Omaha daily bee., 1910-12-27
STORY OF CHRIST CHILD TOLD
Churohgoers Hear Sermons on Re-
ligious Anniversary.
SPECIAL MUSICAL SERVICES
Carols and Ancient Anthems Give
EHpression 60 Spirit OF the Glad
Christmas season-HIstory
80 nav.

The story OF the Christ child His birth.
His life and His place In the world Of
twenty centuries ago and the world Of to-
day we're reviewed in sermon and song In
the churches OF the city Sunday.
Through music especially the religious
spirit OF Christmas found expression in
the services OF the day. Elaborate and
unique musical programs were given at
all Of the leading churches
The houses OF worship were decorated
with seemly art Tor the days devotions
In many Of the churches emphasis on the
historical significance OF Christmas was
emphasized in sermon. Ministers and
priests generally took occasion to point to
tn development Of the Christian faith
and proclaim the ever growing triumph
OF the babe born in Bethlehem so many
centuries ago.
The religious services Of Christmas were
also extended to the hospitals and other
institutions OF the city
Ancient hymns and anthems dominated
the musical programs given at the morn
Ing and evening services 6f the First
Methodist church Yesterday Rendering OF
music OF rejoicing at the birth OF the
Christ child in European churches centuries
ago gave the services unique atmosphere
The services opened with two numbers
sung by the choir from the tower. an old
carol, The First Novel;" and the ancient
hymn 20. Come. All We Faithful" The
word novel; signifies shout Of joy
similar to the Easter 'hallelujah
Unto Us Child is Born" a fourteenth
century German hymn; an anthem. 90
Come. Redeemer OF Mankind" with a
solo by Mrs Kelly. and a duet. Love
Divine, All Love Excelling," by Mrs. Kelly
and H. c. lessen, were other numbers Of
the morning program.
Features OF the evening service were an
old English carol, God Rest We. Merrie
Gentlemen" and 90 Little Town Of Beth
lehem'' written by Praetorious In 1909,
both sung from the tower: the Hymn of
Mary Hector Berlioz' The Shepherds
Farewell 70 the Holy Family" Low.
how Rose Fer Blooming" and DR.
Dykes sleep. Holy Babe"
The Dresden amen was used with beau
tiful effect at both services.
A two-part sermon was preached by the
pastor, Rev. Frank N. Lynch, a part being
given to each service. Mr. Lynch pro-
claimed the truth of the story of the Christ,
the King and the Redeemer. declaring that
the success Of Christian doctrine in over
coming all foes for 1900 years proves its
I
philosophy and religions have either fallen
or begun to fall the Christian religion
stu is rising, the minister said, and today
It still is in the vigor Of youth In the last
fifty years science has given Christianity
! the stamp and seal OF truth
Mr.. Lynch cited the prophecies of the
coming Of the Christ the testimony Of the
apostles, the word OF God when He said
This my beloved Son, In whom l am well
pleased" the Paulien eplstles the truth
OF which, he said, Is recognized by ali
| students whether or not Christian.
The Episcopal Services.
At all the Protestant Episcopal churches
anthems of the day. and the hymns which
! echo the glad notes OF the first Christmas
jubilees, rang out in praise Christmas
greens and white flowers decorated chan
cells and affairs.
Rt. Rev. Arthur l.. Williams bishop of
Nebraska, and Rt. Rev. George A. Beecher.
bishop OF Kearney, conducted the services
at Trinity church, as In Chrlstmases before
/ the former deans elevation to the house
Of bishops
Bishop Williams delivered the Christmas
sermon. He took as his text the summons
Of the Wise Men to Bethlehem to wor-
ship the babe who was God manifest in
flesh" He repeated this call to the mod
ern world by emphasizing what is Christ
message 70 the world. He pictured first
| the Roman worlds worship OF brute force
and power, and contrasted the gentlensss
and sweetness which Christ came to ex-
| emplify. as the true power He pictured
the changes which have been wrought by
the Christ life and It's precepts comparing
the heather civilization and it's deeds with
the Christian civilization and its ideals
In conclusion he called upon the Chris
tian people TO emulate and initiate the
qualities Of the little child, the child whom
the angels summoned the Wise Men of
Bethlehem to worship.
! And the church." he said, has never
succeeded and never will succeed in win
ming the world to Christ, except by follow
| ing these precepts OF love and gentleness ."
Before the sermon Bishop Beecher an
nounced several memorial gifts to the
church,
PaDaI blessing BESTOWED.
Christmas in Roman Catholic churches
was observed with the usual services and
at the st. Ceci,a's pro-cathedraI the papal
blessing was given by Bishop Scannell
The bishop has the power to give the
papal blessing. with plenary indulgence
four times a year The bishop also ceIe-
brated pontifcal high mass. with Father
| Hnrr ngton as assistant priest; Father
O'Grady, deacon; Father Jarzemski, sub
deacon aud Father Gleason, master OF
| ceremonies
! Father o'Grady preached the sermon Of
/ the day, Christmas Happiness
/ christmas IL the season OF hardness %
said Father O'Grady. we seek II IN
union with friends, children in union with
their parents, and there is no better place
/ for natural happiness than in the home.
There one shares heart-to-heart happiness
and true love.