The Manawatu Herald. Thursday, December 23, 1909. CHRISTMAS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 702, 23 December 1909, Page 2

The Manawatu Herald. Thursday, December 23, 1909. CHRISTMAS.

Christmas is a festival of joy~a time when man’s heart is softened and he takes a delight in giving—the old adage comes home to us; “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” There are hundreds of homes at the glad season made bright by man’s generosity, and the angel of joy reigns for a little while in the dwellings of rich and poor. Those who give of their abundance reap a harvest of happiness in the inward knowledge that they have made others happy —and those who have little of this world’s goods, reap equal happiness in the knowledge that others have thought of them. It is the act of sympathy that casts the rays of sunshine in a world that is only too often cold and cloudy. This is not a season simply of material joy—there is something far greater than that —it is a season of spiritual joy. Christmas is distinctly a religious festival when the world realises the Father’s Eternal Christmas gift to all mankind, in the sending of His Son, born of a woman. The least mankind can do at this season of joy and gladness is to be grateful, and to acknowledge that gift by an outburst of praise and adoration —and by a feeling of generosity towards those among whom He dwells.

Before another issue of the Heraed reaches our readers, Christmas 1909, with its glad reunions and festivities —and to some, alas, its sorrows —will have been numbered with the past. In all Christian countries peace and good will should reign in the hearts of men. ’Tis a fitting time for the super man to come uppermost. Misunderstandings and bitterness for a lime, at least, should be banished and a truce declared. Have you the power to make someone happy ? Don’t let the opportunity pass. Remember, you will never return over the old track again. This paper wishes its readers a real happy time and as each assembles round the festive board “ May good digestion wait on appetite—and health on both.”

With respect to our owu little corner of the globe, we have been blest with a phenomenal season. Feed has been plentiful and as a result dairy farmers have been able to derive an increased sum for their butter fat. Wool is on the up-grade and hemp is returning a profit to all concerned The stringency in the money market has almost departed and the prospects for the future are bright. Helped by all these good things, together with employment for all who are willing and can work, there is no reason why we should not enjoy Christmas to the full. Not forgetting the sick, the sad, the sorrowing we wish all A Merry Christmas.