The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1896-12-28

Long before his birth the Savior was
the consolation of his people and the
hope Of men. Almost unconsciously the
world has ceased looking for the golden
age. The thought of men tends to the
realization of what Jesus taught when
he said. "A new commandment I give
unto you, that We love one anIher; even
as [ loved you, that We also love one
another AS the world now stands on
the shore of the sea Of a mighty work of
grace we may well rejoice over the IL
carnatiOn of Christ His birth shows
how events ordinary and extraordinary
are blended in life. Joseph, looking
around in a crowded city for a hotel,
and afterwards making arrangements
for his family to live at Nazareth We're
ordinary events So was the journey
of the couple to Egypt and their return.
The visit of the wise men, the star of
Bethlehem" and the music of the an
gellc choir were extraordinary. We
must learn to enjoy the common duties
of life and not be unbalanced by life 5
uncommon events The loving links
of life are strengthened by the birth Of
Jesus. Mary loved Elizabeth better
The narrative of our Savior's young life
brings US closer to father, mother, sis
ter, brother husband and wife, neigh
Dor friend and fellow citizen. Heaven
reioiced over the nanger of Bethlehem.
After all, how close the blessed world
may be to US. The music was heard
and the angels were seen. There was
no great earthly celebration. but heaven
was moved with JOY. A brother said
at our church last evening; Il feel
that Brother State, Brother Peters,
Brother Campbell and others are look
ing down from heaven upon US and re-
joicing" The birth of Jesus brought
great JOY to the people. Let us all come
to him and tell the glad news of sal
walton to mankind universally.-Re
DR. NJ. L. Thomas, First Baptist church
WHERE IS HE THAT IS BORN
- Il w
eager question of the eastern sages OF
old as they passed on to Bethlehem,
where they found and recognized him
and laid their gifts at his feet Ana
after nineteen long centuries the cry
still goes 1D from a world where sin ana
wrong abound. Nv here is he2 W hat
has become of the great King Of peace
and Righteousness We thought he was
to bring GOOD times on earth, gladness
and good viii among men SCORERS
too take UP the cry and sneerlhsiy
ask. Where is hep w hat has become
of 3your Christie Where is the promise
of his coming. the evidence Of his king
" pover2' What answer are we to
give to these inquiries which come at
advent time?
We have only to look out in the world
today to see evidences of his presence
They are discernible not only to the
eye of faith but even to the eye OF m
teligence. We can see him living AGAIN
in the lives of his true disciples, they
who have caught the inspiration of his
life and are moved by the same spirit
of love and service
Christianity as it exists in the world
today The hospitals and homes the
asyIums for the sick and poor ahtl
friandless. charitable institutions ana
beautiful philanthropies of every kind
which have had their origin and I'M
mise in the Christian church, indicate
that the Master is still inearnated IN
his church on earth, and that the Christ
sDirit of love and redemption is sthl
abroad among men
Then. too. the King may be recog-
nized to the thoughtful Christian in the
events which are transpiring about US
He is the Christ of Providence His
hand is on the helm Political and So
Ciai NOV ements with which the daily
papers are filed are the agencies
through which Christ's kingdom IS
moving on. and evil approaching its
overthrow.
If the babe in Bethlehem was worthy
Of the gifts and alteration of the wise
men. much more. as the ages roll on,
is the same Christ reproduced in the