Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-12-20
The Union Of God and Man.

Unto you is born this day. IN tho city
% David, q Saviour. which ia Christ the
Lord"
a visitont 70 our sphere from another
planet On Christmas-Day would ask
What means this universal demonstration?
for civilized humanity has found a com
pletely catholic event in this supreme fes-
tival. Shops are shut and churches OPEN
ed, and there are greetings on the streets
and joyful heart IN every home. Men ana
women and children IN every grade and
condition take part Ia the general re-
jo.cins.
II means that the anniversary OF the
Great Kings birth has come. and the
world IS taking holiday. Eighteen centu-
RES have only heightened the interest OF
men IN 10, for this Supreme King is pos
seascd OF that true genius which is able
10 live through the ages 20 teach genera
tons yet unborn Jesus Christ Is the only
undying worid-nan He leads tho highest
civilization pepetually. and heads, under
every sky the column Of reform.
Strangely enough, the world was asleep
when its greatest event was Transporting
all unconscious OF tho stupendous thing
which had come 70 pass. an omen OF its
blindness 70 its blesaingsi
The silent stars rev0lved in their fixed
orbits overhead, and the gentle sheep
broWscd quietly on the rolling hills, when
suddenly a strange light streamed I'm on
the darkness, and a celestial sound broke
the stiffness OF the night air. The very
heavens burst to disclose their radiant
minstrclsy TO the startled shepherds. and
displayed before their eyes an inimitabls
picture. painted IN unearthly colors. The
hymn which followed tho announcement
OF the birth IN bethlehem was very brief,
like all the songs OF those choirs. but sub
/ timely enthusiastic and narvellously COM
prchen1ive The words which the human
audier ces understood were: TO God in the
highest glory, ana On earth peace, toward
men good wilt
The hearts OF men arc full OF the music
and memory OF that story, sweet and old.
but still fresh and new. II never tires,
| because IL Is a type OF life's interesting
drama at It's best--Heayen and earth
meeting.
Humanity will never learn all that Is IN
| that manger-birth, and ought not 10 be
curious beyond what IS enough TO know.
II suhiceth that the entire truth about that
child OF Heaven and earth Is represented
IN It.
: child born OF everlasting divinity and
also Of Hebrew virgin; spontaneous ex-
preston Of essential life through a natu-
raj medium; the glorious light Of Heaven
caught in an earthly jewel, Emmanuel
Christmas gives Us a parable OF what
happens whenever any true conversion
takes place, the union OF God ara man,
the soul OF man and the soul OF God at
onol Christmas gives 10 US that mightiest
OF all facts. the fact OF God and man. and
says Go not always be carnal, living IN
physical facts only, but come up to the
higher spiritual fast OF Emmanuel.
The greatest impression ever made on
humanity by any leader was made by that
mauger-born Babe, surprising all kings
and scholars and statesmen, and every
heroic character that has figured in human
history. But where IS the suggestion Of
influence? Is there any greatness IN hui
miiity2 We have learned as a kind Of pro-
verb that the greatest man IS the simplest;
that real greatness rises superior 10 all
circumstances SO this one, coming out
Of the lowliest OF origins, rises to supreme
influence. He began IN a manager. and
ended His career only on the throne or Cod;
filing every grade IN the range OF being.
and deserving the homage Of all condi-
lions Of men. Humanity thanks its God
for Christmas-Day, and its universal APP
peal, because it furnishes a universal
event-non-national, nOn-political, catho-
iic-the one bond OF union in humanity.
Let the world be joyful Let every express
sion Of happiness abOundl Let the tables
TEEN with choicest yiandsi Let music and
melody I'll the air. Let children shout. and
let age be radiant on this day IL is the
birthday Of the Worlds King, the birthday
OF Him who only has His subjects under
every sun. and IS potential for good IN
every heart that owns His sway.
FENNER S. STICKNEY.