with
JOY in honor and remembrance of Great
Redeemer While many, it is true, mingle
in the Christmas festivities without these
sacred feelings, still there comes the mo-
mentary relief from care, which touches the
heart with something sacred. All the time
honored customs of Christmas should be
carefully preserved; they are worth more
to the human heart than the enjoyment of
wealth or almost anything else. Who would
give up the pleasure of seeing children so
happYl In their happiness upon this sacred
day hangs the brightest jewels which be-
long to it. Long may it be celebrated, and
long may its sweet influences be felt.