The Alexandria Herald

CHRISTMAS.

This day--the anniversary of the Saviour's Birth, again greets the Christian world. It comes to remind us of that sacred era, which the holy Jesus hallowed by his advent to our earth, and his assumption of our nature. The calendar of the saints registers no epoch so dear to memory. History records no event so momentous to man. Through the long vista of 1800 years, the eye of faith still sees the unfaded radiance of that halcyon morning, whose orient beams were the first dawnings of an immortal day, and over which the lapse of ages has thrown no obscurity. It was an era, which time can never blot from the recollections of man; which eternity cannot expunge from the archives of heaven. Then it was, that the great scene of redemption opened, and the stupendous scheme of mercy, projected in the sublime councils of heaven, began to develope. Then the great prophecy of ages was turned into history, and the Shiloh of early promise stood revealed. Then were promulged those "glad tidings of great joy," which first cheered to ecstasy the shepherds of Bethlehem, and which were soon to be "published to all people." Then the morning stars were attuned to melody, and the arches of heaven rang with the hosannas of angels. Vain were the attempt to portray the glories of that auspicious day, which filled the earth with shouts of jubilation, and lighted up new lustre in the skies. The pens, the tongues, the language of mortals are impotent in the effort. Eloquence may array all its troops and figures; the muse may combine all her imagery, and soar on her sublimest wing; and, without the promptings of inspiration, leave the lofty theme all untold.

[Salem Gazette.]