Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1881-01-08
Christmas at Harper,s Eerr.y.

Mr.. Editor: Christmas day dawned upon
some of US in lust the same old way 1t has
year after year. Joy and mirth beamed IN
the bright ewes of dear friends who clasped
our hands in the usual salutation, Mer-
~ Christmas. and a Happy New YearW-
To Others the remorseless hand of time only
rang the bells in funeral knells. Sad hearts
and weeping eyes asked
-" for the touch of a vanished hand,
And the sound of voice that Is STILL
Perhaps a mother chair was vacant; or a
fathers face was gone; loving daughters
white hand NAV have been folded under a
coffin lid the little child whose CHEEKY
voice told the story of Santa Claus and the
Christmas tree. may have been sleeping
under the snow. while its spirit resting un
der the more beautiful tree Of life was sing
ing praises 10 him who said, Suffer little
children to come unto me-" To some, the
festa board was well filled. and the wine
went round in merry glee. To the suffering
poor, the hours were weary and the crust OF
bread was eaten while the heart was broken.
Did we remember that it was the birthday
of him who said the poor We have always
with YOU? Religious observation of the
day is buried in the grave of the past unless
the anniversary of Christ's birth happens to
come to US on the Sabbath! Cannot we
/ learn a lesson from our Catholic friends p
[ Have we not a Savior born in Bethlehem of
/ Judea? Cannot we see his Star in the East
and come to worship him? To Pope Teles-
/ phorus, who died 4. ID. l3S we are indebt-
/ ed for the institution of Christmas. Pope
] Julius | ordered an investigation to be made
i - s,affr-tr-- Tho fhanln-
cians of the East and West decided upon
/ the 18th of December. Decorating with
/ evergreens is an ancient Druid custom
Santa Claus seems to have made his first
appearance in Germany, and handed in his
/ card to the little ones as knecht Rupert"
/ On Christmas Eve the children of the
/ PRESBYTERIAN Church held their Entertain
mcnt Mr.. Wilson of your town, beautiful
| " told the Old Story in new words of the
/ birth of Christ. and the good Shepherds
I Then sweet voices joined in Christmas songs,
and the presentation of handsome gifts and
/ the usual distribution of candy took place
/ and all went home expecting a merry NOR
/ row. The VI. L. Church in Bolivar on
/ Christmas night entertained large audience
notwithstanding the incemency of the
weather The exercises were very interest
ing. each little one received its allotted share
Of candy, and many beautiful gifts were
presented, and among Others the worthy
minister was not forgotten. 1t Is true his
gifts were more of the substantial order, yet
none the less acceptable for this season.
Tick tick goes the clock, while the old
wear with all it, bitter and sweet is slowly
diving; all the good and bad resolutions Of
1880 are now nearly registered in the great
book of life; soon the judgment seal shall
be stamped on the leaf never more to be
broken until the end of time. Soon, we too,
may rest likethee with all our joys and tears
among the things of the past aud be assoon
forgotten.
Full kncc-decp lies the Winter snow,
And the Winter winds are wearily signing;
Toll We the church-bcll sad and slow,
And tread softly and speak low,
For the Old Year lies a-dying.
Already ere his death do We see a cheer
rul greeting being prepared for the new form
on the threshold ready to enter in. Hoping
that YOU may give him and many more a
merry welcome, is the sincere wish of
VIRGINIA.
IT,r-o-',- Lorr,- Dec % 1881