The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-01-07
THE KUssO-GREEK CHRISTMAS.


AND THE SONG OF THE ANGELS.
In tho Russo-Greek Chapel, ON Second avenue,
Flfteth street, Christmas according to tho old
STYLE was celebrated yesterday. Father Bjerrng
Quoted the liturgy in the Siavonlo language, but
preached Ia English. His text was Luke, IL, IA
"Glory 10 God in the highest" sc. With their holy
thoughts said Father Berrng, the angels nrs ascend
to God and acknowledge in spirit and In words that tho
birth OF the adored King OF heaven poor helpes
babo fitting manifestation Of the Divine glory.
In the highest heavens God receives glory evermore.
The ten thousand times ten thousand who repre-
sented AS standing round about HIS throne cease not
to praise Him who and is and is to come. Every
thing earth heaven, visible invisibc from the
highest archange TO the lowest Of the dust does
and must show forth tho glory OF God. All things
by Him and for Hts honor and glory, aud
they JOIN in ono harmonious song OF glory God In
the highest Mankind was created especially tor the
glory u Cod and hence were made In Ills image and
likeness. But the race became ds0bedieut and re-
beliious, and SIN had the dominion over them
Though they were specially favored as the object OF
Gods eternal love they iors0ok Him and served IDOLS
The Lord saw from His height tho great gulf that
separated Him from His creatures ana had mercy on
the race that In the iuness OF time the Word be-
flesh ana dwolt among men. This spectacle the
angels behed. rhey saw the counsel Of eternal love
fulfilled IN Christ and overcome with wonder and
yoIon they scared In thought as high as they could
and prostrating themselves before the Majesty o God
they exclaimed, GLORY to GOO IN the highest"
angelic song. Their thoughts are now turned from
the otuest heights down 10 earth. They saw hero be-
Ings by disquictude OF heart-creatures who
had lost the ideal Of love. This aspect caused decp
pain to them. Therefore, when the Prince OF Peace
came into this world they reJolccd greatly aud pro-
claimed, "pcace earthn But is there peace
earth? Peace in the OF mankind as thore
peace when tho Prince OF Peace hung ON the cross
between heaven ana earthp Was there peace when
the Christian suffered tho most cruel prosecutions ana
thousands CT them sealed their faith with their blood,
first under tho pagan and afterward under the Mo-
hanmedan yoke? Has there been peace since the
nativity OF Christ among the nations on carthP Is
every century stained with BLOODY Is there peace
In every household, peace IN every familyY No, mol
What thenY Have the angels crrcd in ploclaiming
s'reacc on carthY" This be tar from rs 10 say. How
many millions OF hearts havo experienced tho bless
ings of peace through the incarnation oil the Son or
God--that peace which s higher than ana passeth
all understandings WHAT is more glorious than the
death misery hereaterY Through Christ tho new
born babc ali may be reconciied with God. Go,
then, said Father Bjerring, to this wonderful child
now lying In the manger. and render 10 Him tho
homage OF your hearts. Let Him not be born 10
vain. Receive Him into your hearts and peace shall
reign IN your houses aud IN your families Then
snail ia tho fullest possession OF the highest
good, and hnd ourselves in inseparablo communion
with God, through His Son, Jesus Christ.
The little chapel 1led with worshippers, and
O COLLECTION was taken up Tor the benefit Of the
tho imperiat family OF Russia and for the Of
the Russian army Az the close OF the service
Father Bjerring advanced from the altar and hold
ing golden crucinx alo gave the benediction, alter
which tho members OF tho congrega advanced and
kissed the and the service OF tho day closed.