Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1904-12-24

ment feature Of the celebration are al
most infinite. First determine the kind
OF entertainment, that is, whether 1t
shall be a cantata, a part programme
In which the boys and girls sing and
speak, or an entertainment furnished
by some outside talent. The latter Is
desirable with schools Of over 500
membership, but in smaller schools 1t
is undoubtedly better TO have the pro-
gramme furnished by the talent in the
school, as it appeals to the sympathy,
pride and loyalty Of its members, and
parents love to see their children shar-
ing in the exercises. Space will not
permit our going into details, but we
may be able to make some suggestions
that will prove helpful to those having
the matter of entertainment in charge.
Don't have the programme too long.
Have it full of bright, sweet Christmas
fun and frolic, but do not forget TO
have a strong undercurrent of the truo
purpose and spirit Of the blessed Christ
mas time. You do not need to give the
children a Christmas sermon or lee
ture, but you do need to be careful that
the dear Jesus, in whose name the cele-
bration Is held, has opportunity 10
make his presence felt. The entertain
ment committee ought TO pray earn
estly over the plans, and seek Divine
guidance. At some specially favorable
and appropriate part of the programme
let the thought Of the claims Of Christ
be sweetly and briefly pressed home to
the heart of the child. remember one
entertainment where, after a very
touching piece, sweetly spoken, entitled
mo Room for Jesus" the pastor in a
few well-chosen words drove the
thought home to the hearts Of the boys
and girls, and the influence of which
was noted in the weeks following by
many making open confession Of the
Christ whom they made room for at
the Christmas entertainment. One
schoo. | know OF planned q Surprise
Christmas" Each class provided a
surprise for the school, Some arranged
the entertainment, some looked after
the decorations, while the older classes
provided treats and little souvenirs for
the younger classes. The work was SO
divided that no n specially felt the
burden and every one was made bless
eddy happy in planning for the happi-
ness OF some one else. | have not said
ANYTHING about a Santa Claus, because
feel that there are SO many other
and more attractive features which can
be provided, Have your Santa Claus
il you must, but pray over the matter
and let Jesus show you a more ex-
cellent way"
Now as to the gifts and offerings.
1t is right and proper that the school
should provide something for its boys
and girls, but whether It Is wise and
best to put so much money in cheap
candy. nuts, etc, Is a question which
each school must decide for itself. Cne
Thing is becoming more and more rec
ognized among the schools of the land
especially of the larger cities, and that
is that "it Is more blessed to give than
to receive" The school that overlooks
this means Of icy and blessing misses
the very heart and spirit ~ Christmas
Give to the children by all means, but
be sure that carefully laid plans airs
made to enlist their %sympathies and tC
encourage them 10 give. Provide
definite object for the children's bench
cence. BE sure they understand exactly
what is wanted and that it is within
their easy means of giving. Prestn'
the matter in such attractive way thaI
there will be uniqueness and charm II
the giving. Announce that the classe:
are to make their offerings in stocking:
made of bright colored cambria; that
these stockings are to be hung up be
fore ,he school and the classes are t
see which class will have the larges
stocking. In one school where this wal
tried some Of the stockings we're so biz
and heavy that they could not be huns
I'D, but HAD to be stood against the wal
at the hack OF the pulpit. And sutl
fun and Laughter as th9r0 y3si yltl