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The Exeter Times-Advocate, 1925-12-10, Page 10The Photo Man EVERYTHING IN PHOTOGRAPHY PROFESSIONAL AxolotlR PICTURE FRAMING XMAS AND NEWYEAR CAEN CALENDAR MOUNTS AND JOS. NOVELTIES JOS.SENIOR Santa's Headquarters FOR CHRISTMAS TOYS CHRISTMAS CARDS 49.ND BOOKLETS CHRISTMAS DECORATION5 BOOKS We carry* all the new Books and have a Big Selection, particul- arly for boys and girls. PUBLIC SCHOOL LIBRARIES A SPECIALTY A CHOICE RANGE OF BIBLES Subscriptions taken for all magazines Grigg's Stationery Store adio WE ARE NOW • IN A POSITION TO SELL YOU A Radio for Christmas COME IN AND PICK OUT YOUR SET NOW BATTERY SERVICE BY CHAMBERS BROS. Milo Snell Ford Dealer Chas. W. Ford Salesman Exeter, Ont. Office 137W ARTHUR JONES Massey -Barris Implements WE SPECIALIZE IN REPAIR SERVICE Bain Wagons and Sleighs, Verity Plows, B.T. Stable Fittings, Wa- ter Bowls, Washing Machines, Windmills, Tanks, Preston Gar- ages, Roofing and Siding, Buggies and Cutters, Belting, Shafting, Hangers, Pulleys, De Laval Cream Separators, Letz Feed Mill, Etc. WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR PAST FAVORSAND WISH YOU !. VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS 3ND HAPPY NEW YEAR. AU accounts are now due and a prompt settlement is requested. Make Xmas. 1925 KCAL e - We are sole Representatives for Nordheimer, Sherlock Man- ning and Ennis Pianos. Get our prices and' terms before deciding and save $ $ $. A Special Array of Violins $:..45 and up. Ukeleles $1.75 Special Showing of ;.luras Stationery and Fountain Pens, Etc. S. MA RTIN & SON What an "Equitable" Insur- ance Policy Offers. LOW COSTS GUARANTEED CONTRACTS CASH AND LOAN VALUES PAID-UP POLICY DOUBLE INDEMNITY DOUBLE DISABILITY I3liil'kEPIC:'iARY INI)JllriLNIPY OPTIONAL SETTLEMENTS PEEE PERIODIC MEDICA:iL EXAMINATION These Features and Many Other i3r?.ut fits Fane be Secreted From The Ontario Equitable LIFE AND ACCIDENT INS, CO. Let us explain thein to Yon CHAS«.I+, WAY I)istr[i t ;Agent ilCflrhdlx>rtas Reverie IIS is the homing season. Also the time when photographs abound— and my mind is much taken up witt both. Sallies to the scenes of other days, and snapshots of faces, some erstwhile forgotten—these are the distinguishing features of the Christmas mood. 1 ant sitting by a hearth fire; and all hearth fires have, somewhere nn their glowing bosom, the embers of the days of yore. Quite unclassified, quite defiant of the order of time or place, these Christmas reveries meander, these Yule- tide vignettes flash upon memory's screen and disappear. Fragmentary, unassorted, they yet mark the trail of the friendly years. The first has its scene in Ottawa; year, the first of my ministerial life. Ann in my room in the Victoria Chambers, seated in ay armchair, and it is Christmas Eve, Knock at door; which, opened, admits 2 midget of e bell -boy- with two little parcels in his hand, s 4d percels containing two pathetically cheap presents: "For Mr. Haley and Mary (elevator man and his charing daughter)—dust a little Christmas gift, 'cause I can't afford veru much, you see, bein' as how I only get four dollars a week and no keep—an', besides, me chum borrowed thirty cents off me to go to the lacrosse match last fall an' he ain't paid me back," the childish face showing equal parts of benevolence and financial care. Beautiful, this—and as common as beau- tiful—this mutual generosity of the poor, Four years have passed; and the scene is marvelously changed. No snow now, nor chiming sleigh bells, nor resonant sidewalk crisp beneath the hurrying feet. But the December sun is pouring down upon a picnic party in the pine woods of North Carolina, those woods re-echoing to the shout and laughter of merry voices, most of which are silent now. Soon the stroke of an axe is heard, wielded by a burly negro—and, a few minutes later, a tall holly tree crashes to the mossy ground, its deep green foliage and gleaming berries glistening in the sun. Later still, a couple of derides loaded like beasts of burden, the holly -laden party, a few with great bundles of the mystic mistletoe, are in Indian file making their way to the boats, song re-echoing as we cross to the stately southern home, its fireplace lighted for the last hundred years and more, that crowns the river's farther bank. Six more years have fled, after their relentless way. I am sitting before my own fire, north again, in "the hill -girt town." 