Arizona republican., 1900-12-24
CHRISTMAS.

The following is a brief outline of
 the sermon of the Rev. William D.
 Rice, of the First Church of Christ, yesterday morning:
 Text: But the angel said, to them. Fear not; for To, bring you good tid- ings which shall prove matter of great joy to all the people, because today is born to you in the city of David a say for. who is the Lord Messiah" Luke, 2:10-11.
 This is a happy time-presents in- numerable and ChIf.itmas gre. ings, a legal holiday. an annual church festi- val. Of all festivals, there is no other that has penetrated so deeply into ev- cry household. Only two are before the with those who religiously observe the day-Easter and Whitsuniie, and these do not impress their families as does Christmas.
 ''We know little of the origin of Christmas. It was ce!etcal.ed at first by the Greek church On January 9th, under the name Of Epirhina: by the Roman Catholic church December 25th, under the name Chr:stvls Natalis. About the beginning of the fifth cen- tury the Greek church adopted Decem- Der 25.h, So this day has become uni versal.
 There is much in it that points to its origin other than the birth of Christ Lighted tapers remind us of the Jew ish festival of purification. The giv- ing of presents is a Roman cu!-Lom. The Yule tree and Yule log are rem nants of the old Teutonic naltura wor- ship
 The day is ro,1giously observed by the Roman Catholics, Greeks, Armeni- ans, Episcopais and Lutrlerans Some religious bodies, not recognizing the day as of divine authority however, because of the Influence of evangelical Christianity, observe the day, hoping to impress some lessons of profit.
 At the time Christ was born. the world was weary; could not help itself; had made a grand failure. When men confessed this failure, God comes to their relief in the birth of Christ The Jews take on dignity. not because of themselves, bC's because they were in strumsnts in Gods hands in bringing into the world Christ, and in making history for his Identification.
 What now cares the world about kings reigning. empires falling, etc. here is ;he event that transcends them all
 'Nctice 1ahe messenger. an angel More than this. an angel of the Lord I douht rot one of the numbers who shouted for joy when the morning stars sang together Born in a hum ble place. the angel stays not. but comes, and, suddenly there is with him a mul;i,ude Cf angels. How sweet the music of this heavenly choir on the plain that night, 'GTory to God in the highest on earth peace and good will to men,
 ''To shepherds they sing the song. How different from what the world ex- peCted. Wonder. on Mourl Zion. in the palace of the king. built of marble and gold. bear the meslzage there? No out on Mourt Moriah. In the temple, in side of whose sacred wallis the ancinted priests are offering on aftars iusincere bear the message there? No. Could the world be mcre impressed with the nature of Christ's work than by this 
 Brings 'gNod tidirgs is born a Savior Redeemer; a Savior which in Christ, annointc1, commissioned, qual- ] fled. The Lord God in the flesh. He , is born types ended prophecies full filled.
 ''He is born-the source of our na- tion's greatness; the only hope of its future prosperity. Wise men, guided by the prop;tiou's star whose sacred | power presided OCT the monarch's na- ;al hour All glory be to God on high, And to the earth be peace; Good will henceforth from heaven to men. Begin and never cease.'