The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1879-12-24
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To-morrow is the day when all make
merry and rejoice-the old saying is
Christmas comes but once a year, and
when it comes it brings good cheer" The
origin of celebrating Christmas is so called
because an especial mass, the mass of
Christ" was celebrated on that day, in
commemoration of the birth of Jesus
Christ. The observance Of the 25th of
December, according to the best authori-
ties. is ascribed to Julius, Bishop OF Rome,
A. d. $780, The Eastern church had
previously observed the 9th of January
in commef4oration of the baptism and of
the birth of Christ. Before the end Of the
fourth century, the East and the West
had exchanged festivals, the West adopt
ing January ras the date of the Lords
baptism, and the East Dec, 25th. as
Christ's birthday. The exact date OF
Christ's birth appears not to have been
known to the early church, and cannot
now be determined; that the date of his
birth, it is said, was preserved in the
Roman archives. But this Is mere
assertion, unsubstantiated thus far, at
least that seems to be the opinion of the
best informed writers. The custom has
been regularly observed, however, since
the fifth century. on the 25th of December
and is now the day for celebration Of
Christmas all over Christendom. 10 the
Romish church, the event is one of unusual
solemnity, mass being observed ct mid
night, at daybreak and insthe morning.
In all churches there is religious obser-
vance OF the day, the ceremonial of the
Episcopal church being particularly i'm
pressive. Aside from the Divine origin
of the day, it is one of general rejoicing.
and good cheer. The children, are taught
that Santa Claus. an imaginary benefac-
tor, will visit them shat day and the little
ones always lsDk forward in happy antici-
patton OF the good things 10 store for them
when Santa Claus comes around.
The prosperity now prevailing in this
country, has made Christmas $40. par
ticuIarly happy one. The firm basis on
" hich business is reviviDg. the increased
confidence IN commercial circles, and
the peaceful relations existing between
the United States and the nations of the
earth, lenQs additional pleasure, and gives
further reason for enjoying merry Christ
mas. But while there is general prosper
ity in the country, there is also poverty,
Those who have plenty, and are enjoying
the pleasures which plenty brings, should
not forget that they can do a world of
good by contributing TO the comforts of
the poor. A tribute, eVer so small. may
bring happiness to some household where
poverty reigns.
In the larger cities, of late years, public
dinners have been regularly given on
Christmas for the benefit of the poor. and
In addition thereto, Christmas trees, have
been gally trimmed for what they term
Mission Sunday Schools" where each
scholar receives some token to gladden.
the heart and make Christmas happy
one
While ia Rock Island. widespread pow
erty does not exist, there are nevertheless
some who are very poor. Let US not
forget these in our exuberance of joy. but
remember them kindly and contribute to
their comfort quietly.
There will be no ARGUS tomorrow, the
boys Of the various departments desiring
to enjoy Christmas: on Friday THE ARGUS
will appear as usual In the meantime
We wish each and every one of our sub
scribers and friends Merry Christmas ,
Sympathy is best shown when practi-
cal in its application Therefore when
unn nnrnnathiza with vnnr snfferinp Eahz