The Wahpeton times. [volume] (Wahpeton, Richland County, Dakota [N.D.]) 1879-1919, 1910-12-29

:.&X&e ..bratedv for many ages with
~ rejoicing. Long before the
Christian era, the pa
gan Astronomers decided that these
were the shortest days before the sun
returned to northern lands to bring
another spring and seed time and har-
vest The dreary winter was at its
worst, and the coming days would
have longer hours of light and sun
shine and the reawakening Of ma
ture. Therefore sing and be Joyful.
The Egyptians held q festival in honor
Of the birth Of their god Horus. The
Romans called 1t the birthday Of the
invincible sun" and dedicated it to
Bacchus, rejoicing with him that the
sun was about to return and revivify
the vineyards. The Persians held
festival Of uncommon splendor ii the
birthday Of Mithras. the mediator. a
spirit of the sun. In the north coun-
try among the worshipers Of Odin 1t
was nature festival of riotous feast.
ing. because the fast Of winter was
approaching its end. 1t has been a
time of universal celebration accord
ing to ancient written history since
the beginning. and obscure tribes in
remote nations have legends Of their
own about what We call Christmastide.
the feast of peace and good will.
Az Christianity brought its blessings
to follow the good Of past religions. 1t
seems only right that the birth of Christ
should come at ., time of general re-
5oicing. It made it easier for the pa
gans to turn to the Saviour OF Light,
at time when the returning sun
shine In the skies was symbolical of
the feeling of brotherly kindness which
was taught In the love of a little
child. And SO as carly as the second
century the church celebrated Christ
mas day when the heather we're hon
oring their gods. g
The Christmas celebration, as'.swe
know 1t, 10 but reincarnationr ofsthe
Yufetide Of the Anglo Saxon tribes
Singing 10 q proper way to manifest
Joy: lt'del.Ehts the singer and sivss
pleasure to others The churchly car.
OILS were not enough for the hearty
feeling. The pagan feasting remains.
And 80 with that divine old carol,
"Adeste Fidelis," are convivial songs.
Come hither. ye faithful; y
Triumphantly sing; .iss
Come. see. the manger,
Our Saviour and King! l.,
To Bethlehem hasten,
=: With Joyous accord! ~. ,,.e
Oh, come ye.: come hither, .ait
To worship the Lord! II -
The contrast lies in "A Carols Bryng.
ing in We Bore's Heed cfs$1
Capri apri defero, -
Reddens laudes domino. -
The Bore's head in hand bring i.
With garlands gay and rosemary;
And l pray you all sing merely,
Outs estils in convivio.
The church Of the early days had
some Of the wisdom Of modern social
service. It entertained its parislfion.
ers in . worldly way az we'll 40
stilled religious doctrine. The mys.
terry. miracle plays and mummsEJss
enacted under the direction of Mhe
clergy rehearsed the scene in FSths
stable. These plays gave rise to Z
number Of legendary carols. The
Cherry Tree Carol" was popular IN
London in the last century. It relsted
the story Of the Virgin begging Joseph
to pluck some cherries for her. and
when he refusing. the unborn babe
speaks 4nd tells his mother to reach
out her hand and the tree will how
before her. and the carol goes Oh to
Then bespoke Joseph.
have done Mary wronE." etc.
Another carol Of this time II fun. az
beautiful imagery
Ar Joseph was a.walkins.
He heard an angel Sing h
Thisshight shall 30 born.
Our Asaysnly king;
He neither shall b born
In house nor In hall,
Nor In the place OF Paradise.
But in An ox's STALL, etc.
This Il in the same spirit 90 our IL
miliar:
while shepherds watched their aocks
by night
All seated on the ground, IN
The angel Of the Lord came down
And glory shone around.
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