The citizen. (Frederick City, Md.) 1895-1923, 1896-12-25
.sAol ONE BRINGING
,'ECOCCD and home-loving

.s,Aol ONE BRINGING
,ECQCJD and home-loving
,.ms happiness are the bright
Dd nO' ~ the Christ day through
i'a'"t tbe metes and bounds of
ea' ..' ~ Callous is the heart,
Ch I,'aJ 70 all Impressions of light and
aou, sas which is not quickened to
gSu ass.. and unselfishness upon the
gsn' 'lor If Him who taught the broad
Ha' .nmsnitv and the most disinterest-
a. ua Had Dickens written only of
% 60 % he should occupy a COM
Ia, place in the affection of hui
n'. sr because OF the CHEEKY scenes
p''ni ,t.rrpd and the CHEEKY halos he cast
is1rt tbis day of all days in the year.
The Thew rery pathos, which at times seemed
NV usrt If himself, when he wrote, quick
' sr and frightened under the light of
I d,v until it was nearly Invested of
al its sadness.
The tragedy of Calvary was years
.n.- tbe birth scene at Bethlehem.
The The God-child had need to grow up to
Mons estate and wrap about Him the
mantle Of infinite deity before He be.
anne q man of sorrows acquainted with
rrief The Christ-day tells of the vir-
in mother and her glad smile of joy
- she looked upon the face of her new
hbun child. 1t recalls the cherubic
rp Of the angels that startled the
,bs1Eerls of Salem and the effulgent
dsr that guided the wise men to the
nsnrer in which He lay. 1t brings out
Of the past the happy circumstances Of
those who were led into the Divine
rresence bringing with them gifts Of
rod and frankincense and myrrh. So,
loo clearer than when first uttered, be-
suse now better understood, is heard
lfer the lapse of 1000 years the Heav-
lnly promise of peace, good will to men.
Comes also the teaching of mercy, for
Fveness and charity as substitute for
be older law of eye for eye and tooth
Or tooth When He came the dark
light Of cruelty and wrong and oppres-
ion rolled away, ushering in the gray
avn Of an endless day of love for enc
lies and prayers for those that use
heir neighbours despitefully.
TheeXample of the sages who came as
iit-bearer is universally followed. and
leet is it that it should be SO,
eCause the heart that gives in
OTe has a sure promise of bless
ny from the Lord. The inspiring
nofVe Of donatives is the love that
links no evil against the recipient of
be favor, and love is the dominant
ller Of the heart that is good. The
hrist taught nothing If He did not
ach the infinite beauty Of home life
lat is builded upon love. The heart
at loves and is cheerful gives freely,
Jus communicating pleasure to others
he reflection that they are not for
ften, and happiness to the donor in
at he perceives he has communicated
pplness. Love is contagious. as hap
Tess is contagious, and blessed and
nee blessed IS that household which
comes Christians with ringing OF
is and singing of glad songs, with
Sn'er and merry voices. and that
Ses memorable the day by tokens of
sc'lon, whose value rests in the mo-
which prompted the giving of them.
10 he sorrow? Not for His sins or
lies did He grieve. Did He sweat
al drops Of blood in His agony?
ID was it that men might be freed
N SIN and be capable of appreciat-
and commemorating and initiating
rhhnite good of His nature. The
mat was married is now lit with the
Hanle JOY that comes of mans re-
nptlon' and from His great throne
regards all earth's children in love
smiles responsive to the gladDess
'lose homes which make merry and
SH' The Christ-day, Christmas.
WILLIAM ROSSER COBBE