The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1895-12-12


there is no North. no South. no East. no West.
Men of all shades Of belief take a common
mold OH Christmas. Under the evergreen ieS-
toons and garlands men forget political differ
ences, minor tastes. theological chickering's, per-
sonal animosities UNCONVENTIONAL sectaranism.
We are all at one i'll honOring Christ. Christ
mas becomes q common link uniting all who
love Christ into oneness of sentiment and
affection. As we at the crib. so we shall be
Mt the throne. The normal tendency of Chris
tianty is toward unity. The angels sung,
GLORY to God in the highest aud earth
peace. goodwill toward (among) men," One
has failed to got into the spirit of Christs re-
ligion if he have cultivated controversy and
cherished ill-wili toward any branch of hu-
manity.
1t is beautiful to see the power OF n common
sentiment-the love for particular Friend
Christ -focalIzing our minds into unity OF
feeling.
Tho stoutest political opponents vie with
each other in celebrating the good old festival.
Democrats and Republicans, forgetting the
things that divide them during the rest of the
year, come together around the Christmas tree.
The mellow light of its tapers is too much for
the evil spirits of discussion and hatred. In that
gentle radiance we somehow forget for an hour
or two our animosites in thinking OF the dear
Christ who was born so many hundred years
ago in manger; OF the celestial music which
tho SutpHeIdS utdEu OH SHaJ Hohuciiui mn
ing announcing peace on earth and good will
to men. The fercest politician of US all Is
more interested to-day in filing the children's
stockings than in the weightiest affairs OF State.
TIE genial st. Nicholas viii permit surly or
pTeoccupied worshipers at his shrine. lie de-
lights in unwrinkled brows; in loving chari-
table hearts"
We have something here suggestive az to the
puzzIing question Of Church unity.
We see the uuity of this Festival in the
lations of the Christian world At Bethlehem
all are agreed. We shall not dispute at Christs
cradle As to the fact of Christ's birth, Greek,
Roman and Protestant are at one. All Chris
tian denominations are beginning TO give spec
ial attention to Christ's birthday. Let our
motto be, Christ for the world and the world for
Christ
3. Concentrations of the Christmas Festival
are found in books magazines journals.
George w. Chiids, of PhiIadelphi once said:
My greatest happiness at Christmas comes
from the fact that | am able to give happiness
to others, and | thank God that he has placed
this in my power" Contrast these manly
statements with the grasping greed which pur-
sues every penny for itself and its capacity for
helping the chaser only. Wealth is u splendid
thing i'll its possibilities its power its leverage
for good, but there are qualities as much better
than money as manhood is much better than
dross.
tDaTIeS Dickens SAID. am sure Il nave
always thought of Christmas time when it has
come round, apart from the veneration due to
its sacred name aud orr in-if anything belong
ing to it can be apart from that-as good
time; kind, forgiving. charitable time; the
only time know Of in the long calendar of the
year when men and women seem by one con-
sent to open their shut-up hearts freely, anu to
think of people below them as if they really
were fellOw-passenger5 TO the grave, and not
a. Upr rap nF atFYra hnu IN
neys."
Conclusion.
The Editor of the Religions Department, at
this close of another year, extends to all the
readers of the Sunday Meditations the cOmpli-
ments of the season. Merry Christmas to all
our Sunday-schools! Happy New Year to all
Bible students May we be the better the next
twelve-month for our more extended knowledge
during the last year Of Gods Holy Word!
God bless you heartily, kind friends.
/ wish you Joy and gsdnessl
This il the season of the year
When all should Danish sadness.
Or If some graver memories come
Across our bos0ms Heeting,
pray you try to Tecoileet
These words of Heavenly greeting:
Comfort ye, comfort ye my people,
Saith your God"
Outline for blackboard.
/. Time. Aug. l. b. C.. g.
Z race. Near BetneueLn.
3. Speaker. Gabriel.
A. Heroes Shepherds.
s. Church. The fields.
G. Pulpit. The sky.
z. Chandelier. Candalabra of star jets.
8. Choir. Angels
Solo. Gabriel. 1912
Chorus. V. Is.
8. Subject. How to fluid Christi
TO- Text. / bring good tidings.
ii. Reporter. ST. Luke.