Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1905-12-25
THE CHRISTMAS 1--WE.

Another year has nearly run its course
hand. This is the most generous and
benehcent of the seasons-the one that
calls into activity the purest and gen
TEST sentiments. that does more than
any other to break through the crust
of selhshness and open the heart to
kindly offices, that eXerts upon old and
young alike a softening and elevating in
huence. It does not matter greatly
whether a man recognizes or appreciates
the Christian idea that is associated
with this season; II he have the better
instincts Of humanity, IL all the nobler
and tenderer feelings that belong to a
true manhood are not frozen within him
he cannot altogether resist the persuad-
ing influence Of the Christmas time I'm
happiness may come to the man who
cannot on this day find the means to
testify his affection for family or
friends, or to him who realizes that in
spite of all his efforts he could not do
all that he would have done, but thrice
unhappy is he who banishes all thought
of kindly largess at this time and con-
dennis himself to abide in the gloom and
cheerlessness of his selfish or sordid ma
ture.
The custom of giving presents on
Christmas, although not universally OBJ
served in Christian countries. is as old
as 1t is beautiful, and it has made hui
mainly all the better by making it more
loving and self-sacrificing. If it some
times leads the more generous to go be-
yond their means, still the impulse
which prompts the extravaganza is
noble one. The benlgnant influence of
the custom is Of inestimable worth. How
shall we measure the food of gladness
and gratitude that will sweep over
Christendom today in response to the re-
membranes Of affection? How weigh
the joyous heart-thrills of childhood in
millions of homes in every Christian
land, or calculate the volume of pleasure
that age will derive from the offerings
OF love anu ITlenuSnlp!
This and other like celebrations grew
up out of the felt needs of the human
mind and human society. The name
and the peculiar significance of Christ
mas were given it under the new dis
pensation. But the observance Of 1ule,
the decorated trees, the Examinations,
the gifts. the greetings, were old before
our era was begun. They were con-
ceived and developed in the dim dawn
OF our races history, out of the needs
and the indefnable longings of the hui
man heart. 1t is well that there should
be music and lights and feastings at the
very time when material nature is most
| given up to cheerlessness and gloom and
death. 1t is well that at times men
should give gifts and wish good wishes,
each to the other. 1t is well that for at
least one day in the year the vexed
world should have stimulus to
, thoughts Of peace. 1t is a notable and
worthy achievement Of the Christian
church that it should have identified
such a day and such deeds with one
Of the two great festivals of the Chris
tan year. Never before was the vogue
of Christmas so great where it has long
been observed and never did so large a
part of the worlds inhabitants, in so
many lands, take part in the celebra-
ton of the festival which embodies the
spirit of Christian teachings.
To all its patrons The Bee extends the
seasons greeting.