The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1882-12-24

recovered thetr i0rmcr spieu0ors. How
ever. towards the end Of the sixteenth celi-
tury these boisterous celebrations ceased
and there was general abatement OF ali
Christmas festivities as far rs State and
public observances were concerned. The
last memorable appointment OF n lord os
misrule is said to have been In 1927
From Germany comes the custom Of
TIE CHEIsTMAs-TEEE,
which has taken such strong hold upon
the hearts Of all Young America. Kris
Kringle, "a he IL called N the northern
portions OF Germany, Is known I'm the
Netherlands as the Knecht Rupert, and in
the latter place goes from house to house
previous to the festive day disguised in
flowing robes and snowy beard, and as
each residence is visited the children are
called out one by one and a record Of their
bcvayior is given TO the Knight, who, be-
sides his great power Of granting presents
to the good children, possesses the equally
awful one OF presenting rod to the pa
rents OF the bad children, which Is given
with explicit instruction rs to the method
OF application, and the culprits singled out
for the performance. Ofcourss the Knight
Is some friend OF the family, and is in-
OF each household il. The terror inspired
by the appearance OF the Knight is some-
times productive OF more harm than good,
but in connection with the Knecht Rupert
Is beautiful fairy, who has the power Of
forgiying the little rebels against parental
authority, and is usually some swcet-tem-
pcred young girl, who is naturally OF such
an amiable disposition that she cannot help
forgiying, and the children who are under
the ban do not come OFF so badly after all.
The laughter Of children and the ioyial
cXuh,rance 8; mirtb that attend the Christ
mas festival are in consonance with ali The
tradition. and all the suggestions OF the
day.
The gifts OF gold and irankincense and
myrrh that were laid at the feet OF
THE ISFAST sAyIOup
gave sanction to a custom which can never
grow stale while the sentiment which
prompts it remains vital.
From the children at the fircsidc to the
poor Of the gate, there is scope enough for
all the tangible evidences OF goodwill
which the season demands.
II is fitting that every one should think
less Of his own enjoyment than that Of
Ointf- Oh illt udE NUifl tu'
birth OF Him who taught in the most inn
pressiye of all WAYS that tie highest type Of
character is that from which all seli-scek-
ing has been eliminated.
II is fitting, too. that rs the perennial
gladneSs Of Christmas morn once more gilds
with sunshine
TIE CLOSING YEAR,
the hearts and thoughts OF men should turn
with such fullncss OF recognition as they
may 20 the Divine Providence whose good
ness they share. aud who, 10 all crccds aud
all tongues, /, known rs the God and Ia
thcr Of all.
Flow. yc golden irumpci-. blow.
Let The sleeping nations know
Christ the Lord u born,
yondcr see The Bethlehem star.
Guiding morials from afar;
Peace IA N reign frrcyermOrc,
Christ the Lord j. born.
Ring. oil, ring, yc ilycry bells.
Far and near your cadence swels.
Christ the Lord Is born.
Ring. and banlsh doubt aud fear,
Ring, ttil AL with JOY shall hear.
Sin IL Vanquishcd, Nictcrys near.
Christ the Lorti'is born.
sigg ,.3.'ii oh sba sine TX ye Pee ps99Phso PhoIts iFee'
Christ Tie Lord Is born.
Sing. W lille reign the Three I'm one.
Rivers Of salvation run,
Now the mighty WORK H. done.
Christ the Lord T. born.