'Ve are at family worship, and in my lap there nestles a golden -curled girl of four. For nearly a week she and I had followed the course of Santa Claus: "North Pole, Ft. Churchill, Hudson Bay, Temagami, etc." I reported from time to time. But ever conning closer! Our reading that night, that trembling stocking night, is of the feeding of the five thou- sand, and the dialogue was as follows: "Wasn't that kind of him, my darling, to feed all those poor, hungry people?" "Yes," the glowing eyes averted one brief moment from the fire; "but, where do you suppose Santa Claus is now?" Yet four more . years have gone. It is Christmas here again, and I am driving back to town from a farm -house where the head of the home lies in agony, his last Christmas al- most at the door. The same childish form, taller and de- veloped now, is beside me in the cutter as we glide along, sleigh -bells merrier than their wont, stars a little brighter, mantle of snow touched with a holier sheen. Suddenly I feel the trembling of the girlish figure a little hand plucks at the sleeve of my coonskin coat, a curl -clustered head is burrowing into my side—and the sobbing of a child mingles with the music of the bells. I ask why, darkly suspecting that the cause is what I fear, that someone has given her to eat of the tree of the knowledge of fact and phan- tasy. It is even so—end the little form is quite shaken with grief as "This is the first Christ- mas that I didn't know" comes fromthe trembling lips. 1 can only comfort and caress and murmur: "Life is full of these awakenings, my darling," and we go on thru the night that has lost, never to be restored, the wonder and the glory of a year before. And is it not wonderful how, when we ransack the bygone years, we find, not the great and momentous things unfaded, but mostly trifling little episodes embalmed in love, and nearly all linked to the vision of some childish face. Gone now, and far away, are those childish features, and the wonder of life has retreated before its struggle. In a home of her own, too, another fire lighted upon a new -laid hearth. Thus the holy cycle goes its way. Those curls have disappeared, and the locks are darker, yet no less dear. And surely, surely, there is no reason why she should not nestle as of yore upon that great throne of childhood, a father's knee, and surely those locks could rest again where they reposed of old. I ant sorely tempted. The birds find that Southern path—and why not I? One year later still; and the peaceful happiness of a Christmas morning passes again before me. Breakfast over; a little hymn, a little prayer; a little gloating (thank God) over the rapture which I know the hurrying years are bound to shatter —and we stand athrill before the door of the room within which the laden tree awaits us. Entrance delightful as of yore—and then begins the giving and receiving.. Some really beautiful gifts, no doubt, all forgotten now—but unforentten, and un - lost or mislaid through the years, a little knitted bag (to hold some articles of toilet) handed to me by proud little daughter's hands. "The very first thing I ever did, daddy," face aglow with childish pride, mine with fatherly compassion. Surely a reassuring parable of all our poor gifts and service, yet precious in larger, other eyes than ours!