Loading...
The Huron Expositor, 1982-12-22, Page 12• .- I1i 1' liur0n Expositor • , Since 1860, Serving the Community first Incorporating _ BrtlISW b Post founded 1872 12 Main St. 527-0240 Published at SEAFORTH, ONTARIO every Wednesday afternoon by Signal -Star Publishing Limited Jocelyn A. Shrler, Publisher Susan White, Editor t-(, W. (Herb) Turkheim, Advertising Manager Mem&lr-.-Canadian Community Newspaper Association, Ontario Community Newspaper Association and Audit ' Bureau of Circulation A member of the Ontario Press Council saiititatzta5, Subscription rates: Canada 317.75 a year (In advance) outside Canada $50. a year (in advance) Single Copies - 50 cents each Second class mail registration number 0696 T e old, ohstory "Luke -Chap. 2 Verse 1-20 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all .the world should be taxed: (And this taxing was first made when Cy'renius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his.own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth into Judea, unto' the city of David which is called Bethlehem; (Because he was of the house and lineage of David.) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth his first-born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord carne upon them. and the glory of the Lord shone around about them: and they were sore afraid. -And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, 1 bring you good tidings off great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David A Savior, which is Christ the Lord. -And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye Shall find the- babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the' heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, ,good will toward Men'. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a ,manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and 'praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. A minister's . message BY REV. J.G. VANSLYKE. Northside United Chtirch, Seaforth, and Cavan United Church, Winthrop. When 1 went to school, we were required to learn the intricacies of equations. In solving certain types of problems we were taught to let the letter "X" represent the unknown quantity. Today, we frequently find people writing the word Xmas when they are referring to December 25. 1 often wonder if they let the "X" in their Xmas represent the unknown quantity in their Christmas. This holiday season has many beautiful things associated with it. But do we realize that these things symbolize orpoint beyond themselves to a certain baby that was born in a manger at Bethlehem long ago? For instance, we link candles and bright coloured lights with Christmas. Once again our towns are taking on—d festive atmos- phere as the decorations are lighted. But does this beauty and brightness become an end in itself? Or does it point us to Jesus Christ who is the light of the world. Without Him, life is very dull and drab. Each Christmas we hear a great deal of beautiful music. But does it speak to us of something or someone beyond itself? it tells of "Silent Night" and "Joy to the World". But does it lead us back to that silent night when a little boy was born? He has continued to bring joy and happiness to the whole world. However- there is little doubt that the dominant thing in many Christmases is gifts. Many families spent more money, time and attention on gifts than on any other part of Christmas. Are these presents ends in themselves or do they represent Him whom God sent to bring the gift of new life to mankind? Have you ever received one of those cruel Christmas packages which was covered with beautiful ribbons and wrapping but contained nothing inside? Everyone laugh- ed as y ou undid one layer after another and finally found nothing at the centre. You smiled bravely but felt hurt and heartsick as you threw away the wrapping and had nothing left. Many people feel that way when Christmas has passed. The season has many lovely wrappings. But we feel disappointed. unless at the very centre we find the gift that abides --the gift of new faith in Jesus Christ as the Lord of life. May this Christmas Season 1982 be a time of new peace and joy and blessing to you and your family. The heart goes home BY W.G. Strong Christmas is a very special time of the year for friends and relatives and hearth - warmed reunions. Horne becomes the focal point during this intimate celebration. Home is a traditionally trimmed gift -wrap- ped place. As the nights lengthen and the wintry winds arrive and the outdoors turns crispy cold, the inside radiates warmth from a blazing fire. The kitchen fills with sugary smells and the rooms are illuminated by multi, coloured lights of merriment. A beautifully gown. freshly -cut eve green stands majestically. The aro of the forest saturates the home: the p of pine permeates the farthest orner. Upon the top of this Christmas tree. a star is placed. The branches of the tree open wide to welcome its ornaments, a little blue bird from Aunt Martha. a slightly ragged cloth candy cane made by a grandchild some years ago; brightly coloured balls. new replacing the ones the cat had friskly pawed and the shimmering icicles placed with such deliberate care. The manger is dusted. th- ornaments tenderly wiped of their summer slumber and under this beautiful tree, artifacts associated with the Christmas season are arranged just as they werelaat year Dishes filled with candy tidbits. nuts, fruit and plates of patterned cookied J aoounu to temp ui, t'aehages spirited from underneath beds. from the top closet shelv s. from dresser drawers, tempt the imagination. On the front door of the house, a wreath laced with snowflakes and a large red ribbon gives a clue