The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

PAGE B10, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22. 1976, WHLTBY FREE PRESS the spirit of Christmas The spirit of Christmas bas many manifestations . .. it can be the giving of a beautiful diamond, or the gift of a hand-made pot- bolder. It can be the glow of a fireside, welcoming guests to a home for the bolidays. It can be tbe deligbt on a child's face as the newl'y- decorated tree is lighted for the first time, The Christmas spirit can be the long hours spent by choir members, rehears- ing for that special holiday service. It can be a wreath upon the door,greeting passers- by and visitors. It can be the careful counting out of pennies at the dime store by a young- ster for that special gift. It can be a mother's loy- THE SPIRIT 0F CHRISTMAS PULLOUT SECTION ing preparation of fruit cake and cookies for the coming bolidays. ChriStmas spirit can be shown by a club, organiz- ing baskets of food to give to the poor of the com- munity. It can be taking a box of cookies to that el derly per- son down the street. It can be the act of stoppingz at a' chapel to off er prayers for family or friends. It can be hours spent addressing greeting cards. It can be the caroling of young people at a conva- lescent home or hospital. It can be a busy father's taking time to read the Christmas story to bis chul- dren. It can be a little child, laboriously memorizing lines for the sehool pageant. It can be ail these things and many more, because the spirit of Christmas is the spirit of love. "The gift without the giver is bare. Who gives of bimself with bis alms feeds three; himself, bis bunger- ing neigbbor, and me,'> ..James Russell Lowell ALMS-GIVING CUSTOM Giving alms to, the poor at Christmas originated in the belief that the Christ child, disguised as a beg- gar during the holiday season, went from door, to door in search of those Who were kind and deserving. His test was to plead for aid and, as it was feared that He migbt be turned away unrecognized, none were refused who so asked. Madonna and Child, bathed in light, :The symbols of a promise briglit STo mankind given thru' prophets old, SA hope to generations yet untold. This Holy Babe with loving Mary, In His small Self a gift does carry %From God the Father: God the Son, No men that they may be as one. Nw Mary smiles upon the Child Who cornes in such a unanner mild #To take His place as King of Kings, SW ho with His birth salvation brings. For this sweet Babe and mother Young Let homage joyously be sung; 'Let painters praise theun with great art; #Let there be praise in every heart! The happiest greetings of the season to euery- one. We have enjoyed seruing you this year and uje hope to be doing business with you again in the future. VICTORIA & GREY TRUST CO. 300 Dun"a St. W. Whitby 668&9324 1