The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-26
CHRISTMAS MASSES LARGELY ATTENDED Beautiful Music Rendered
 at St. Pauls MIXED CHOIR SINGS Father Aloysius Delivers Discourse on St. Luke-11:1 10, Behold, I
 Bring You Good Tidings
 of Great Joy"
MIXED CHOIR SINGS


 All five of the Christmas masses at St. Paus church were largely attended. At the early masses the communion rail was thronged. The last mass at 10:30 o'clock was a missa solemnis. The Rev. Father Aloysus, o. s. B., was celebrant; the Rev. Father Coen served as deacon, and the Rev. Father Coyle as sub-deacon.
 The music was beautiful. The mixed choir in the organ gallery sang the "Adeste Fideles," and mass by Marzo- new at St. Paul's. For the offertory number was a trio from one of Lajaers masses. The boys altar choir sang the responses in the mass.
 Father Aloysius preached the sermon and it was said by all who heard it to have been one of the best ever delivered in St. Paurs. The father chose. for his text: Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy" St. Luke, :10.
 The discourse was as follows.
 The Sermon
 "The general tenor of Christian life is not often frightened by joy, as pure and holy as that which fills our souls today All the earth resounds with the angelic hymn of glory and faithful hearts are gladdened by the wonderful tidings from heaven. Fer, on this day was born to us Savior, who is Christ the Lord. duke ID When the fulness of time was come (Gal. iv:D God sent His Son into the world. Then prophecy and vision were fulfilled (Dan. ix:24 the Star rose out of Jacob (Nu. Xxiv :1O; the Just Branch was raised to David Ger. xxi: !; the earth budded forth the Savior, (Is. xxxxv:S). While all things were in deep est silence, and the night was in the midst of her course, the Almighty Word came down from heaven, from the royal throne of God (Wisdom xxviii:1D. And behold the old error passed away Qs. Xxvi:3). Light rose to men that had walked in darkness and dwelt in the shadow of death Qs. K 9. The King of Glory came to His creatures, to speak peace unto the gentiles and to establish his power from sea to sea Zach. ix:9, 10). He came to strengthen His empire in judgment and justice, and to make it prevail for ever (Is ix:O.
 "A chosen few only witnessed the ac- compllshment of Gods higher purpose, for His designs are carried out in the majesty of silence. On the plains of Bethlehem angels heralded the coming of the King and the Star made known His birthplace. But the surface of society was unmoved and the world was taken up with little projects Of it's own. How ever. since that day, faithful souls with out number have partly grasped the deep significance of the Incarnation, and we likewise must try to realize how much it means to us.
 Tn the first place, the incarnation in creases and perfects faith Our belief is grounded on authority. It deals with mysteries which no natural fact is lumin- ous enough to bring home to our under standing At times it promulgates the absolutely supernatural, and we are not privileged and fitted to comprehend either the breadth or depth of that which is re- vealed Yet though we possess no per feet knowledge in matters of belief, we have most perfect certitude. For we ac- cept all revelation on the word of God who can neither deceive nor be deceived. But God who at sundry times, and in divers manners, spoke in time past by the prophets, last of all Gin these days hath spoken to us by his Son." Qieb ii:0. No ore can doubt when it is Christ that speaks. He is Truth itself and 'the true light which enlighteneth every man that cometh into this world (John i:2) He is Gods authentic messenger, now, God Himself. In Him we place most per- feet trust.
 ",rhen. the coming of Christ sustains and strengthens our hope. The basis of this virtue is reliance upon Gods good ness But in the incarnation we have the highest assurance of His unfailing mercy and enduring love. It convinces us of the Fathers infinite bounty. For our sake He sent His son. Hath he not also with him given us all things?' (Rom. viii, 32) We are not endowed with the profound religious genius of the psalmist nor do we possess his mighty inspiration, and yet on account of the incarnation every one may say with equal confidence. Thou art my hope, o Lord, from my youth. CPS. 70, 5.)
 Love for Infant Savior
 'It is evident that the infant Savior inflames our hearts with love- His birth is the great appeal of heavenly charity to the human soul. I am come,' said the Reedemer, to cast fire on earth, and what will but that it be kindled,' (I.uke xii, 4e). He wins His creatures by extinguishing carnal love or by turning their affections into a proper channel. He reclaims the souls that have wandered from Him by means of themselves, as the prophet said, I will draw them with cords of Adam. with the bands of love-. tOsee Ri, 14.) Truly He draws us with cords of Adam, or of human nature. conquering us at His will and yet entirely by ourselves. Therefore, did He surround His coming