to what awaits inside. The porch light casts a soft glow upon the newly fallen snow; a bell rings inside the house. Home traditionally trimmed for this Christmas season opens the door and welcomes the traveller. Christmas is the season for visiting and sharing and remembering. This remembrance of home remains throughout the year to be refurbished again another season. THE HEART GOES HOME AT CHRISTMAS The heart goes home on Christmas Day. Though you're a million miles away. There comes the time your heart will leave To span all space on Christmas Eve And walk a path across a hill Where Candles burn on a windowsill. To find in old remembered places Love and welcome on dear faces. Yes, the lonely heart will find its way, And if even all have gone away, Love is there. secure and strong. This a heart will find and long For home again, however far. Along the way of the Christmas star. L.M. Crumley Remembering friends it is once„again that wonderful time of year when thoughts turn to friends who have been helpful during the year just coming to a close. You are high on my list. for The Post has assisted in the weekly, late Saturday Night presentations based on the small town press. There has been quite a change in your life-style with the amalgamation of your individual newspaper with the Expositor. 1 .find myself refusing to accept the demise of the Post as I have known it for nearly half a century. and will continue to isolate its pages in The Expositor, maintaining them as a separate entity. inc Evelyn Kennedy column of "Short Shots" .and the Ron Wassink photos and stories will still, to me, be definitely from the likeable little town of Brussels, which also holds the unique distinction of being my wife's birthplace. Thinking of the year past, it comes to mind that on at least one occasion 1 have been able to quote you folks directly. it was, if memory serves me correctly, a photo of Jill McCutch- eon. saving postage by hand delivering the Editor's automotive account to her. Yours faithfully Arthur Carr CKCO-TV's "Country Editor" 5- Valuable horses killed in 1882 DECEMBER 15, 1882 John Nott, veterinary surgeon of Brussels, states that John Roddick of Grey township. lost a valuable mare from inflammation of the lungs, caused by giving medicine through the nose. Mr. Nott says it is a dangerous and foolish practice. He has known a number of valuable horses killed in the same way since he came to Brussels. The Seaforth Flax Mill is again in full operation. The crop this year has been large, and as the proprietors of the mill had a very considerable breadth under cultivation tilts year besides what they purchased, the mill will be kept steadily employed during the season. The lamp in the large heater used for warming water in the bar of Dennie Brothers' hotel in Seaforth exploded. Fortunately the fire was extinguished before any seriouc damage was done. John Middleton is said to be the largest taxpayer in Goderich township. His taxes / e A mess Eight Christmases ago I wrote a column in a magazine that probably brought more reaction than any column I've ever written. Ht was a column written for my -two daughters. Since then a son and a third daughter' have come along but the meaning remains the same. • You lie there sleeping, my children, so strangely quiet after your day of hectic activity. In a few short hours you'll be on the go again, doing all those little things that can make a father strain to keep his cool. But now the devilment is gone and the an di)@ yGicao agora@ this year will amount to over 5100. John Wallace, living near Bushfield (Blyth), sustained a serious loss in the destruction of a valuable team. He was on his way to Blyth, when nearing a railway crossing, he looked cautiously along the track, as far as the banks of snow would permit. No sooner had the horses stepped upon the crossing than the past -due train from the north, came .upon them like a thunderbolt. The horses were instantly killed. Mr. Wallace and passenger Joseph Dwyer, barely escaped with their lives. DECEMBER 27, 1907 John O'Keefe, a cattle buver of Seaforth. brought action against John Ransford of Clinton, claiming damages for not delivering certain fat cattle that O'Keefe bought from Ransford. Judge Holt has given judgement in favour of Mr. O'Keefe, ordering Mr. Ransford to pay damages and costs Christmas passed off very quietly in Seaforth. The weather, although blustery, was pleasant and sleighing was good. Citizens spent the day in social enjoyment and in curling and skating at the rink,. Saturday last was a busy day in town. The hotels, stores and other business places were more than thronged. The well known firm of Stewart Bros., clothiers, 'say they did the largest business in the history off their house, Miss M.J. Baird, B.A., of Toronto Junction, has been engaged by the Seaford! Collegiate Institute Board, as teacher of modern languages and history. She is the successor to Miss Steele. at a salary of 5800. DECEMBER 23, 1932 JerryDoyle, St. Columban hockey player, was injured at the Palace Rink during a practise game. Knocked down when he v � e �,,+r y e 1lt,i�. ret D@[ owl 'Rh@ OC@W@, by �C ikh QOMDSSn©n innocence fills your darkened room. And my love fills the room too. .. Christmas will,soon be here and your mother, and 1 are ondering these days what gifts to get you. nig gifts I would like to give to you no money could buy. They are more precious than the gold and myrrh and frankincense the wise men brought. 