—R. E, Knowles. to the south are the plains in whose fields she gleaned "amidst the alien corn;" where also David walked—"In glory and in icy, Following his sheep along the mountain side," On these plains, too, where the shepherds keeping watch over their flocks by night when the Angel of the Lord, accompanied by the Heavenly host, announced the birth of "Christ the Lord." Away to the horizon stand the purple hills of Moab, at whose feet in solemn stillness lie the deep blue waters of the Dead Sea. Almost immediately above the town towers Mount Jebel Fureirlis, on the summit of which is the tomb of Herod the Great, of execrated memory, who, in Bethlehenm at least, needs no such monu- ment in memo- iam of the Massacre of the Innocents. For n iles around may be seen rich olive and fig groves intermixed with apricot orchards and vineyards each with its watch tower as in ancient times. The hillsides are cultivated in terraces of "hanging gardens," and the stony plains are ploughed for cereal crops, The town is solidly ancl closely built. The streets are generally narrow, with houses of two or three storeys, constructed of yellowish -white limestone, and topped with fiat roofs. The central thoroughfare is occupied by workshops, whose floors are strewn with men and material. The chief industry is the manufacture of "articles de touriste." Souvenirs in olive wood, medallions from mother-of-pearl, engravings on shell and stone of incidents from the life of our Lord, with other similar curios, are everywhere conspicuous in almost embarrassing profusion. In this art alone one-third of Bethlehem workers find employment. The remainder are shepherds, quarrymen, husbandmen, tradesmen and merchants. The population, which is estimated variously from 5,000 to 8,000, is almost entirely Christian; and, apart from the occasional outbursts of sectarian animosity, the Latin, Greek, and Armenian Churches are on enviable terms of friendship—for Eastern communities. Boasting a strain of Crusaders' blood, the Bethlehemites are altogether the finest human type to be met with in Southern Palestine, and their sartorial appear- ance is primly picturesque. The men dress in a bright -colored gown over a white undershirt, the head being covered with a turban or fez. The women's chief gar- ment is a long narrow tunic of blue cotton, tied at the waist, and relieved with a red embroidered stole. The matrons are distinguished from the maidens by a differ- entiating arrangement of headdress; the married ladies wearing a sort of cap adorn- ed with gold and silver sequins—their only dower—while the spinsters display a ribbon in their hair. All the women have veils, but these are thrown back so as to fall in long, graceful lines, about the figure, to which they lend a charming dignity. The exposed face of the Bethlehemite woman is distinctly beautiful—not a brun- ette, but with a bright, clear complexion, large eyes, and delicately shaped mouth —and she carries herself so admirably as to appear taller than she really is. Of course, the supreme object of interest in Bethlehem is the reputed place of the Nativity. Superstition and the emulation of jarring sects have led to the multi- plication of sacred sites in the Holy Land. Many of these are doubtful, to say the least, ;and some are without question apocryphal. Fortun- ately, however, the place in- dicated with reverence as the Cave of the Nativity is not among these. Ancient, con- tinuous, and well -authenticat- ed tradition stamps this as one of the most genuine shrines in Palestine. The credibility of this tradition is supported by no less an authority than Conder, who observes in his "Tent Work in Palestine" that "the rude grotto with its rocky manger may, it seems to me, be accepted even by the most sceptical of modern explorers." Within a generation of the death of the last of the Apostles, Justin Martyr, himself a native of Nablus, speaks of the Saviour's birth as having taken place "in a certain cave close to , the village." The fact of its early- sacredness is demonstrated by the method taken by Hadrian (A.D. 117-135) to desecrate it by causing a grove in honor of Adonis to be planted above the cave, so that pagan wanton rites might be performed over the very spot where the Holy Child Jesus was born. This grove was subsequently cut down by Constantine in order that the Empress Helena might rear (A.D. 306-337) the basilica which is still standing there, the most ancient Christian Church in the world. The Church of the Nativity presents the outward' appear- ance of a fortress. The huge central doorway has been almost entirely