18 -- PORT PERRY STAR {ATTRA SARE BEAN CLEA i ras 34 Wa "Thursday, Dec. 23rd, 1965 It's "Merry Christmas" AlThrough The Town "Merry Christmas!" In these 'two familiar words, often heard and, often repeated, there lives and glows the meaning of The first of all Christmases, on that Holy Night nearly two thousand years ago. As the happy day approaches, this community like many hundreds of thousands of other towns and cities around the world, proclaims the spirit of the season in ringing bells and happy carols, in gleaming lights and festive decorations. Through all the celebrations the simple words of greeting run -- community, church, family -- like a growing thread, weaving together into one joyous whole all the many glorious things that Christmas stands for. 'Merry Christmas!' The words remind that Christmas is traditionally a timé of merriment, a time for family and friends to gather together. 'Merry Christmas!" The words remind that Christmas is, indeed more than merry. The lights and the laughter, the fun and the feasting are but the surface sym- bols of all Christmas truly means. It is a time of giving and sharing, a time to remem- ber others, not only family, friends and neighbours, but all mankind, and especially the less fortunate among us, As gaily wrapped packages make their way to Christmas trees around our town, the gifts once again recall the spirit of giving that began with the gold, frankincense and myrrh of the Wise Men, and the frag- rant evergreen trees represent the message of the Christ Child, the inspiration of life eternal. "Merry Christmas," We say, and with the words we seek lo share our reverent wonder at the age-old story, our joy in ever-present blessings. HOW CELEBRATIONS BEGAN "Merry Christmas!" The words are simple, familiar, even old- fashioned, yet they contain a newness and freshness, a signi- ficance to thrill the heart of mankind, Whence did they come, these familiar words? As a holy day AY | C 17 4/474 dE a hz 3S Cl 108 May the good cheer of Christmas brighten every home, lighten every heart. Especially, may you and yours have a wonderful holiday. MASTER FEEDS ol = (J IES 4 a= [5 o HAPPY HOLIDAYS We want to say a sincere "thank you" to all our great friends and wish them all the laughter, fun and good cheer of this happy holiday season, GORDON A. PRENTICE ESSO DEALER LE SA AL AY XN - Laat 80 NEA FO Fal CELA Sw BAGH HERS Fs and a holiday, Christmas means both festive merrymaking and prayerful worship, and both meanings are expressed in the traditional greeting, "Merry Christmas." Christmas, commemorating the birth of Christ, derives its name from the medieval "Chri- stes Masse", the mass of Christ. Yet, in the first centuries of the Christian church, there was no celebration of the birth of Christ, no Christmas, The December festivals of those days were pagan in nae ture-----the Roman Saturinalia in Southern Europe, the Yuletide festival of the winter solstice in Northern Europe. When, in the fifth century A.D., Christmas began to be celebrated on December 25, the old customs of the pagan fes- tivals were connected with the Christmas feast. The merry- making continued, but it gained a deeper meaning, as pagan tra- ditions were hallowed by asso- ciation with the Nativity. Thus Christmas. became "Merry Christmas.!" IT'S THAT. TIME AGAIN (Continued) sheep and oxen and donkeys in the stable serenaded him with their sounds. That child was born into a worse age than this one, regardless of our Viet Nams, Rhodesias and Kashmirs. Many people say that it was because of Him that ours is a better world today. And it also has been said that perhaps an- other child--maybe yours--will grow up and change the course of history by fulfilling that Child's dearest dream: "That you might have life, and have it more abundantly." sincerely hope this Christmas overs "flows with all the good things, mok- ing It very special for our good friends, Manchester Garage JACK & ANNE WANNINKHOF 'Chis Christmas, We greet you and wish you an abundance of the season's joy. GOOD WILL TOWARD MEN The blessed wish of the Christmas season is expressed anew, as we join our heartfelt prayeis with yours, that peace and good will may soon endure for all, Lake Scugog Lumber Co. Lid. ristmas IY Christmas i Season Is here again, giving us the opportunity to express our gratitude to our customers. ' Our pleasant association with you is a privilege indeed. FORDER BROS. BUTCHER SHOP NORM MIDDLETON, Proprietor | JA TO