The Hawaiian gazette., 1883-12-26

the Old prophet in the Shnnemite's chamber, Div
unity stretched itself upon the body of the child
Now wherever Christianity comes not cnly has
child the riga; 70 live, but il has wrapped about II
larantal love. and watchfulneSs. Now the cradle
IS sacred. In tho innocent slrmber of her child
the true mother is reminded Of the sleeping Babe
Of Rethlohcni- When the night comes and the
little cne is hnshed 10 rest faith brings around its
cradle, the angelic guards Nov, VIC know, for
Lhrist has sud 1t, "Of such Is the Kingdom OF
Heaven
3, This suggests another lesson We are told
that the central thought OF God IN His coming was
that lie might save His people from their sins.
This was the thought which emptied Heaven and
made the skies over Bethlehem redolent with song
that first Christmas Eve. I do not ask you TO
look worldwide 20 see how much the nineteen
centuries since have accomplished IN its fulfill
mcnt ask that YOU look within your own souls.
How far has this promise been fulhlled IN your
In what respects have You been cieansed What
habit has been weakened that should be eradi-
Gated! What right tendency has been lifted up
that before was thrown down What spiritual
element has been made regnant in your nature
How far has the promise that Christ should bring
grea; ioy and hope 10 the world been fulfilled in
you
1t is good tima 70 royicw our experiences. In
tho Louvre IN PARIS. sou can stand and look
through open doors into one apartment, and an
other and another tai the eve is lost IN the dim
perspective Thew alls are hped with rch treasures
Of art / set open TINS Christmas day as door,
and bid YOU look back thr0agh all the Christmas
DAYS Of your life; what have the years brought
YOU OF Gods trossurgsg Has the pierced hand OF
Jesus hung within yuar soul the riches of His
grace Has he saved you from ynur sins How
much has His cdmtrg done Tor YOU
4. We find Christ IN manager, because there
was no room for Him IN the inn. There was no
room for Him anywhere. None in His native
country-they must floO unto Egypt from the rage
Of Herod; none in Sanarla-they would not receive
him into the city NaEare,h-they led him 10 the
clih to huEl him DOWN; none IN Gadara-they
cared moro for their swine than for Him, and
prayed Him % depart none in Perca-"Get thee
ont hence. HoEod will kill thee - none in human
houses" he had not where to lay his headh-none
in which 20 pF,ly-h must 50 into the mountains
for that GOnc in the hearts of His eountrymen-
fos they sought 10 Kill Him, and length succeeded.
And that has been the trouble in all ages. The
world has never had " room for Him. Have YOU
treated him any betterg Is your heart already fullg
Every capacity, every desire Of soul and mind
full Nay, nay There aue angels still in the
air, Look up and you will catch the song, and
the shining OF the robes. The Star still shines in
the Heavcns-neyor So brightly as now, Follow il
penitently and it will guide you, US it did the
Wise Men, TO the Saviour, An like the Wise Men,
bring your choicest gifts-not of gold, Spices
but that which is moro precious, your l0Se, aye
yourself, and lay al at His feet Then will this be
indeed q Merry, joyous Christmas !"