(PUBLISHED DAILY.) Suivant la verite. MONDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1883. CHKISTMASTIDE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume IV, Issue 23, 24 December 1883, Page 2

(PUBLISHED DAILY.) Suivant la verite. MONDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1883. CHKISTMASTIDE.

. — ■ ■ .» It is customary for newspapers to say a few wd^ds on each returning anniversary ol the event which to-morrow will be celebrated m every Christian land. The day is hallowed by many and sacred associations, hailing from an age prior to the day of freethought on BUch subjects. Christians cling to their ancient form of belief that tomorrow is the anniversary of the, birth of Him who died to save the world, and by whom alone the plan of Salvation has been laid down. It will soon be two thousand years since that memorable event took place, but though century after century has rolled pait since its .occurrence, still is it commemorated a3 the grettt festival— the day for the breaking forth of holy joy and thanksgiving. It is right and proper that such a festivity should be kept up and solemniaed by special

religious rites, for so doing keeps the mind alive to the sacied responsibitites of life, and cause 9 Christiau feelings to be active within the soul. Tt should be a day set apart for loving communion one with another, when the enmities of the year are to be forgotten and forgiven. In the Home country the association* are more strongly marked and observed than m the Colonies. There we would hear — In December ring Every <3aj the ohimea ; Load the $»leemen sing In the street their merry rhymes. All this would bring to the mind the hallowed memories of the season, typical of the time when — I Shepherd* at the grange, ' When the Babe was born, Sang with many a ohang* Chri*tma9 carols uiiil morn. Thje groat motto of the day we celebrate is " Peace on earth ; goodwill to men" ; and m the minds of each and all the memories of the sacred anniversary should be fraught with joy, leading the soul to glance heaven ward after the weary taskwork of the year. "We trust that to every one of our readers the day will bring happines* ; and not forgettiug the mourners, that they may have comfort. In. tins 3pirir, and with cordial and we trust reciprocal good feeling, we wish each of the community, old and 7°« n g> -.. ■ . A Happy Christmas.