built up, leaving the only entrance by a "needle's eye," which symbolically teaches each worshipper, at least, the virtue of humility. The interior is spacious but bare. The aisles have fiat roofs above the pillars of red and white marble with Corinthian capitals, but the nave has a cleres- tory, with walls thirty feet above the capitals, and a pointed roof. A wall, built across the east end of the basilica, cuts off the chancel. Evidently at one time the entire church was richly adorned with gold and mosaics, of which some remnants still exist, but the ravages of time and the hand of the spoiler have left their marks, Underneath the choir, by a staircase of thirteen marble steps, the crypt containing the Chapel of the Nativity is reached. The Chapel—once a rude cave—is now paved and walled with marble, roofed with gold and silk, and lighted with fifty-three lamps. Immediately to the left is the shrine, unspeakably sacred to Christendom. From an arch about four feet high hang fifteen silver lamps, and in the centre of the floor is a silver star with the inscription "I-Iic do Virgine Maria Jesus Christus Natus Est." The site itself is infinitely touching, but as I gazed upon it an unspeakable ten- derness invested it by the presence of eight women robed in white praying silently and, in turn, kissing the star. I followed, anc! found the slab glistening with tears. Indescribably sad is it that this same silver star has a tale to tell not altogether of "peace and good -will to men!" . That it should have been used as a wedge for sun- dering the peace of the world by war is one of those episodes the world would will- ingly forget to -day. To -day we stand with the wondering shepherds and worship- ping magi by the spot where was witnessed the greatest event of all time—the Divine ' assumption of humanity. The world will never. permit the tender idyll of Bethle- hem to die. May it not forget the truth enshrined in the quaint old lines— "Though Christ a thousand times in Bethlehem be born, If He's not born in thee, thy soul is still forlorn, Oh, would thy heart be but a manger for His birth, God would once more become a Child upon the earth." Early Christmas Morning—HAS SANTA COME YET? arratle laf fttiir uttan ittortb Of all the clustering clouds of ravishing reminiscences associated with a world - tour of 35,000 miles, memory holds no other, cern quite so delightfully exquisite as that of a visit to Bethlehem. No other spot on earth is richer in religious treasure or more radiant with romantic and well authenticated tradition. Viewed from any standpoint topographical, historical, social or religious—Bethlehem is simply :en- thralling. Every change in the kaleidoscope is wondrously fascinating, and dis- closes a perfect picture of idyllic grace and charm. Once more, as "The Season of the Birth of .Christ draws near," the imagination of the world will be centered there; catching overtones of its pastoral symphony; while the instinct of Christian mil- lions' will turn to it in tenderest affection and truest veneration. The heart of mo- dern civilized man awakes in mystic wonder, and finds its affinity with the primitive Judean shepherd, saying, "Let us now go even unto Bethlehem,". The city walls have vanished; but the site of Bethlehem, determined by the long narrow mountain ridge, is precisely where it was 3,000 yeats ago. Entering the o an ort thevisitor has a magnificent t wn.at elevate of � 550 feet above the sea a view "sof the surrounding country, opening out like at panorama, To the east slopes the deep valley where Ruth "went down" in her sorrow. Over the softly rising hills 'iEiuttt Netter Die The Christmas Festival of goodwill, goodfellowship, and peace has lost none of its popularity in its passage through the ages, Nineteen hundred and twenty-five finds us welcoming it as heartily as did our ancestors a thousand years ?ago, before railways, telephones, radios or auto- mobiles were even dreamed about. It awakensdormant feelings and aspirations which, the clamor of worthy life stifles deadens, ead ens, It opens deep springs of brotherh ead and love, from whence