[S]urely that need not and ought not to be the whole of Christmas-only
a single day or generosity, ransomed from the dull servitude of a
selfish year, -only a single night of merry-making, celebrated in the
slave-quarters of a selfish race! If every gift is the token of a
personal thought, a friendly feeling, an unselfish interest in the joy
of others, then the thought, the feeling, the interest, may remain after
the gift is made. -from "Christmas-Giving and Christmas-Living" A
popular pastor and poet at the turn of the 20th century, Henry Van Dyke
sings the praises of acts of kindness and generosity, of good will and
good cheer, and of the spirit of Christmas. First published in 1905 this
charming volume includes: Ø a dream-story: The Christmas Angel Ø a
little essay: Christmas-Giving and Christmas-Living Ø a short Christmas
sermon: Keeping Christmas Ø two Christmas prayers: For the Home and For
Lonely Folks Also available from Cosimo Classics: Van Dyke's The Spirit
of America OF INTEREST TO: lovers of Christmas American author and
clergyman HENRY VAN DYKE (1852-1933) was pastor of Brick Presbyterian
Church in New York City from 1883 to 1899 and professor of English
literature at Princeton University from 1899 to 1923. He wrote numerous
books of poetry and devotion, including Little Rivers (1895), The Other
Wise Man (1896), and Fisherman's Luck (1899).
