Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-25
THE IDEAL CHRIsTMAs.

In the ideal country, which is farer
than any dream of Utopia, and more
wisely regulated than any republic OF
Plato's. Christmas is a season full of de-
lightful expectation upon the part of
childhood and is crowded with fragrant
memories on the part of their elders.
There the checks and balances of life
are rightly adjusted with the teachings
OF Him for whose birth the stars sang
together and TO worship whom the Magi
made their pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
There the extremes of poverty and
wealth do not exist; yet, as of old, when
to one man was given ten talents and 10
another five and TO another one, so there,
too. some are more blessed with worldly
possessions than others. But it is the
look after the welfare OF their less for
tunate neighbors, and to make their
Christmas a season of good cheer, so
that in the songs and salutations of the
morning there may be an unbroken
chorus of happy voices. 1t is land
where youth rejoices in Lies prospect
and where the hoary locks Of age con-
stitute a crown that is reverenced by all.
The season is one that calls for the
reunion of families: for the dressing Of
houses with holly and mlstletoe, cedar,
and ivy; for present-giving where cost
is not the measure of value. but the mo-
tive everything season for mirth that
elevates, and feasting that. does not de-
bauch.
There, too, Santa Claus is known. The
fight against his reign is over and for
gotten. And for weeks before Christ
mas II is the chiefest care of each
mother to be the means OF successful
communication between lin and her lit
lie ones. Well she remembers her own
childhood days. and the sainted woman
into whose patient ears she lisped her
hopes and fears. nor once reproaches her
FOR the deception" practiced. 1t would
not be an ideal land If there were chill
dren there with no mother, noI
aunt. nor sister, nor matron, to plan fol-
the hanging up Of the stocking and the
coming Of Santa Claus. So all are pro
vided for, and Christmas morning come.
when childish, glee is heard amid whirl.
Of snow and merry peals OF church bells
amid rockets rending the air and baby
-Zakers'' shaking the earth. oh, happy
and never to- be- forgotten scene. Acros.
the waste OF years it will revisit memory
hot Cd T.,
gied with the mould and awakening
! echoes that grow sweeter with recedin!
distance.
And then, in the ideal homes of tn
ideal land. there is family worship anC
many there are who also attend churcl
services on this day; services where al
hearts and voices are attuned in exul
tation and praise OF the Heavenly King
Next, each family gathers around IT.
board. and there is no lack. Not famil
Is without its turkey; none without
< Christmas pie. Nor is the spirit o
thankfulness to God absent; but every
where IL prevails along with good chez
and decent merriment. To youth mucl
latitude is given for the enjoyment 0
innocent sports, but it is well understood
that none is privileged TO abuse IN
liberty OF the day. Nor do any fin,
pleasure In discomforting Others, an,
especial consideration is evinced for sic
and nervous people. Nor are there an,
brawis or wrangles, but all keep in min
the duty that is due to the Prince o
Peace. So. TOO, old quarrels are com
posed and new friendships cemented, a
becomes the followers OF Him who cam
proclaiming peace on earth and good wi
toward men.
Thus Christmas passes. Thus the re
ligious lesson of the day is blended wit
ITS social memories: thus hearts ar
opened to charity and hands set 10 goo
works; thus another milestone is passe
on lIfe's journey and one group OF travel
iersT merriiy enter upon tho highwa
which all must trudge as another grou
Is about 70 leave it--leave II for home:
homo not made with hands.
We believe in the preacher who preach
81 over and of in favor OF lofty ideal,
Al human accomplishment falls so yer
far short Of what il should be that h
Mo u satisfied 1.tA mediocre ide.