The citizen. (Honesdale, Pa.) 1908-1914, 1909-12-24

u SclOuSly
among Enochs and Augustines and
Websters and Lincolns. They are to
be the men Of might and the men of
power in future years.
But the pre-eminent birth Of the
world was that of the babe Of Bethle-
hem. whose anniversary we are cele-
brating. Festivals are in order, and
the children of the world rejoice be.
cause back in Judea, thousands Of
years ago, an infant rested in its
mothers arms.
The Manager Cradle.
We do not know the day and hour
Of his BIRTH 1t is not probable that
1t was the 25th of December. But
whether we keep the very day Of His
birth is of small moment 1t Is not
necessary to believe that the Lord
was born Dec. rs in order to enjoy
the happiness which is associated with
the recurrence of the day. That he
was born is certain. and so we cele-
brate on earth one day. a birthday,
In memory of the Divine Infant.
That makes the Christmas season
the children's season. 1t puts new
value on every child in every home.
Had it not been for that American
mothers would doubtless be initiating
their dusky Indian sisters and sacri.
ficing their children on bloody propi.
tiatory affairs. But as we read anew
the story, and sing it, and tell 1t. and
hear it, sympathetic chord Is touch
ed in every soul, from the negro moth.
er in her little hut grooming over her
ebony darling, to the queen on her
throne watching dawning intelligence
in the eyes of her royal offspring. We
| all shall love children more from the
fact that He was once wee. help.
less, beautiful babe, Graded in His
mothers arms.
Christmas is the time Of gift-mak.
ing, and therefore season of embar-
rassment. There are people who are
at their wits end to find something
their friends have not already. and
others who are at their Wits end to
find the means to buy with.
The Best Gift.
The tradition Is that when the
Eastern sages found the Babe Of
Bethlehem and bowed before Him as
the new born king, strange and
prophetic thing happened. One of the
wise men was prophet, and links
him with the gift Of myrrh, as type
of the sorrow and hunger of the
hearts that were crying out to God.
The second is described as a priest,
| hr.in DIR ole Of fro, ,lyi
| representing the needs of man for a
Saviour's intercession and offering.
The third Is king, and brings his
gift of gold. And the tradition is
that when the gold was poured at his
feet, the little child looked in the face
of the worshipper, but made no other
sign. And as the second presented
his fragrant incense, He gently smiled
In the face of the sage. But as the
third bowed with his sorrowful face
and his gift of myrrh, the Child
stretched forth His little hand, and
tenderly touched the trembling man
who was weeping at His cradle. II
is only tradition, but it has a beau
tiful suggestion. Our costliest offer
ings-our gold and silver-are accept
able to Christ; but more welcome is
the sinners approach bearing the
frankincense of guilty need and plea
for His intercession; and most well
come of all is the penitent and brok-
en- heart with his offering of myrrh.
For such one he has touch of heal
ing and comfort.
Therefore, let us not forget that
there are gifts more priceless than
gold or jewels, which every one can
give. Visit the sick and give them
comforting word. Going down the
street to business, give a smile and
a CHEEKY greeting. Give forgiveness
to your enemies. Let Christmas cheer
melt the ice which has accumulated
around your heart. Give patience to
the complaining, give love to your
households, give yourself to the world
Christmas is the children's day, and
"Of such Is the Kingdom of Heaven
They will not hang their stockings in
the chimney corner many years long
er; be not the first to shatter their
bright illusions. They will soon
enough realize the struggle of life:
let them enjoy the harmless fancy OF
the reindeers and midnight visit OF
santR Claus few years longer.
Stun their stockings while you may
Forever shriveled be the heart that
would tear down the garlands. AND
frost the flowers and hush the h6san
mas Of the children's Joy. May the
Ginning Christmas bells proclaim the
ushering In OF the time by angel
voices prophesied, "Peace. on sartf
good win toward men,"