How desires to bless with gifts and good wishes. STJE WA RT'S Only 7 Days for - Christmas. Shoppiflg * Let us help you to make It A MERRY CHRISTMAS Gifts for Everybody For .verybody- For the Ladies CLUB BAGS WOOL TOQUES BRUSHED WOOL SWEATERS COZY BEDROOM SLIPPERS HANDKERCHIEFS SCARFS BOXED TOWEL SETS OVERSHOES RUBBER APRONS GLOVES UMBRELLAS SILK VESTS SUIT CASES SLIPPERS HOLEPROOF HOSIERY SILK BLOOMERS For the Men BLACK DRIVING MITTS BRACES BLACK AUTO GAUNTLETS SWEATER COATS AND PULLOVERS ARMBANDS BELTS CUFF LINKS SUIT CASES UMBRELLAS OVERSHOES CLUB BAGS SPATS HOLEPROOF SOX SILK TIES WOOL CASHMERE SCARFS ENGLISH BROADCLOTH SHIRTS KNITTED TIES HOUSE SLIPPERS SILK AND WOOL SON. BEAUTIFUL SILK CREPE POCKET HANDKERCHIEFS For Boys and Girls. COZY i3.EDROOM SLIPPERS COLORED HANDKERCHIEFS WARM STOCKINGS BEADS WOOL GLOVES AND 111ITTS OVERSHOES BROACHES BRACELETS BARRETTS LEta.'THER GAUNTLETS AND MITTS WOOLEN TOQUES WOOLEN AiIT rs WOOLIIN IIS IN FEEDING BIBS RUBBER DOLLS BABY PLATES KUDDLY ANIAMALS WITH VOICES A Beautiful Display of China We invite you to come and see the most beautiful display of fancy China, Cut Glass, Potteries and Brassware ever shown in Exeter. CAKE PLATES BERRY BOWLS VASES CONSUL SETS BEAUTIFUL CANDLE STICKS PLAIN ANIS FANCY CANDLES BRASS FERN POTS BRASS JARDINIERES FLOWER BOWLS FANCY TEA POTS CREAM AND SUGAR. SETS REED TRAYS CUT GLASS WATER SETS CUT GLASS BERRY SETS BRASS ASH TRAYS IVIAHOGANY TRAYS BLUE SATINWARE BIRD FLOWER BLOCKS CHINA CUPS AND SAUCERS CUT GLASS SHERBETS CUT GLASS GOBLETS 97 PIECE DINNER SETS FOR $24.95 ' We offer a choice of sit: attractive dinnerware patterns in genuine China and guaranteed semi -porcelain at only $24.05 for a full 97 piece dinner set. This is the Christmas Gift you have been looking for. Gif t aker's Great Opportunity USEFUL — BEAUTIFUL -- APPROPRIATE Presents For Everyone Our assortment contains in great variety the very latest and most pleasing novelties of the season Which .cannot fail to meet your requirements They have merit --- They will please — Let us help settle the question "What you will give to each person on your list" by showing you desirable and satisfact- ory presents. Headquarters for Cards and Booklets COLE'S DRUG STORE Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year We take this opportunity to thank bur many custom- ers for their splendid patronage during the year. The [House of Gifts Christmas will soon be here but we are here with a line of gifts that has never befog been excelled in Exeter. Something to suit all glasses of Christmas giving and at prices that can't be equalled elsewhere. HERE ARE A. P"EW GENT'S WATCHES LADIES' WRIST WATCHI.ES Regina, 17 Jewels, Gold Filled Reg, $35, selling for $22 Regina, 15 Jewels, Gold Filled Reg. $30, selling for Nib Regina, 7 Jewels, Gold Filled Reg. $25, selling for $15 Waltham, 17 Jewels, Gold Filled Reg. $35, selling for $22 SIGNET RINGS Gent's Signet Rings, 18k, white gold tops, at bargains. Black and blue Onyx rings from $5 tip. Wedding rings. A large range of cuff Links from 50c up, DIAMOND RINGS A large assortment of Diamond Rings, ranging from $15 and up. SOMETHING FOR THE LADIES' Beaded purses, broaches, brace- lets, high grade Indestructable Dear's, French ivory... Swiss, High Grade, 15 Jewels 14 k, 'Solid Gold Reg, PO for $25 Swiss, 3 dos, only High Grade 15 Jewels, Gold Filled Reg. $30 for $20 Swiss, 1 doz. only, Green and White Gold Filled case 15 Jewels Reg, $20 for $12 CLOCKS Mantle Clock, Chimes, Golden Oak, Reg. $30 for $2.0 Mantle Clock, black eb ize wood, Reg. $•2$12 Mantle Clock, ardlied,---p Mahogany, Reg. $20 for $12 12 Kitchen Clocks, 8 day ReLARGE ASSORTMENT$5IVORfor Yu AND ALARM CLOCKS CUT GLASS, CHINA AND SILVERWARE TiI�7 TINS A splendid' line of 1247 Roam ,, and Community Cutlery, carving . heavy stodlt of tie pins, all sets, fancy trays, candle sticks, new a -to-. eta., etc. t Befoi Mndakinup 5fdateour Put'el�iase Glome fila aattl xnspeet out tAs Fee tmeni JAS.AS., �A t --Th O.. maw man 4001,1130 eilems AtMilm IRMO IMMO kammee .rte ofaal arbanami .8.121114 MOM Aram 4.010411 FICSarz NANOna Altniata Alnuat OKRIal a