1 cannot give these gifts. I can only wish them for you. For you, on this Christmas. f wish the gift of eternal childhood. Oh. I know your body will grow and your mind will mature and someday von'll he Ctandlnn lookino dawn at your own children sleeping, but! wish for you to always keep the qualities of imagination and wonderment that make childhood such a wonderful time. You'll grow older, but may you never grow jaded and cynical as so many THE CHRISTMAS CANDLE CHURCHES THROUGHOUT the world have been celebrating the birth of Christ with the lighting of Advent candles. Dana and Daniel Dalton, children of Roy and Gwen Dalton of Egmondville, complete the lighting celebration at the Egmondville United Church. Shepherds endwise men are depicted in the background as they witness the birth of a King. (Wassink photo) What do we 1 don't know what to get my grandboys for Christmas, and that's a fact, 1 know what I'd like to give them, and I know what they want, but neither one fits the bill. Except that they call me "Bill" and it's Bill who meets the bill. What 1'd like to give them is what we'd all like to give our children and grandchildren: a feeling of security, of being loved, health, happiness, good marriages, children of their own, acclaim in their chosen fields, whether it be pumping gas or pumping philosophy, good and dear friends, dignity, honor, virtue, integrity, and enough to eat for the rest of their lives. Pretty wild dream, eh?, for children who will, if they are lucky. sail into the twenty-first century as young adults. They'll have a feeling of security and love as long as I'm around. Health is dicey. at the rate our great leaders are allowing the world to be polluted. Happiness is something you experience. if you're lucky, two or three times in your life. They'll probably make lousy marriages, as so many marriages, as so many do these days. i can't guarantee they'll even be any good at pumping gas . or philosophy same thing. Their friends may tarn out to be rotten traitors. Their dignity and all the rest is up to them. 1 can't even promise they'll have enough to eat for life, although they try to store up enough when they're visiting to make do for years. So. I can't give them what I'd like to. Nobody can buy God, and He doesn't hand get the gran • • ys kgsgai cod Mc@ by DOH $ rt D@'y out stuff like that at Christmas, or any other time. lou have to grow, and roll, your own. 1 know what they want. Nothing much. Simple, really. Just about three thousand dollars worth of electronic games: Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back. and such. And new skates. And a rifle each. And a magic wand each. And anything quite expensive that is guaranteed smashable in eight seconds. And some explosives. to blow up their teacher. And a kitten each, and a dog each. and a horse each. and, if it weren't too much trouble, Grandad (Bill), maybe a small elephant each. Nothing fancy. What I'd like to give them is impossible, realistically, and what they'd like to get is impossible financially and aesthetically. And grandmotherly. My old lady is sick of having kittens dumped on her. She'd have a stroke if the boys went off, after Christmas, and decided they'd had enough fun with their baby elephants. and were leaving them for Gran. What 1 should give them is a suit each of long underwear, a Bible and a one-hour lecture about' the work ethic and saving you your money for a rainy day. (i can just hear Balind, "But, Bill, it rains every day.") Those gifts would bore all three ot us out ot The Ch Herta Rosenblatt wrote: "it's Christ- mas" "From hill to hill the bells shall ring to a sad world glad tiding bring It's Christmas. Now take your candle, guard its light, Walk into darkness. dare the night It's Christmas Of joy and peace now let us sing From shore to hill the bells shall ring It's Christmas" - An anonymous author penned another thought of Christmas. "Never a Christmas Morning, Never the old Year ends, But someone thinks of someone, Old Days, Old Times, Old Friends." Jean levier McManus described The skated into another player, Doyle was rendered unconscious. Dr. W.C. Sproat was called and had the player removed to Scott Memorial Hospital, where it was found he was suffering from cuts and a slight concussion. - A real motion at County Council - moved by Beavers and seconded by Campbell. A committee be appointed to make enquiries and report if Bill Stewart heard W. Haacke tell S. McNabb that Jim Leiper told J.J. Moser that Peter Scott could prove that A.J. Goldthorpe suspected that Fred Taylor could bet money that Bob Bowman did not know about J.S. Wallace hearing Jack Gamble telling J.W. Craigie, that Nfr. Sweitzer was trying to find out whether Owen Geiger and W.J. Douglas had an idea that 5. Ballanty ie and S. McQuarrie knew anything about whether J.W. McKibbon told LE. Cardifif that Murdle Matheson was pretty sure that B.M. Francis had found out that George Elliott was the. best auctioneer in Huron. Carried with applause. Members of the Seaforth Lions Club paid tribute to Lion'R.M. Jones. ristm s people do today. May you alwa;s feel a special stirring when you enjoy a warm spring - day, a colourful sunset, the first fluffy snow clinging to a spruce tree. May you always feel a twinge of pride when you see a flag floating 'on,the wind, against the bright blue sky. May yow get that special feeling of awe at the insignificance off man in the vastness off the universe when you look at the billion stars in the black sky. For you my children this Christmas, may you have the gift of eternal innocence but also the girt of knowledge, particularly the kind off knowledge that helps you separate the real thingain life from the phoney. May you have the knowledge perhaps better known as common sense, the kinds that all too uncommon. The kind of.knowledge that helps you on the right path when others would lead you astray. May you have that knowledge that helps you separate the real things ih life from the unnecessary frills. For you my children on this Christmas, may 1 wish the gift of eternal joy of Christmas and the knowledge of the real meaning of the holiday. May you always be able to sift through the tinsel and fake holly to discover the real joy in the love and warmth in the holiday. 