The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1893-12-25
TIIE DAY WE COMMEMORATE.


THE DAY WE COMMEMORATE.
Today all Christendom Will cele-
brate the greatest holiday the world
has ever seen. The leading nations Of
the earth have come to unity in this
regard They commemorate the birth
OF the grandest mortal who has dwelt
among men. Whether as a divine be-
ing clothed in flesh, or as an excep-
tional man with a glorious mission
Jesus Of Nazareth is regarded by civ
ilized people as worthy of all rever-
ence, and his birthday as fit to be
held in remembrance throughout the
generations.
There is much dispute as to the ac-
tual date of the coming into the world
of the wonderful Nazarene. There is
nothing sufficiently definite in history
to settle the controversy. But as the
Christian fathers determined upon De-
cember 25th as the suspicious day.
and the secular powers that be have in
clined TO their decision, it matters not,
except to the very technical, whether
we are exactly correct in the time, so
that we duly commemorate the occa-
sion. The popular Christmas is asso-
ciated with winter season in the popu-
lar mind and it is we'll enough not to
try to break the charm.
Jesus. who is called The Christ. was
the sign and the source of a new era.
It dawned when he was born in Beth
lehem. It was heralded by his star
which the wise men of the east fol-
lowed to the stable of the Kahn where
he lay as d babe in the manager It
matters not whether the truths he
taught and exemplified were entirely
new to this world or not, for truth is
eternal and is not created. nor does
it originate with any earthly being.
What he proclaimed and exhibited in
his life has made an impress on the
world that can never be obliterated.
1t has grown steadily from the start
and its fruits increase with the years.
He was the center from which the
power Of great truths went forth
His presence and influence. exerted
principally during but three and a
half years, have produced greater eff
fects than the life and labors of any
man who ever breathed this earthly
air. His conquests have been mightier
than those of any warrior. His sway
has been wider and more potent than
that Of any king. 1t is the rule of
right, the triumph of justice, the
reign of righteousness and peace.
There is something in his very name
which has caused the strongest men
to bow and the weakest woman 10
perform deeds of heroism and sacri-
fee
The philosophy of the Nazarene was
in advance of his time and of ours. He
set up a higher standard of human mo-
tive and of human action than was
raised on earth before. and the world
has been moving up to it without
reaching it yet. But the signs are in
dicative of steady progress, and each
oornmemoration of his nativity is
prophetic of the day when the golden
rule shall be universal and there shall
be no bar in the way of the perfect
brotherhood of man.
The celebration of Christs mass,
though of Romish ecclesiastical origin,
is a good thing for the world. 1t has
diverged somewhat from the intent of
its founders and has become more Of
8 secular feast than a religious fast
or a solemn observance. But there is
nothing in the way of anybody to make
It either, or to blend the feasting and
the worship as he chooses. But the
good viii to man" is the main effect
OF the day and this is its true meaning.
1t is a DAY OF peace and pardon, of
reconciliation aud harmony of faith,
hope and charity.
It is a time when the extremes of hui
naan life are graciously remembered.
Childhood and old age are especially
regarded with favor and gifts suitable
to each are sought and bestowed. The
poor come in for their fun share of
benedictions and good things. Rela-
lives are brought together, old feuds
are buried. cheerful words are spoken
and the best wishes that bound from
the heart are expressed sincerely.
Christmas is blessed time for all.
While errors abound, and selhshness
prevails. and lights and shadows alter
nate in this world, the precepts of the
Great Teacher viii not have fun sway.
But it is pleasing to drop all conten-