The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1874-12-25
CHRISTMAS DAY.

CHRISTMAS DAY.
This morning uShcrs in, for the one
thousand eight hundred and seventy
fourth time, Christmas Day, that glad
season ofrcjoicing and festivity through
out Christcndom. Just that number of
years ago, rs nearly rs we can calculate,
the greatest event in Christian eyes,
place, for then the Man was born who
was destined to preach II new dispense
ton; TO teach n closer relation hcnccforth
between Heaven and men, and who was
finally to offer up His life a sacrifice for
the sins Of the whole world. 1t was, on
the occasion of this So vital and import
ant event, that the angels appeared 70
the wondering shepherds of Judra, and
in a cloud-b burst of glory, announced the
birth of Christ, and gave to the world
the angels-song "Glory to God in the
Highest, on Earth, peace, good will to
men,"
Looking back though, upon the history
of the world since this song was sung
even to the present day, and viewing
the strivings, chickering's. heart-burnings
and iealousies among mankind, it would
almost seem as ifthis song had been sung
in vain. All the nations and inhabitants
of the earth seem to be SO much ut vari-
ance with each other, SO continually seek
inc to outwit and deceive one another
that peace and goodwill arc r"th"r "v
cepfions than the rule. But in despite OF
all these, the natural tendencies of intirm
humanity, there is no doubt that this
song of the angels has always had'
and still does have, mighty influence
For among all Christian people the
Christmas time has always been, and al
ways will be, season for thrusting aside
ulSStIlSlblS, ANU
friendship, and true, earnest happiness.
Who does not feel his heart warm up
and rebound with unusual warmth, aS
he reads of the mcrry-makingS in Old
England, when at each Christmas-tidc
the pondcrous yule clog was brought in,
placed upon the hearth, and kindlcd, with
ceremony, while by its light and blazing
warmth happy hearts united in impart-
ing to, and sharing with each other the
iovousness of the hour? And who does
not read with pleasure of the mcri-
mcnt which followed, rs each
swain was made happy in successfully
cnticing blushing damsel beneath the
mstlctoc, and partaking of the sweet
privilege thus secured, of impreSSing
modest kisses upon her maiden lips?
And who does not almost sigh to think
that this custsm, practiccd rs 1t was, in
spirit of innocence, and guilclcSSncSS,
has vanished among the things of the
past2 .a..--
In Germany, too, the season has always
been particularly celebrated, and is inter
woven with delightful ceremonies.
There the beauties OF the "ChriSt-Child'
have long been depicted in glowing colorS
upon the imaginations of the young,
while il has formed the theme for manga
charming legend and song. There, too,
originated the delightful Christmas
tree by which the hearts Of so many
were gladdened, and which We have
seized hold upon, and Incorporated
among our customs.
And from there too came thcfar famed
Christmas fairy tales Of good old HANS
CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN, whose name will
live for ages embalmed with sweet love
and ioy in the hearts Of the children of
all lands where Christ is known and his
doctrines taught.
Here too, in America we have ever
mingled together the pleasant customs of
allthese countries. Here We strive TO make
each other glad by giving presents
exchanging sentiments of hearty good
will. and in every way TO make home
happy, and draw away our loved ones
and ourselves from the cankcr of dis
tracing cares. Many will be the family
reunions which will take place this day,
and from the home altar will arise many
prayer of thankfulness that once again
at Christmas-tide, the family circle is
permitted to continue urbroken.
And now yet another, and it should be
equally as holy and as great a pleasure as
it is a duty, remains to be considered.
While such number of us are surround
ed in our pleasant homes with so much
that makes life happy, We should not for
get the many cold, shivering and suffer-
ing poor which everywhere abound.
To them Christmas brings no merry
greeting: nogenial warmth no comfor-
table reunions. Hunger, cold, depriva-