Birmingham age-herald., 1894-12-23

at you from every nook and corner of the cityl How their fresh, young faces grow earnest and thoughtful as they examine the many tempting things that i'll the stores, and then count over the scanty sums in their little purses But before the day isg gone they manage to purchase some trifie for all the loved ones, and laden with mysterious bundles, they reach their homes as happy as young kings and ausens. Then there are in ihe surs 2 multitude faithful servants searching for pretty eepsakes for kind mistresses, and these same mistresses selecting useful gifts for these good servants. And so 1t is that all the relations and ties of lie are strengthened and renewed by the sweet interchange. of love and sympathy at this time when the Christ child is central idea of the universe.
 And, my friends, never outgrow Christ mas We all have our trials, sorrows and burdens, but they need not shut us off from human intercourse aud love. LOOK back across the years to the time when all other days dated from the Christmases of your childhood and look through your tears into future which is radiant with the glory of God's eternal smile.
 Remember that among those who re- joiced at our Saviour's birth were Anna aud Simeon upon whom the accumulated years pressed hardly; yet when lie came they sang hymns of praise and thanksgiv- ing because they had lived to see that day.
 The young ladies composing the ''Ys, ' which is a most helpful branch of the Woman's Christian Temperance union, have now their headquarters at room 10 in the Watts building. This they will make as comfortable ana attractive as possible, but they need assistance from our good peo- pie and would be very grateful for any do- nations of mouey or furniture sent to their headquarters. They will give n reception next Thursday evening at their rooms. These young ladies are greatly assisted In their good work by Mrs. w. l.. Murdock, who has charge of this branch of the Woman's Christian Temperance union, and is untring in her efforts for the ad- vaucement of the principles of the organi- zation. And all who can assist the "Ys'' are urged 10 send their contribu- tions to room 15, Watts building.
 Sharps and Flats, our excellent musical journal, for December has made it's well comed appearance even fuller of interest and good reading than the preceding num- bers. MT. E. E. Williams is to be con- graduated upon the success of his enter prise.
 The Tuesday Afternoon Whist club will meet on Wednesday afternoon next at 2 o'clock as the guests of Mrs. IS. F. Moore on Highland avenue.
 The Southern and Phihedonian clubs will both give handsome Christmas ger mans Tuesday morning at their club rooms. Preparations are being made by the mem- bers of these two social organizations which will insure delightful cotillions on Christmas morning.
 The pretty school girls are-many Of them-coming home to spend the holidays. Already Misses Mary Virginia Graves, Addie Evans, Anna Morrow, Mamie Rucker and Mamie Earle have returned for a brief vacation, and the uniforms Of cadets from Tuskaioosa and Auburn are seen in the merry crowds on our streets. Many of our young men from these universities have come home to spend the Christmas holidays with families and friends. Some of the cadets have brought with them friends and fellow students who will greatly add to the brightness and good cheer of this happy time.
 The ladies of the Cadmean circle have perfected their arrangements for the enter tainment of Miss Conway of Memphis, Tenn, who will be their guest for several days during this week. Miss Conway will arrive Friday morning, and deliver her lec- ture, "Ideai Justice,'' on that evening at the First Presbyterian church at o'clock.