THE Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1912. CHRISTMAS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 10713, 24 December 1912, Page 4

THE Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1912. CHRISTMAS.

Christinas lias a peculiar fascination for young .and old in English-spoak-;ig communitiea. The seasons may bo different. . The modes of celebration may bo dissimilar. But the season is regarded with tlie same kindly ! solicitude, the same mutual forgivenesses, tie ' same veneration, the same joyous gatherings wherever the name of Christ is spoken in respect. The period is peculiarly one tor religious observances; for the recognition of the supreme act of Godhead love which has brought nations int-:> Christian civilization and their peoples into righteousness. Into the spirit of these observances people rightly enter with enthusiasm and devotion, for upon the full recognition of the significance of the greatest of all world events depends the foundation of our Christian religion. The message tluit was conveyed by the herald angels, as they sang the glad tidings of the birth of a. new era, has reverberated throughout the length and beadth' of the world, and has for nearly two thousand year operated in restoring amity, maintaining the equilibrium of nations, and dispensing liberty, freedom and goodwill among the peoples. lb is well, that, at a time when thousands of voices will be chanting Christmas oarobj,' and a chorus will bo raised of "Peace on Earth, Goodwill toward Men," thero should be a cessation of hostilitiet in the Balkanfl, a calmer spirit among the nations, fcncl «n ardenti disposition to recognise the breadth and depth of the Divine mcs- j sage. Under: sucE circumstances in* .sublime meaning of the words will appeal to us with tho groatan fore* tfJitl meaning. Peace on m tffl t $»&•

we should have if these words were appreciated at their fullest by individuals as well as nations! But, though, all of ua will confess that we have fallen far short of the ideal, there is something about the present season that impels us to acts of selfsacrifice and humanity; tliat causea us to think of those who are in less-favoured circumstances; that induces mutual forgiveness and forbearance; and that createy a feeling of reverence for all that is good, and noble, and upright, and true. Apart from the religious and "sentimental attributes of the Christmas season, thorn are traditional festivities which, born of custom and reared on susceptibility, are insuperable from the occasion. In these the juvenile section of the community plays a. most important part. What wholesome pleasure the visit of Santa Clans brings to the 'household! How the stocking ;s displayed over-night, and 'how restless is the sleep of the juvenile as he, or .sho, dreams of the good things, that tho beneficent purveyor of toys is to dispense! With what delight does the parent strive to decoivo the innocent young with an almost religious deceipt! It is all so beautiful and so refreshing. Then there is our Christmas dinner —our risking indiges-, tion and & hundred' and one different ailments as wo discuss the goose, thfc plum-pudding and the various other delicacies that are thrust before us. We do not have to endure it. We enjoy it, and take the consequences with a philosophy peculiarly our own. But, as we perform our religious devotions, and indulge in tho traditional festivities( and partake of the delicious viand s *, let us remember tho sick and thft afflicted, the poor and the unprovided for; those upon whom has fallen the mantle of sorrow and bereavement. Let us strive to make others happy, even as wo would be happy ourselves. If we would do this : if wo would eliminate all uncharitable and unkind thoughts; if we would extend the hand of fellowship to our neighbours,'then would we spend in truth, "A MERRY CHRISTMAS!"