The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1874-12-31
RaInfalI for TIE month q DecembI
Chriatnaa.

To was IN the 'fuincss Of time when the
whole history Of tbe world bad plainly
shown that man could not raise himself Up
from he dust, nor redeem himself, that
Jesus Christ came into the world. He came
at Just the right time, when, in the proYi-
denee of God, the three leading civiiiza-
stions Of the world were ready with their
: pobIest gifts for the religion Of Jesus
Greece, with her arts and literature, and,
lbove all, her language, so perfectly
adapted as the casket in which to hold
those precious jewels, the record Of Christ's
life and sayings; Rome, with her just laws
aud her roads, which laced the world, en-
abling the missionaries OF the cross to go
everywhere, carrying the glad tidings Of
salvation; while Judaism furnished her
own children. and synagogues scattered all
over the Orient, which contributed in no
small degree to the advance of Christianity
There was general peace at the time Of
Christ's coming; the great temple of Janus,
the god of war, was closed at Rome. Taci-
tus, the Latin historian, tells US that at this
time there prevailed throughout the entire
East an intense conviction that ere long a
powerful monarch would arise in Judea and
gain dominion over the world. The words
are SIMPLE and brief that relate the homely
circumstances OF the Lords nativity. 1t is
a touching story, which alike moves the
tender hearts OF children and fills with in
tensest interest the contemplations of the
wisest and best. In the stable at Bethle-
hem was the place where He began to breathe
His human life, of whom prophet had said
that His name should be called wonder
ful Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Ever
lasting Father, the Prince of Peace"
The Gospel was first preached not in
Caesars palace or to Pharisees in the Tenn
pie, but it was preached to the poor. An
angel was the preacher, and humble
shepherds, keeping watch over the focks,
by night, were the audience. ''Fear not, :"
said he, for behold, bring you good It'd
ings of great joy, which shall be to all pee-
pie for unto you is born this day, in
the City Of David, savior, which is Jesus
the Lord, and suddenly there was with the
angels multitude of the heavenly host
'praising God and saying, "Glory to God in
the highest; on earth peace, good will to-
ward men," The shepherds fastened to
Bethlehem to behold the great sight. Wise
men, too, from the far East, guided by the
wondrous star, had come seeking the new
king; and as they worshipped Jesus, and
opened their treasures to give Him gifts, we
behold Science at the feet of the Lord in
grateful alteration to savior.
AS the anniversary of Chrst's birth has
come around once more, thoughtful man
must ask himself the question, ''what does
this event mean to met" Happy is the
man who has an humble hope of salvation
through Jesus Christ, the savior of
sinners. Let US all follow the ex-
ample of the shepherds the wise men,
the angels, and worship Jesus Christ as our
king.
There's a song in the air.
There's star In the sky.
There's mothers deep prayer
And the star rains its IRE while the beautiful sing,
For the manager OF Bethlehem cradles a X NJ.
There's tumult Of Joy
Ger the wonderful birth,
For the Virgins sweet boy
Is the Lord 90 our earth.
Ay, the star rains It's FIRE and the beautiful sing,
For the Manager OF Bethlehem cradlesa King
" In the light OF that star
Lie the agsH impeded,
And that song from aiar
Has swept over The world
Every hearth Is afame, and the beautiful sing
In the homes Of the nations that Jcsns is King.
We rejoice In the light,
And we echo the cong
That comes down through the night
From the heavenly thrung.
Ay, we shout 10 the lovely evangel they briEg
And we greet In His cradle Savior ana King"
FEW people in Austin arc aware of the
fact that our city owns a public square