The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1876-12-31
JUVENILE COLUMN.
A CHRISTMAS DINNER FOR BREAKFAST.
young Catho,io.l

dreadful for the children, poor dariings
. They can't understand it; they see all th
good things in the stores, and hear peopi
wishing each other a merry Christmas, ane
they needing food When all the world
feastipg. they to be- starving, and on Christ
mas, tool"
Not quite so had as that. wife," an
sWered the father, g for you gave them 6
bed. They will be as happy as any ore in
the church to. morrow, and perhaps a
breakfast will come as other meals have.
Let us be thankful for the blessings be-
slowed on us; let us do or duty eud God
will provide. See what IL cheerful fire we
have, and how comfortable We are clothed ;
cheer up, wife, l'Il sooa get work again,
and we'll be as happy IS in years gone by"
Mr.. Jones talked with cheerfalness he
was far from feeling; he had been prosper
ons mechanic, and IN good times had saved
little money, but he had been out of work
30 long that it was all spent. Every day he
sought for work, but, with the exception
OF a little job now and then, be was unsuc
cessfol. Every day bis poverty WAS in
cressiDg; long, cod winter was before him !;
sun he did not become quite disheartened,
and for the sake of his wife. who was nei-
Their strong or we'll, he tried to bear up and
appear hopeful.
-! have tried to be cheerful before the
chlidren," said the mother "they were SO
e1appy over their supper, wondering if
o"n =" NtauS WoulO come, ana DING them
good things. Ali 1 fear there will be no
Santa Claus for them this year"
-" Well, don't be discouraged, wife," said
Mr. Jones, - better days Will come, and ia
the meantime don't}et us lose faith ia God;
remember, we ask him every day to ,gjve
as this day our daily bread = during our
whole lives it has been given why should
we not trust in him now"
The cheerful tone of Mr.. Jones had it's
erect upon his wife and she grew more re-
signed, though to her the future seemed
dark and gloomy. She sighed az she looked
at the little stockings hanging empty on
the mantel where the children rad insisted,
upon putting them, as they said, in case
Santa Claus might come.
would go out, even if it is late" said
Mr. Jones, "b but have walked 30 far to
day that 1 am completely tired out but
we Will be up early TO go to Mass, and per-
maps after that can get breakfast for y on
before you are hungry"
The father and mother were just on the
point of retiring when there was a loud
Knock at the door, and when in answer to
the summons it was opened, there stood |
porter with large we'll filed basket on his |
shoulder. What could it meant
without saying word the man walked |
INTO the room, placed his load on the floor, |
ano at once commenced unpacking it.
You have made a mistake, my good |
place." "e
elf your name is Jones, as they told me |
downstairs, it's all right. These things !
was ordered and paid for, and we was to
deliver them, and there they is. A nice
side of the gobbler, :" one of the best we
had; and here's all the fixin's as you'll need,
ana apples, and grapes, and here's little
oundie for the children as must have been
nought elsewhere, cause we don't keep such
things at our place. Have you any chill
mo
Jones. W 'A4 o.
Don't yeu see the stockings the little
oears hung up, expecting these very things
answered Mrp. Jones
swell, then, of course it's all right, said
The man, and wishing the surprised couDIe
q merry Christmas, he picked up his emntv
basket and hurried away, for, as he said.
ate"
j." No sooner had he departed than the
WlIe threw her arms around her husbands
neck and burst into tears. 81 will never
be Respondent again, she cried, cor doubt
hat God will care for u.s."
Let us remember from whom they {
Inc; ner husband answered, and together {
;hey kneIG in the midst of the good things I
md returned heartfelt thanks 60 Cod. ;
Alter few moments, Mrs. Jones act y
Goout preparing the turkey. for !" sai6 =
NE, we will have it for breakfast. imme. !
lISCoLy aIUer we ret0rn from church,
Meanwhile Mr.. Jones played the mart - .
santa Claus, and soon the empty stockinea :
assumed different shape, and hauESinees I =
.eamed upon the faces that but 8 short :
lime before had looked so troubled and dis i
outraged.
In the morning early the children were up e
md dancing around the room, screaming i,
With delight, and wishing mamma and papa a
md each other a merry Christmas! a
After awhile the turkey was put into the b
wen to roast, while the family went to a
church, and it is safe to say there was not a t,
happier party there that morning. or more N
grateful hearts, wOrshipping at the lowly q
crib of our Saviour. n
And, oh, what q bountiful breakfast they "
had and what excellent appetites thew Il
Io.roaght to it, and how quickly the good =
Shings and the "fxin's," as the porter had
Saltd them, disappeared, though after
breakfast the mother put away enough for
SSnother meal. Then the children settled al
0NMn to MAY. 1Rhile the mnthar Gin nincz D