University of South Carolina Libraries
songs of joy •nrich your life. Much thanks! WHELCHEL’S USED * CARS AND GARAGE * Joanna, S. C. — 991-6786 * ****♦*******-* Sym.t>olism. Of Oolors The beauty of the stained- glass windows in churches can be attributed to the \ ivid contrasts of clear col or. All of the colors have a spiritual aspect, according to the practicers of this an cient craft. The sapphire blues of the heavens reflect steadfast ness, devotion and the ef fects of calm meditation. Ruby reds are the hues of life, itself . . . enthusiasm, courage and sacrifice, and of love. Red is the color of valor, action the wings of the seraphims and the gift of the Church’s mar tyrs. The gold of t he sun is also the color of silence and strength. Poets and philosn pliers refer to the "golden thread" joining this life with the next. And yellow is associated with joy. Green is the color sym bolic of Spring, of youth and renewing promise. It typi fies rebirth and newness of ife. {Tfinstmas wetings Fbr all I he bountiful bt&sings of Christmas, let us rejoice! To each and every one of our good friends and patrons, we extend, with sincere appreciation, good wishes for the holiday. HOLMAN MOTOR COMPANY North Harper Street Laurens 4 Legends, Loved for Centuries During the Middle Ages in Europe, legends sur rounding the birth of Christ circulated from family to family and from generation to generation. Here are 4 of these legends: the Stork On Christ’s Birthday even the birds and animals felt the wonder of it, and knelt down to pray. The ox, the badger, all manner of wild and domestic beast, includ ing the long-legged stork, flocked ’round where the babv Jesus lay. The stork, seeing how mean His bed, nlucked the soft down from her breast, pulled plumes for Himto cushion Mis head. Ever since then, the no ble stork has been patron of babies of every land. the Rosemary $ the Robin # ^ the Birthday WPCC Greenwood Highway 833-1562 VISIT OF THE THREE KINGS, or litre Night. Literally translated, ' Er r'h3 n Saviour. Epiphany is celebrated in v of fesus and His first miracle at Ca e W rr se Vt-n ,s t'jcit- tai.y ce ebratea .n toe Christian church as Ep phany, or Twelfth nans "appearance " and also commemorat-s the manifest,:’ion of as Chest the m r.ays Jhfyughout the Aorid. The visit of the Three Kings to Bethlehem the baptism e a‘ three beaver; to have happened on th» same date, though in different yea - s. Christmas tfSiv Wishing that the joy of ^ When Mary and Joseph fled with the infant Jesus into Egypt, the flowers showed their love by blos soming wherever the little caravan went. Everywhere, the air was filled wdth, heavenly frag rances k ..*. from the lilac, from many flowers and plants. Even the serene lily spread wide her cup of gratitude. Only the green rosemary, petal-less, could not con tribute to the poetry of col or and sweet or spicy scent. The rosemary grieved. As Mary paused to rest, she decided to wash His lit tle garments and hang them to dry, for the journey to morrow. But where to hang them ? The fragile lily broke . . . the proud lilac was out of reach. So on the sturdy branches of the rosemary she hung the raiment to the sun. “I thank you, gentle Rose mary,” said the Mother of Jesus . . . “henceforth you shall bear blue flowers for remembrance of my blue cloak. And, where His cloth ing touched you, all shall be fragrantly aromatic." And so she blessed leaf, stem and flower of the modest rose mary. When Christ was horn in the manger, He had few comforts in the rude stable, assailed by cruel winds. His Mother pleaded with the oxen and the donkeys, and even the cart-horse to breathe on the listless embers and bring some warmth from them. But all dozed and dreamed, not hearing the frail Mary. Suddenly into the stable flew a brow|j4)ird. Making a bellows of his wings he puffed up his feathers and maple forays into the slum bering fires, stirring ‘them to a rousing flame, all the while risking Ids little hodv for his Lord's comfort. ^ Even though the flames seared him, the bird, nt)w red-breasted, sang loud and cheerfully. Soon all the stable was comforting and warm . . . and softly slept the Christ- Child. “Master Robin,” said Mary, “wear now a breast of red, a blessed stain on your heart, that all may see the symbol of your love.” On Christmas Eve, some say. certain fortunate little children are gathered up by angels to visit the Christ- child in Paradise. It is said they have such a pandemonium of fun, Hea ven is rent with their laugh ter. They toss gold balls, climb the ever-beaut iful trees, reach forth to touch the stars, join Him in a celestial chorus of sweet young voices. Then, drowsing upon their angels - stalwart shoulders, they are borne earthward through the night, and by angels tucked tenderly into their little beds at home. On Christmas Day and later, when they try to tell about the journey and the Birthday party, they can not form the words, and fall silent m happy remem brance. Parents look at each other quest ioningly, and smiling, go about their ways thinking their child is lost in a fanciful dream. Yet, how blessed are these little ones who with their own eyes have seen the daz zle of Heaven and can;, through all their lives the \ erv magic oft ’hrist mas Spruce Or Fir? If you plan to keep a tree lew day«, tne Nor- for just a few days, way spruce Is very well shaped, has good color and is perhaps your best buy. Its one faUing Is that is sheds Its needles rather qukkly. Any of the long needle pines such as the balsam fir & douglas fir, last much longer but are more ex pensive. Select the tree that has pyramidal shape, branches that come well down to the base, and with abundant foliage. i • • ••••*••• GORDONS MENS SHOES V DEXTER HANDSEWN NOW 10 % off YULE CUSTOMS ARE lAlilUII Although most Christian customs originated in the East the identification of December 25 with the birthday of Christ is believed to have been initiated by Latins. As early as 354 A.D., the feast was said to have been trans ferred from January 6 to December 25, the day for the pagan feast of the sun. Not only in Latin countries, but also in German and Celtic provinces the early Christians celebrated the feast day of the “return of the sun” as Christ’s birthday. From the pagan celebration in Teutonic lands many customs were adapted for the Christmas festivities, in cluding the Yule log and the wassail bowl. In many places, part of the Yule log was retained to light the log of the following year. Mistletoe, still popular at Christmas time, was used by the ancient Celts of Ireland in their elaborate pagan festivities. 43ft "Blessei (fetmas FOR CARDS Plunge several evergreen branches into a large flower pot. Paint a clay pot bright red or green. You can display your Cnristmas cards on the branches by tapeing or clipping them on. a Moore's Citizens Loon & Finance Co. j^l04 N. Broad St. 833-2501 J )+- A Child lies in a manger. A Star shines brightly upon the earth, reflecting the glory of His birth. May this eternal light of love shine into every heart, bringing peace to all men and a holy, happy Christmas to you and yours. J Chronicle Publishing Co. 109 Gary Street 858-0541 ^ -k-kiririf-kirk•kit'kirir iririr'kir-kirkirie-kit