LITERARY Christmas Spirit All people devote several days each year in commemorating- the anniversaries of noted events and men who have been patriots to the cause of freedom, leaders among men for emancipation or who have worked for the cause of their Creator. At these times it is customary for those desiring to express their love and appreciation to wear some emblem by which the beloved leader was distinguished, to repeat his favorite poem, to act in a manner characteristic of him, and to strive to impress his true character upon all men. We wear the shamrock on St. Patrick's, the red, white and blue, emblems of liberty and equality, on Washington's and on Lincoln's anniversary, and we recall the incidents in their lives that show forth the inner man. Christmas is the anniversary of the birth of Christ as celebrated by the Christian denominations. If we follow Washington's example on his birthday, how much more should we follow the admonition of our Redeemer in commemorating His birth? Christmas is being celebrated now by the giving of costly gifts and feasting in the homes. It means a complete relaxation from all the activities other than that to provide pleasant passtimes. If we mean to celebrate Christmas we should celebrate it in a genuine fashion instead of indulging in this cheap substitution for the real event. If we celebrate a friend's birthday, we usually try to do something to show our appreciation of him and act in a way of which he approves. In the life of every believer Christ is the greatest of friends. If we review the life of the Master, we shall find that the paramount virtue displayed by Him were those of humility, appreciation of His fellow men and service to the poor. We recall Christ's appreciation of the widow's mite. How He was pleased with the fact that her gift was not for show but out of the true desire and gratitude of her heart. He highly approved of the policy of dividing with the poor, as was shown in His advice to Nicodemus. But shining gloriously in His ACORN 4 beautiful character among His noble deeds, was His humility. Oh, that lowly spirit that prompted Him to spend His life among the unfortunate for His Father's kingdom, to devote His life to the setting of an example that will live through ages and to witness with His blood that He would emancipate His people. With reverance and humility we should strive to dedicate this day of all days to simple, heartfelt remembrances, to provide comfort for our fellow men, and resolve to follow the mandate of this our Leader, Friend, and Emancipator. A. N., '16. Earl Park's Christmas (First Prize.) It was Christmas Eve. The streets of Snidon were thronged with groups of people in holiday attire. Dr. Earl Park sat in his luxurious drawing room looking out of the window at the crowd. He heard some one call "Merry Christmas," but the words found no response in his mind . A careful observer would notice that despite the cold outer expression, the eyes had an expression of wistfulness, of desire not fulfilled. He was a noted physician, and judging from appearance he had reached the age of thirty-five. He took a keen interest in his profession, and as a result had paid little or no attention to the ordinary things of life, such as love, and the little acts of kindness that make life worth while. Summoning his valet, he said, "James, I would like my coat and hat, as I am going out. Tell Mary she need not prepare dinner, as I will dine at the club. You may go out this evening as I will not need you, and say, James, Merry Christmas." Dr. Park left the house and strolled down the street. He thought he had never felt so lonely. Walking along, deeply engrossed in thought, he noticed a purse. It had been kicked along under the feet of the people until it was covered with mud. He opened it and found that it contained five silver dollars. He walked down to the police station. Just as he was entering he heard a lady say, "It was only two two hours ago." "Well, I guess it hasn't been found yet, at least we have heard nothing of it. It may be up the street yet," said the man at the desk. Park approached and laid the purse on the table.