'For you my children on Christmas may 1 wish that you always know the pleasure that family and friends bring. Oh, sometimes you'll fight with each other and you'll become angry with your best friends and you'll want to run away from home because your mother or I have disciplined you, but may you always recover from these minor disappointments to discover again the strength of family and of true friendships; the knowledge that there are always people there who love you and will be there when you need help. For you my children on Christmas, may I wish a sense of responsibility.. Whatever you are doing, try to do it well: Remember you'll -only live this life once and try to leave the world a little better place than it was when ,you came to it. You may never be able to solve the gteat problems of the world, to feed the starving in Africa or halt warsin the Middle East. but you can make your own family run well, you can make your own town a better place. And by tidying up your own little corner of the"world, you can help make the world a better place. ' You can't carry the world'on your shoulders and you'll find only grief and disappointment if you try. Set your sites on a reasonable goal for yourself and fight to attain it. These are my gift wishes for you, my children this Christmas. You Wbn't find them gift wrapped under the tree on Christmas morning. They'll stay here in my heart. May 1 have the grace to give them to you the only way 1 can. by helping you in the right paths as ,you grow to adulthood...for your sake. for mine, and for the sake of the world. for Christmas? our skills, although they're the kind of gifts 1 used to get when I was their age. It's bad enough trying to figure out gifts for the boys, but 1 come to a complete when 1 tryto think of something for theblank Olde Battle-axe. She has everything. After all, she married me. What more could a woman want? Except jewelley, furs, a new hi-fi, a private checking account, and two weeks in Mexico with an exciting man. Well, she can't have them all. If she's willing to put up the air -fare, I'll go. reluctantly, to Mexico. My son is another dilemma. He professes to be completely uninterested in material things. only in those of the spirit. And every time he leaves, after a visit. I'm missing my favorite shirt or jacket. About the only thing I can give him is a couple of hours of my undivided attention, whsle he goes on about astrology, spiritual auras, the occult, and the very slim chance 1 have of getting to the next world and flapping around with a bunch of sour -faced "saved" who denied themselves all kinds of fun on earth so they could have no fun in heaven. it would be a real sacrifice, because !can usually last only about twenty minutes. when he gets going. without blurting something that starts with p, and heading off to the bathroom or some other sanctuary free of saints. That's what i'll give him. Along with the usual cheque. What about my daughter? I'd like to give her a twenty -four -hour -a -day baby-sitter, a job she loved, a rich, handsome and extremely understanding husband, two angelic sons to replace the wee devils she has. a total relief from the migraines she suffers. Along with the usual cheque. And what about yours truly? You can't love other people .unless you love yourself. So goes today s cant. What I usually get for Christmas is the blasphemous job of trying to make the "%a& Christmas tree stand up, the treat of making the turkey dressing, and the sensual delight of signing crisp new cheques. This year, it's going to be different. i saw a letter on the bulletin board the other day. A couple with a terrific home, all modern gadgets. near Peterborough„ would like to exchange houses for a week at Christmas with someone in our area, for the skiing. I'm going to write and make the switch. neglo>y'ting to tell them that our house included two grandboys, their mother, their uncle and all the friends they drag in. And if that doesn't work. i'll give everybody Gran for a year, a month at a time. it would be cheap good for them all, and give me a chance to grow senile in peace. And !nay your Christmas choices be equally easy. ristmas things you do all year Oddi °f Efido by ED©th?t a 4omoh4ncoJ Happiness of Christmas with a flowing style. "We see it in the holy wreaths - The crowds that come and go In the sparkle of the Christmas trees And lovely candle glow. o. We hear it in the churcl bells As each silver tongue rejoices In all the well -loved carols And in children's angel voices.... We feel it in the thoughtfulness Of gestures warmly meant In ties of friendship strengthened Through the greetings that are sent... The happiness of Christmas time Is in the very air A blessing and' a source of joy For all mankind to share!" Washington Irving expressed the senti- ments in a more simple way: "Christmas is here, Merry old Christmas Gift bearing. Heart touching. .joy bringing, Christmas. Day of grand Memories. king Of the year!" The Secret of Christmas was beautifully phrased by Louise C. Mildrum. "It's not the glow you feel when snow appears. It's not the Christmas cards you've sent for years, It's not the joyful sound when sleighbells ring Or the merry songs the children sing. That little gift you send on Christmas Day Will not bring hack friends you've turned away. . So may 1 suggest the secret of Christmas Is not the things at Christmas you do, But the Christmas things you do all the year through " t •