The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1891-12-24
l. c. DODGE.

The old heather druids We're wont,
at this time of the year, to bear the
evergreen, the holly and the mist1etoe
from the forests to decorate their tenn
pies, long before the grasses and the
corn leaves rustled about the head OF
that marvellous child In Bethlehem'a
stable. ~ a.,
Grave and dignifed men, during the
Saturnalian days of southern chimes, at
our Christmas period INDUCED in the
feast of fools" when they gave way
to all of boys abandon hilarity, ages
anterior to that era, "when the wise
| men from the east" bent in wrapt con-
temptation over the Baby Boy, who lay
in sweet uncons ;ousness in the manger
midst Judea's hills.
Out of the twilight of heather coun-
tries has come the children's custom of
hanging the stocking near the fireplace
for the good fairy to I'll with knick-
knaclls so dear to the child's heart
1t is an evidence of the real character
of our Christmas spirit that it could Sc
cure to its service. for the illustration
of its own spirit. these and other Gus
TOMS as it is also an evidence Of the
generous breath Of Christianity's spirit
to receive, employ and honor every good
| custom of man.
Adapted to celebrate the truth of
Christmas, all these customs were re-
lieved of many evil features and exalted
| in their whole tone. :.
A light heart, a merry countenance,
an elated spirit only are in harmony
with the day.
1t is day of generosity, too. The
best gift of Heaven was bestowed upon
the earth.
They tell us that the angels came
hoating down from the heights of
Heaven with rapturous songs of ioy.
congratulating humanity in its great
good fortune. We know that the only
proper mood which a human being
should indulge upon the reception of
such news, and the commemoration
OF such an occasion, is a joyous one
SO great as to surpass his power to dis
play it. A tender, loving, vital alliance
has been formed by the Creator with
our natures. Finite are we? But Christ
mas tells us that we are in bonds with
the Infinite. Poor are we, limited to a
little earth? But Christmas tells rs
that we are heirs of the unbounded
universe
But the true spirit of Christmas will
aOt be recognized if the favors be-
slowed. at least some of them, are not
Tor some more unfortunate person.
The poor. the sick. the outcast, the de-
graded, the weak and defenseless are
the proper ones to excite our generosity.
1t Is a day also of good will Peace
On earth and good will to men," sang
the angels.
Old grudges are to be buried on this
day. Every human being is to be met
IN kindly spirit. A cessation of hos
tllitics is to be announced. and a pener-
al amnesty should be proclaimed. The
pipe OF peace-if any pipe is to be
smoked-should be smoked first and
reconciliations be effected.
1t is cosmopolitan day. Incalebrat-
ing Christmas we are not Americans
or Englishmen, or Germans. but citizens
OF the world. for this is the only fest;-
val III which the civilized world Joins.
Peace on all the wide earth, good will
70 every man in every land, is the senti-
ment Of the day. :. s.
Then it is the ehildren's day. Whist
immense significance is contained in
that statement. But we pause. unable
for space, to utter the thoughts which
rise and the emotions which crowd
within our hearts ut the mention of the
chaadren. May everyone of them have
hmery Christmas!
tLAvIUs ]. BRoBsr.