The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-12-26

exception are interested. Everywhere by chill
dren it is echoed gleefully, because it tells
them of the holy child Jesus--the childrens
Savior and God.
Such prevalence of SO simple an act is
absolutely unparalleled in the records of
humanity, and it speaks to us to-day vol
umes of goodness and love, and is an
argument not to be gainsaid by soph-
isms and theories and resuscitation of the
dead and dying religions CT mans concep-
ton.
1t does not seem irreverent to guess at
the effect produced by the announcement
OF the angelic hymn upon those who first
heard II, and to compare our reception of it
with theirs. The song was beautiful to them
as the news of a gift bestowed for which
they had long waited. They were told of
their desire fulfilled 1t is almost certain
from what we know of those times that
these men were philosophers as well as
shepherds They had not their minds filled
with hocks to the exclusion of all else. They
thought deeply upon current events of their
day and weighed and calculated the rumors
then widely afoat of some supernatural oc-
currence Of inestimable value to the world
The whole of the East among thinking
people, was just at that time engaged in
watching for the gray streaks of the dawn
OF some great light. The science of the
stars was at its highest development, and
these men, as often they lifted their eyes
from their sheep, saw in the heavens signs
and tokens which meant to them (and who
knows how truly?) much more than they
commonly imply to And it was doubt
less while studying the relations of certain
Of the heavenly bodies, with minds intent
upon what they had heard of the mysteri-
Gus appearance of a person in many ways
wonderful, that 'the angel of the Lord
came upon them, and the glory of the Lord
shone round about them.
Just as we feel we are right in saying
that while Christmas trees and exchange
of presents are the rule wherever Christi
anity has secured recognition, they are
most joyous now who regard Christmas not
chiefly from its earthly, but its heavenly,
side, who do not lose sight of the main OBJ
ject of the hearts yearning interest-the
Holy Infant-in either the messengers or
the glory, or the music, or in any creation
or invention of man.
1t will not be supposed that we attach
no Importance to the secular side of Chris
mas; far from it. We acknowledge the
manifest value of the family gathering, the
greeting and effort looking to the pleasure
of some other human being, in ever so
small a way, especially of those worse OFF
than ourselves. 1t is the old foe forced
back once year at least. 1t is selfishness
checked in the presence of unexampled love
and limitless condescension. 1t is, too, a
strong indication of a hopeful outlook in the
future. About the only man for whom there
is reason to fear, as being past the posi-
bility of impression for good, is he who
takes no account of Christmas day; who is
neither happier himself nor aids some one
else to be happier, because of it.
But we are sure there is something in
store for all who enter into the spirit Of the
festival in any of the multitude of legitimate
expressions which they give to the delight
they feel. Let the celebration begin in the
home; in forsaking His own, the Son of Man
came to earth to prepare us for a home
made ready above Let it appear in mart
and mill, at desk and counter; carry it to
the denizens of novels and cellars, to the
heartless and hopeless. Let ALL from the
lowest to the highest, be brought under it's
influence because of the lowly birth of the
Savior King.
Let the song be sung within the walls of
hospitals and asylums; it is the gospel that
has built and endowed them, and they are
fairly entitled to share in our joy. Let no
human creature whom we can reach be de-
prived of some reminder of the turning night
into day by the glory which shone around.
And remember that the angels said, Peace
on earth to men of good WILL and be cure
that no evil design turks in any of our mo-
tives, and no speech or act be accompanied
by anything less than a hearty sense of
good will toward our fellows.
But that of which 1 spoke as being in
store is the realization of the gift, in con-
tradistinction with the mere charm Of the
thought and the delight of the announce
ment. If the revelation was attended with
such conspicuous marks of celestial joy,
what must be the happiness of those who
share the privilege of the divine gift! What
the excellency and the dignity Of being
Christ bearers, of carrying Him in the
heart and the life even while we continue
here on earth!
To such, above all, it Is good tidings of
great joy' and a peculiarly sweet song
which the angels sang: especially if the
year gone has been one of many disappoint-
ments and of events which make the need
of q Savior to be felt If they have had
patience, persevered in the right, resisted
temptations and studiously striven to know
more While living up to the best OF their
knowledge, there is no question that Christ
mas brings them the same joy it did the
shepherds. without any of the dread of an
unlookcd-for surprise in the delivery of the
message.
Be not therefore content with hearing of
the happiness which Christmas brings to
the world or with joining in the heavenly
song, or even in seeing the light; but go
of bread" receive Christ, the bread of the
soul, and live Walk in the light and so
shall We be the children of light. Rejoice,
yea rejoice with glad merry-making in
every reasonable pleasure. and show that
Christians of all men know how to be glad
because Christ was born on Christmas day.
TOIstoi and His Family.
Chicago Post.
Miss Adams was guest at Count Toll
Stoi'S home. The countess and some of her
children do not share his views, and they