Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1888-12-27

the grand altar many lighted candles inter.
mingled with roses, Gala lilies and smila,
made very beautiful appearance Al the
altar Of ST. Jsselh the Christmas CRIB Va,
erected and above this the star Of Bethlehem
shone. The CRIB vas an object Of deep in
tsress and vas visited by many persons dur
ing the entire day. The musical programme
was of the usual high order. wisgznd's
Mas with Peters Gloria vas Anely rendered
by the church choir under the direction OF
Miss Lizzie Sheahan- The soioists were
Misses Nolan and sheahan, Mrs. Breen, Mrs.
breen and Mr.. T. Fox. Rev. Father Doher-
ty preached an able and scholarly sermon
upon the importance of Christmas to the
Christian world, and the deep significance of
the event as factor in the accomplishment
of mans redemption.
In considering the character Of Christ, We
are deeply impressed with the humility Of
our adoar. His obscure surroundings and
the extreme poverty of those whom be chose
TO associate himself With, were feelingiy al
iuded to. His intimate and close relatioa-
ship with man, by which he assumed the
nature of a human being, coupled with his
God-iike character, were all f2vorsbly COM
mented upon.
In closing the reverend gentleman referred
to the benign influences which Christmas al
ways brings, and that beautiful scripturzl in
junction which. proclaimed more than eight
cen hundred years ago, still resounds wher-
ever the light Of civilization has penetrated
GLORY to God in the highest and on earth
peace TO men of good viii"
AT tho
CosGKEGArIosAL CHURCH
beautiful flowers, roses, pinkss marguerites
and chrysanthemutas, tastefully arranged in
vases with ferns and smilaI, adorned the
pulpit. The singing by the choir was par
ticuIarly nne, including the TIE Deum, carols,
and Christmas hymns.
The text of the pastors sermon was Mat
thew 81, And taou shall cali his name
Jesus, for he shall save his people from their
sins" In this name Of our Lord and in the
name as expressing his work we may find
througts that shall help US to a right obser-
vance of this natal day. Jesus means The
Salvation of Jehovah, For it is he" said
the angel that shall save his people from
their sins"
Throughout the Bible this is declared to be
the special mission of Christ. This vas the
controlling and comprehensive purpose Of
his life The nation thought Of him only as
ruler, and crucided him as the King
of the Jews. Such a perversion of the mis-
sion of Jesus has is counterpart today in
the conduct of those who think only Of the
material blessings that come to them with
Christianity
Nor does this salvation mean simply deliv
GRANGE from the punishment Of sin. Saliva
ton means vastly more than safety; it is not
merely physical but moral It cannot be ex-
pressed in terms Of happiness but includes
also the idea of holiness. Here is the es-
sence of salvation.
Jesus saves US from the practice of sin
from its dominion, and even from the love of
it. We cannot make ourselves righteous.
He will come into our .arts, will take up
his abode there. Redecting as in a mirror
the glory of the Lord, we are transformed
into the same image from glory to glory even
as from the Lord the Spirit.
Let us enter into this deeper meaning of
the Christmas day, and claim each for him
self the fnlflment of this promise. Then
shall the peace of God that the angels sang
possess our hearts and minds through Jesus
Christ our Lord.
In the