Birmingham state herald., 1895-12-22

(All items of social interest will be gladly noted in these columns if sent to Mrs George C. Ball, Nineteenth street between Tenth and Eleventh avenues, South High lands. Telephone 9SS)
 In the east glimmers the tender ra- dianee of 0 rising star Along the ho- rizon of the universe its rays cast their first gleams of light. The hillsides of Judea, where rest the watchful shep- herds, awake in verdant beauty benea tn its divine effulgenee. The sea of Gallilee is dimpled with myriad reflections and grows tremulous with the kiss of this new star that seeks to fathom the depths of it's opalescent beauty. Across the arid plains of the desert are seen coming from the far orient wise men, who crave to learn the explanation of this mysterious messenger of light. Far across the fields, with weary tread, come the tribes of Israel to be taxed according to Roman edict In the chattering throng rides fair woman, upon whose face is stamped a kinship with her God and in whose veins throbs the prlncely blood of Dav- ids line. At her side walks loyal Joseph and with loving care tends this woman who is to fulfill the prophecies of old The shadows of the deepening night en- wrap her as with garment and she holds no converse in the solemn dark
 
 As she reaches the crowded inns she finds no place for her exhausted frame until she rests upon the straw of an in- hospitable barn. As she falls asleep her eyes look last upon the unfamaliar star, whose rays creep through the crevices of her rough abode The olive trees of Pal estine shed their. fragrance upon the midnight air and all nature sleeps save the shepherds, who talk through the night watches, of signs and wonders, and the Maigia, who journey towards the moving star The angels crowd the gates of Heaven, eager to hymn to sleeping humanity the tidings of great joy. The prologue in the drama of redemption has begun, and the world receives its di- vine message ill silence and i'll awe.
 How the Christmas tide brings all hu- manity closer in bonds of loving sympa- thy, Every heart is touched with the story of the Christ-child and every hand is outstretched to greet it's neighbor.
 The streets teem with busy, merry throngs of people, old and young, bent on one and the same mission of love. The stores are crowded with eager buyers and clerks and customers ponder over each trivial purchase, knowing it will bear to some heart a message of affec- tion. The sordld things of life take on a beautiful sentiment possible at no other season of the twelvemonth, and whether you purchase nickel toy or q gift that requires a rich mans check to buy, you are offering what will bring happiness to some one whom you love.
 As you find your way with difficulty through the hurrying crowds, you catch glimpses of human nature that finger with you as do the high lights on an inn pressionists canvas. There are the bright, trustful faces of little children, who put aside their craving desires for the time when Santa Claus, wrapped in his furs and bearing his well filled pack, shall chamber down the chimney and stand be- side their pretty beds. where, in innocent slumber, they dream of a paradise filled with all the toys their bonny eyes have seen. There are the sweet, pure faces of happy girls. bent upon the purchase of some gift for the home folks, and, per haps, for that mysterious him." at the music of whose voice their hearts pulsate with new found joy. There are hand some young fellows, in all the pride of robust manhood, who seek despairingly