Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1902-12-20

rs they hOvtrcd over the hills
Of JuC:ra. The muSic was resonant
with JOY. From the hour that the Nir-
sin l:IiI her Babe OH pillow of straw
in the nlapscr aii ChriSte.S.Om has
since that time made the anniversary
OF this natal day II season If GlldncsS,
4 season OF unleund.d joy.
Nrcathc the laurel. twine the bay.
Christ was born on Christmas day.
There were special reasons for these
heavenly songs lciug sung hy the ce-
lrstial chorus. for there was joy in
Gods great heart. JOY among th" first
born sons Of light. joy thrilling Ill the
heavenly empire. joy that is yet to he
plt In the new song sung by redeemed
millions around the throne of the
Lamb CLAIM from the foundation of the
world
1t was the muse of liberty. When
these heavenly hosts snns the Gloria
In EXrclsiS." the whole world was
resting under calling yOkes Of oppres-
sion. Slavery WAS universal. Task
r,asteys wcrc everywhere severe to
those il sprvitUde. Greece. Rome and
Pai"sti.e heard daily the ;.rOans Of
those in bondage. The world was In
chains. But the song OF the angels
rang the deathknell Of bondage. The
Eahe was Gods emancipation. His
distinctive mission was tn set ut liberty
the cnptivcs and proclaim deliverance
to the bruised and crushed sons of toll.
Under The mild and genial influence
OF our holy christianity fetters fall off
everywhere. until now in this morning
Of our new century there are few ma
tons to he found that hold serfs.
Glorious freedom. Triumphant achieve
III mt ~f the cross. Wherever it is lifted
chains are broken and spiritual eman-
c:pation is proclaimed.
1t wIS the music Of hope. Until
Jesus appeared all the ancient religions
had offered only Il message Of despair.
No light fell upon the grave or illu-
mined the vast beyond. Darkness
reigneA In supreme. sullcn majesty,
and not II single star OF hope gilded
the future. The grave was an eternal
prison. I:ut the songs sung hy the
heavenly chOrist"rs on that cventful
night hcralded hope to Il lost world.
Into the soul of SHINING humanity
came the sweet rays OF joy and peace
and hlrssedncsS. and. looking down
into the crave. all fear had vanished,
for sin. the sting of death. was gone
and Cancelled 10y a glorious Christ the
Lord. They looked and behcld-
ON the cold check of death smiles and
ros":; are bl, nding.
And beauty Immortal awakes from the
tomb
And this is our Christmas JOY that
.Teaus has lifted into immortal hope the
graves OF all our beloved friends who
sleep in him.
|, was the music OF victory. When
Jesus came. the great mass of human
ity WAS In serfdom. and the dignity Of
labor was not comprehendcd. Toll
WAS regarded rs a degradation. La
bOrcrS We're d"Spised and NIL forms of
manual Industry held to be Il disgrace.
But the Son of Mary and Joseph came
TO teach the world new philosophy,
and by honorable industry he pro-
claimed the dignity Of labor and taught
that
The homes; man. tho ere sac poor.
Is king OF men for a that.
Jesus counts the beads of sweat
upon the brow of every son Of toll.
He notes all injustice done the labor
ing classes. and only as his spirit pre-
walls among men will the great con-
tiict between labor and capital cease.
Bat that day is coming ere long-the
glad Christmas of :s;es-
Shall brothers be and a that.
Christian Herald.