The inhabitants of Goldberg, a town in Germany, observe an old custom of
inaugurating Christmas, which is peculiar to themselves. Having attended
divine service, which commences at midnight on Christmas Eve, they
assemble at two o'clock to form a procession to the Niederring, a hill
situated close to the town. When the procession has arrived at the top
of the Niederring, old and young unite in singing the Chorale _Uns ist
ein Kindlein heut geboren_ ("For us this day a child is born"). As soon
as this impressive act of devotion is concluded, the town band stationed
in the tower of the old parish church performs on brass instruments the
noble Chorale _Allein Gott in der Hoeh sei Ehr_ ("All glory be to God on
High"), which in the stillness of the night is heard over the whole
town, and even in the neighbouring villages.
The origin of this annual observance dates from the time when the town
of Goldberg was visited by a deadly plague called _Der schwarze Tod_
("The black Death"). According to some accounts the awful visitation
occurred in the year 1553; at all events this date appears to have been
assigned to it on an old slab embedded in the wall of the parish church
of Goldberg; but the inscription has become so much obliterated in the
course of time, that no one can make out the year with certainty. Thus
much, however, is declared by all to be authentic: The plague spread
throughout the town with frightful rapidity. The people died in their
houses, in the streets, everywhere, at night, and in the day-time. Some,
while at their work, suddenly were stricken and fell down dead. Some
died while at their meals; others while at prayers; others in their
endeavours to escape the scourge by hastening away from the doomed town.
Indeed, it was as if the Angel of Death had stretched out his hand over
the place, saying "Ye are all given up to me!"
The plague raged for some weeks, and then quietness reigned in Goldberg.
The few survivors had shut themselves up solitarily in their houses, not
knowing of each other; for, no one now ventured into the street; neither
did anyone open a window, fearing the poisonous air; for the corpses
were lying about, and there remained none living to bury the dead.
Such was the condition of Goldberg in the month of December, just before
Christmas. On Christmas Eve one of the solitary survivors, deeply
impressed with the import of the holy festival, attained the blessing of
a firm trust in the wisdom of the inscrutable decrees of Providence. He
thought of the happy time of his childhood when his parents lighted up
for him the glorious Christmas tree; and this recalled to his mind the
simple and impressive Christmas hymn which his mother had taught him to
recite on the occasion. Strengthened by devout contemplation, he
ventured to open the window. The night was beautiful, and the air wafted
to him so pure and delicious that he resolved to leave his prison. At
the second hour after midnight he went out of the house, and bent his
steps through the desolated streets towards the Niederring. Arrived at
the top of the hill he knelt down and sang from the depth of his heart
the Christmas hymn.
His voice was heard by another solitary survivor, who perceiving that he
was not, as he had supposed, the only person still living in Goldberg,
gained courage and likewise from his hiding place repaired to the
Niederring, and kneeling down joined the singer with sincere devotion.
Soon a third person made his appearance, slowly drawing near like one
risen from the grave. Then a fourth, a fifth, until the number of them
amounted to twenty-five; and these were all the inhabitants of Goldberg
who had escaped the ravages of the Black Death.
[Music:
Uns ist ein Kind-lein heut ge-born, Gott mit
uns! Von ein'r Jung-frau aus-er-korn. Gott mit
uns! Gott mit uns! Wer will seyn wi-der uns!
]
The Christmas Chorale sung in the refreshing mountain air wonderfully
invigorated their desponding spirits. They arose and solemnly vowed
henceforth to unite in Christian fellowship, with reliance upon the
wisdom of the divine ordinances. The next day they buried their dead;
and when their vow became known in the neighbourhood, many good people
were drawn to Goldberg. The town soon revived, and prospered more than
ever.
The inhabitants have not forgotten the visitation which befel their
forefathers, but remember it in humiliation; and this is a lasting
blessing.[83]