Evening journal., 1907-12-24
CHRISTMAS.

II O-MORROW will be Christmas, 1907. Oh
i the millions upon millions OF men and
women living over the broad world there are
many for whom the day will be but forgotten
yesterday. On the other hand it will mean for
many day of to-day OF all the old festivals,
that Of Christmas awakens perhaps the strongest
and most heartfelt associations. About the world
there's a tone Of solemn and sacred feeling that
blends with our convivality, and lifts the spirit
TO a state of hallowcd and elevated enjoyment
The services Of he-churches during this season
are extremely tender and inspiring They dwell
on the beautiful story Of the origin of the Chris
tian faith and the pastoral scenes that accom-
panied its announcement They gradually in
crease in fervor and patlios during the season of
Advent, breaking forth in gladdened hosannas on
the morning that brought peace and good will to
all men, 1t is a beautiful arrangement that this
festival, which commentaries the announcement
Of the religion Of peace and love, has been made
the season for gathering together Of family con-
nections and drawing closer again those bands of
kindred hearts which the cares and pleasures and
sorrows Of the world are continually operating to
cast loose of calling back the children Of the fam
lily who have launched forth in life. and wandered
widely asunder, once more to assemble about the
tions there to grow young and loving again
among the endearing mementoes of childhood.
Theresis something in the very season of the
year that gives charm to the estivity of Christ
mas. But it is more than putting on that genuine
holiday spirit which is tolerant OF folly and glut-
tony.
About our own fresde do we not feel more the
charm of each others society? Doesn't the very
atmosphere seem pregnable with joy and peace
and love? Who hasn't felt at this season kindlier
Feelings for things human? Even the elements of
domestic felicity become purer. At this season
aristocrat and pebian seem more at peace-but
didn't Virgil sing of the peace that should "over-
cometh the world when the Babe Of Babes should
appear?"
And now comes the question as to the existence
of Santa Claus. There seems to be rampant iii the
world a spirit of iconoclasm, which has as every
one knows, the breakage Of things chershly be-
lieved. And the belief in a real Santa Claus is
one OF these But Santa does exist He comes
into the heart Of everyone who has some little
forgotten curly-headed youngster to make happy
They must indeed be misguided and mis-soulsd
persons who cannot find reward in making some
one happy at Christmas time. Don't we enjoy
seeing children on Christmas morning enjoy
the gifts brought by Santa Claus? It is from these
Christmas morning scenes that the true giver
reaps his reward. Has anyone been the worse off
for believing when child in Santa? There is
then a Santa Claus. He dwells everywhere, and
lets his light light up this big, dark world of ours
bringing into it cheer, love, and that peace that
passes all understanding They who can turn
churlishly away from contemplating the felicity
/, Of the little ones and the big ones lust because
they cherish belief in the existence Of Santa
Clause, and sit down repinng in their loneliness
when all around is joyful, may have their mo-
ments of strong excitement and selfish grati6oa-
ton, but they want the genial and social sympa-
thies which constitute the claim of whole-souled
beings.
A Happy and Merry Christmas to all our
readers is the wish Of THE EVENING JOUR
NAL.
As is customary, we shall issue no paper TO-