Wood River times. [volume] (Hailey, Idaho) 1882-1915, 1882-12-23
CHRISTMAS.

joyful time OF Christmas.
BY a doubtful chronology the date
Of the Savior's birth was settled on
the 25th Of December; but the date
matters not SO much as the real fact
that He, the Savior Of mankind, was
really born. We have as authority
for this, as for nearly all events of i'm
portance-history.
Octavius, afterward called Angus
tus, unintenlionally contributed to the
accomplishment of the designs Of
heaven on this point. He had issued
decree that the world should be en-
rolled, every one in his own city. The
Blessed Virgin was obliged to go
with St. Joseph from Nazareth to
Bethlehem, a little town of the tribe
Of Juda. There, as the prophet Mi
cheas foretold, the incarnate Son of
God was born and commenced the
work of his redemption, about four
thousand years after the creation Of
the world, seven hundred fifty-three
after the building Of Rome, and thirty
one after the foundation Of the Roman
Empire.
Let us follow Mary and Joseph for
a short time, and see how they are
spending their Christmas. They are
journeying on foot from Nazareth to
Bethlehem, clad in robes such as the
poorest class wear. No gentle breeze
OF summer, but the cold chilly winds
OF December blow in their faces; the
snow covers the desolate, bare earth
and the fields. Christmas without
snow seems not like Christmas at all.
When Mary and Joseph arrive in
Bethlehem they can find no room in
the inns, SO they take refuge in an old
stable where the animals from the
mountains rest, and here the child Je-
sus is born. He, who is King of
heaven and earth, is born in stable.
The shepherds keeping night-watch
over their focks discovered in the
armament very brilliant star, and
at the same time most beautiful sing
ing, and a voice clear and distinct
sang: "Peace on earth, goodwill to
men, for Savior is born unto the
world"
And it happened at this identical
time that the temple of Janus was
closed-which only occurred in time
of peace. Three wise msn left their
homes and started in search of the
newborn King, and this bright star
guided them on their wav until it
stood Immediately over the stable
wherein the babe lay. The three en-
tered i'll and adored the God-made
man, offering him gold, frankincense
and myrrh, and from this Offering
originated the practice of giving pres
cnts at Christmas.
Most of the TIMES readers will
spend . very happy Christmas; but
let us turn our attention to those who
will not. Let US depict Christmas
eve in some large city-for instance
New York. Walking along the street
every few steps you are accosted with:
"Please give me a penny" There
stands little boy and girl, clothes
torn to such an extent as to scarcely
keep out the bitter cold wind; no hats
nor shoes. There they stand gazing
IN the shop windows at the nice hot
things to eat and the pretty toys, but,
alas! none for them. Soon a biting
gale blows on the frail forms, which
suddenly recalls to their memory that
that they have sick mother, sister or
brother at home, depending on their
begging in the street.
This their Christmas eve, what will
their Christmas be? They have no
thoughts of what Santa Claus will
bring them. and their Christmas
passes as do all other days, only,
perhaps, more intense suffering, more
hunger, and cold, until the vital spark
be extinguished and the poor be given
a pauper's funeral. The Child of
Bethlehem claims for his own such,
for, like himself, they are poor and
outcast.
Providence, in its wise decree, has
furnished ample means for bringing