The Falls City tribune., 1910-12-16
Christmas at Pang Chuang,
Shantung, China
BY Emma eoose Tucker. NJ. D.

CuIlhilltS III ChlHd' res, 10 the
chosen few-from the many millions
who have accepted the Gospel of the
One who gave Christmas to the world
Come with me to our inland Mission
Station, and spend the holiday as my
guest. A village that knows not the
day nor its meaning, and most of the
inhabitants of which do not wish to
know the meaning of any festiyity
that Is introduced by an outsider, a
foreigner, lies just the other side of
that mud wall that encloses us. The
indifference of this village, together
with that of the $50 others which sur
round us within an area ofan eight
mile radius. serves to keep us thought
full, prayerful, in the midst of our
gayeties. From the busy days lived
within the Mission Compound only
one holiday from school and other
duties can he granted, for is not the
month-long celebration of the greatest
of all festivals. the Chinese New
Year, due il a few weeks? So much
of JOY and gladness must be crowded
into the hallowed Eve and the holy
Day.
Sexes do not mingle in China. We
ladies are not invited to the Boys
| School on Christmas Eve to see their
theatrieals, but we are to the Girls
| school. Whence comes love and abilit
IN theatricals possessed by Chinese?
Why are they willing to stand all day
in the open under the %scorching rays
If a summer sun to watch with admir-
| alton the ordinary theatrical player,
and to follow with eager interest the
historical story %screeched in non.
musical tones by the performers? No
wonder all the women residing within
the walls of the Mission Compound
are early in their seats at the Girls
Boarding School, watching with long
ing eyes for the first act. They will
appreciate what they will soon see,
They have not long to wait. The
door opens. The tall shepherd en-
ROBBED in ~sheepskin with staff and
lantern in hand, leads in his bleating
ahcep. School girls, ON all tours, Gov
cred With sheets or sheep skin robes,
,eogo To he very dosile animals. Soon
ne singing Of the Heavenly choir
makes us know we are viewing the
pictured story of the Shepherds and
he ANGEL Song. \ heather patient
On. &C Hospital in her ignorance
ass, Sheep" aud she now hears the
0o,t story perhaps for the first
.,me.
aut now the scene has changed.
rus Is a hali OF jusuce-a yamen.
The magistrate is cruel and fierce.
The trembling accused and the holder
! accuser kneel before him. The ease
il tried. Terse, witty dialogue fol
lows. The defendants story finds
no favor. Blows are dealt!
Again the scene shifts. Travellers
from a far country arrive. Are these
not Americans? Are they travelling
in China on Christmas Eve? Let us
ask them. They say they are curious
to know how the young women who
have been their financial and spiritual
charges these years III China are far
ing on the eve of the great Natal
Day of the Christ Child. Questions
are asked. A surprising knowledge
of American customs is revealed. We
are glad these travellers came. We
are sorry they can stay no longer.
But the next act crowds fast. And
so, at a late hour, streams of women
are passing to the Hospital, to the
Women's Bible school, and into dark
narrow c%ourtyards in rear of which
are their homes.
Can we now retire? No, there are
little stockings in the foreigners
houses that still hang limp. They