The Baltimore County union., 1883-12-22
THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS.

We have come near unto another Christmas
holiday another anniversary birth day Of the Lord
Of Life, another chiefest, happiest and most gen.
orally observed Of all jubiees known to the civil
isod world. and one more joyOusly celebrated by
every nation, tongue, kindred sex and age Of every
other jubilee recognized among men. II 10 truly
a day Of gladness never TO be forgotten, aud
especially signaliEed through long ages In the
past and will be in years 10 como with increasing
delight until time shall be no more. It's anniver.
ssEy vii! cams on Tuesday nex, 2iih inst. leaving.
let Us hope, Its many sweet memories with the
millions permitted TO enjoy IL.
Happy indeed are Christian and civilized nations
on account Of this gadsome day They are made
10 rejoice at its coming and presonee-some more
and others loss-in almost every nation known
Sndsr the-sSn Il gives pFomiEe, before many
centuries. Of being Acknowledged in honor Of Him
for whom IL Is eommemoTated, not emitting those
yet in heathenism and ilola,ry. upon whom the
light Of religion and civilization now begin to
llume some of their darkcs, regions. In every
land where tho power OF Him who has given il
such notoricty-ex,cnicd or even liriited-i; has
shown and 1. demonstrating its superiority over
all other moral systems introduced among men.
They lltel out Of PagAnism, idoiatty. bigotry,
and brought into better. purer, holier govern
mcnt. This Is made manics; among men rs we'll
rs with the gentlcr, tendercr. weaker and more
dependent sex. They are enabled 10 know aud
feel the peace, happiness and protection from
wrongs which its absence inflicted upon them
They are indeed raised from slavery, painful and
debasing subjugation. to glorious freedom and
nobler independence. l. not this Of itself suHi-
cicnt TO make the whole world rejoice. Where
Christianity and the influences sprnging from
this memorable holiday are conceded, appreciated
and felt. there will our partners. kindred and
friends Of the gontlcr DO sure .: realizing more
exalted and happier lives. Should not they then.
above all others. rejoice on this natal thanks
giving TO the Lorl nf Life. whose coming was so
opportunc aud so glorious, though il eamc in what
may be ,crncl the down .trolien. dark, Pagan
and ilo!a,rSas ages.
Truly has il been said, ''cvcry good and perfect
sii; is from above and coine,h down from the
Father Of Light. with whom is No variabiencss.
neither shadow OF turning" SO may there be
joy unspeakablc in contemplating the period when
Christ was born in Be;hlehem Of Judea, when
wise men came from tho East, following the star
until it hung over where the young child was. and
they fell down worshipping Him. Offering frank
incense, myrrh and gifts Of gold. so was Il with
shepherds watching their lOcks by night. when
"thc glory Of the Lord shonc round about them"
on that bir,h-morn. They were told, "Behold
bring you good tidings Of great joy, which shall
be TO all people for unto you l. born this day in
the city Of David Savior, which Is Christ the
Lord" II Is not surprising that the very angels
shouted for joy-"a joy which shall be to all peo-
pie"
Great and grand is Il TO US Of the present age.
distant as IL Is from that which the wise men and
shepherds behed. eye TO eye and face TO face, still
receives increasing commcmoration and giadness
as one among the ehiefest jublces Of the earth.-
II Is day not only keenly connected with the
far.o past, bu, beautifully interlinked with mem
ories Of our own lives and haleyOn rocolectiOns,
running from old age to childhood.
Let US hope the Christmas near at hand will be
found in every way plcasurable and given a true
recognition by all citizens throughout, the civilized
world, wherever the name Of Him on whose ae-
count Il has been and will hereafter be celebrated
l, is period which gives pleasure and delight to
all ages, sexes and sizes, and may il continue.
Let the juvenile generation have their accustomed
sports and pleasures also those maturer In year,.
II IL day for all TO enjoy themselves and cult
Kate kindly feelings for Others, the exchange Of
gifts, &c. This custom. We are induced TO infer,
will be particularly and generously recognized on
the coming holiday. very much to the delight Of
both givsrs and receivers. We most heartily wish
full and happy enjoyment Of the day BY all our
readers. Hence 80 say-orp CHRrSrNAs GIFT.