Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1897-12-23
A Merry Christmas to ALL

this particular day is the anniversary OF
the Nativity or not; we are content to
know that the event was of such su-
preme importance that some day is set
apart for its commemoration.
Neither does it make any difference
whether Christmas rejoicipSs are bor-
rowed from the Saturnalia of the Ro-
mans or whether at this season OF the
year we adopt pagan custom which
stretches back to time immemorial, and
surrender ourselves to unsurpassed
lnerriment and mirth. One may wear
the clothing of peasant and still be
something more than peasant, and ne
may adopt the rites and ceremonies
which once Illuminated pagan temple
and still not be pagan. The surges OF
time have obliterated all traces of that
inferior past, and given us a present
and future so grand in achievement
that while we gladly borrow from our
ancestors whatever is worthy we add
something better than they ever dream
ed Of
The day we celebrate has a signiti-
canoe of its own. Through Christianity
we inherit certain ideas which underlie
human progress, and it is not strange
that we rejoice in our rich possession.
If an Assyrian of old could revisit by the
pale glimsies of the moon, walk the
streets of representative city in Eu-
rope or America, observe the general
tone of public opinion, get glimpse of
the charities and philanthropies which
make the times radiant, he would nat
urally ask, What new philosophy under
lies the progress you have NADER How
did You attain this high vantage ground
from which you get so wide and gener-
ous an outlook? What principles of po-
itical economy form the basis of this
general contentment and provide you
with larger liberty than the earlier
ages enjoyed2
To answer his questions we might
safely lead him into one Of our churches
decorated from>pulpit to door with ever
greens He would hear Christmas mu-
sic full of exaltation, one vast throb OF
universal gratitude. With increasing
astonishment he would hear the
preacher talk OF brotherhood and the
dynamic force of intermingled Provi-
dence and good will. He would feel
that the world had been changed by
some magician's wand, that old things
have passed away and all things have
become new. and he would yield to
none in the devoutness of his reverence
for that Teacher from whose lips came
the words on which we have built this
imposing edifice.
If we have become so accustomed to
these great privileges that we neglect
their more serious significance and
throw ourselves with unbounded enthu-
siasln into the sports of a holiday,
watch at night for the sly approach Of
Santa Claus, sit by the blazing Yule
log, and fill the hours with laughter,
feast on the turkey which graces
the banquet board. Or rejoice in the
family reunion whose members are
separated by long distances for more
than eleven months of each year, we
can only reply that these pleasures and
pastimes, if not grave expression of
our gratitude, are at least the expo
nents of a happy, prosperous and hope
full people.
There is also a certain commercial
view of the occasion which we ought
not to overlook The custom of ex-
changeing presents stimulates the genius
of industry. Mills and manufactures
have been busy TO supply the market
with novelties New fabrics, unique
adornments, jewels, ornaments, brick
a-bac, thousand and one devices to
attract the eye and surround purchas-
ers with a network of irresistible temp
tations are the product of long labor,
of cunning skill, giving profit to an
army of dealers and affording multi
tude of employees both work and wa
ges A modern shop window is an
epitome of our civilization. If all the
articles displayed could tell their story
it would be more interesting and more
thrilling than the plot of the novelist.
Let the general hilarity therefore
reach its highest water mark. And we
are glad to add our slender contribu-
tion-the hope that this may prove to
be A Merry Christmas to ALL