South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1916-12-24

to garland their temples and homes and gathering
places and even the big Coliseum with boupbs Of
green and ropes OF flowers. This particular Gus
tom received by the Christians with = sneciaI
sort OF approval, recalling as did, the fact that
our Lord entered Jerusalem amid the strevyn
branches of the multitude.
We must not forget the welcome and lovely
mlstletoe and holly. Indeed, Christmas without
them would not, with US, seem quite complete.
Mlstletoe was for ages regarded as sacred by the
old British pagans-the Druids-and was sur
rounded with great mystery and sentiment little
understood by US
1t was supposed TO possess healing mowers and
that it could ward of evil spirits The reverence
paid to this little parasite seems to have been re-
stricted to it only when it was found growing on
the sacred oak trees in the Druids' groves.
Once every year the Druid high priest cut #
with golden sickle, blessed L and distributed the
sprays among the people, praying aloud that each
one who received it might receive divine BLESSINGS
OF which it was the symbol Having received the
sprays, the people hung them above the doors to
Propitiate the gods during the year
The only remaining significance attached TODAY
to the nistletoe is the idea that if maiden !, NOT
kissed under it on Christmas day she will 90 I'M
''ed throughout the year. This idea goes so far
back into the past that one cannot trace it.
CHRISTMAS to US Is usually quiet dav. The
- hustle and excitement of preparation are over.
shops are closed, and family groups assemble
where possible. 1t is essentially day of the home
and "The home is the heart of the universe"
The symbolism of the Christmas bells how
ever, does not have to do with the quietude or
hustle Of the day season. They ring out the
message Of the first Christmas and the centuries
OF struggle and achievement which have followed
There are sections of our own country that IL
lustrate elequently what land without a Christ
mas may be. In colonial times groups of pioneers
found homes In certain middle-southern, noun
famous regions. Here they lived and multiplied.
They came of sturdy stock and were industrious.
Groups of contemporary settlers located in other
regions, taking their faith with them and building
up churches IN which to worship
Years have passed-sufficient in fact 70 demon
strate beyond any gainsaying, the difference be-
tween communities with and without spiritual
ideals. Today the parts of the country which
settled by our forefathers, who were ready TO
suffer for their convictions, lead IN progressive
ness, benevolences, magnificent institutions and
wealth; while the people who left their ideal be-
hind became the poor, mountain whites of certain
sections
Today the favored communities are send
ing the means of education and enlightenment TO
those who, IN many instances, are lacking in the
first fundamentals of common school education.
and are eager to learn that they may be like other
people.
1t is worth while, indeed, for home groups to
assemble to enjoy the finest meal Of the entire
year, and to offer gifts to each other which are
tokens of affection too often unspoken. II
should be day unmarried by npleasantness;
day when each one tries to do something for the
rest OF the home circle; day Of thanksgiving for
countless blessings; day of peace and kindness
and thought of those whom we may help to enjoy
some of the good things which have been ours
Our own land has abundance for Joyous
Christmas, but we cannot forget those who
through no fault of their own, are strangely be-
reft this Christmastide. It must all be for some
good purpose which it is difficult for US to see, yet
we can remember that the pattern being woven on
the looms of present time shows us but the tangled
threads Of the under side; still we are certain that
the upper side something is being wrought
through suffering and sacrifice, which in the end
Will be revealed in all its symmetry and powe,
(WHICH Is the local, and public angle of Il
w now as TO ourselves. We shall greet you
again in the morning, but repetition can do no
harm.
A Merry Christmas to you all. Let yourself
surrender to the season. Don't be afraid, much