The sea coast echo., 1906-12-15
TO OUR READERS.

To The Echo readers a Merry Christ
mas! This is the season of good cheer.
The season of the holly and the mistletoe;
the time for bright faces and generous
impulses, for gladstone greetings; a
time for noble resolves to be born; a
time for old animosities to die; a time
when the benevolent side of ones nature
should eclipse the sordid side; a time
when the thoughts should be turned to-
wards home; time when the usurping
chains of business should be ignored;
time when the child with its golden
curls, the man with his silvered locks,
alike cry "GloTy to God in the highest,
peace on earth, good will to men !"
These words have been charted by all
Christian nations since the infant Jesus
slept in the rude manger in Bethlehem.
The organs in the grand cathedrals have
pealed forth these words, and the hearts
of the worshipperS have been filled With
alteration; those treading the flowerless
paths of poverty echo the praises
bends over the smouldering embers up
on the desolate hearth, and weeps over
the empty stockings of her neglected
children-even she hears these strains
in the distance, and ner plaintive voice,
so full of want, joins in the chorus,
"Glory to God in the highest. Per-
haps this mother is thinking of the
Christmas days =: - ~'~'N"o9 when
plenty crowned -. ..-.e
memories may be feeuIn5 ---. hungry
heart. Theologians may cayil over the
date and origin of this day, but we will
hold fast to our Christmas.
AS we are about to let go of the old
year, we realize that to most of US it
has been kind year; to few the dark
side has been turned; to others, the
sunny side. We must not forget that
upon the homes of some of our readers
since last Christmas tide shadow has
fallen, and the mantle of sorrow has
wrapped the inmates in its somber folds.
Other homes are like the empty nests
that hang on the withered bough-deso-
late, because the life and song went out
with the birds. New homes have been
made, new ties formed and old ones sew
cred, but in our onward march it is not
well to stop to measure the load each
one carries. No life is either all sun
shine or all storm. Ii the new year
brings prosperity, let US rejoice; if ad
yersity, let US be brave. Let US be
thankful that "our lines have fallen in
pleasant places; that sit is well |
with us as it isl, and use our utmost |
endeavors to make this happy year. |
Let us quickly turn over the sad page |
and look at the bright picture that
awaits us; let us quickly penetrate any |
cloud that may float DER our pathway
and view at length the beautiful silver
lining beyond.
The glad, joyous, festal time draws |
near, and unnumbered hearts are beat
ing in delightful anticipation. Store
windows are decked in holiday attire.
The holly and evergreen hang III fes-
toons, and the wonderful Christmas tree
is gradually putting in its appearance.
CHEEKY voices ring out in rehearsals OF
song and chorus for celebration night.
Merry Christmas will soon be here, and
Christmas songs are songs of peace.
Christmas greetings are greetings OF
good will. How they soften hard hearts,
purify base desires, sweeten bitter
thoughts, and make every deed purer
and holier; every wish kind and ten
lerer. Let hearts expand, sympathies
enlarge, and good will reign. Let bene-
lictions drop from lips and substantial
gifts fall from oyerflowlng hands. Make
,heerless homes radiant and hopeless
hearts to thrill with unspeakable glad
less. Forgive your enemies. Bury the
,ast. Rise above the mean and petty
esentments which you may have har-
,ored against those who have not
lsed you well. Be generous. Get ready
o start the new year with more kindly
ceilings and more noble ambitions. !
Make the Christmas of this year a day !
o which you can always look back with
,leasure and gratitude. Peace and good !
sill unto you, dear reader, and Merry,