The Crittenden record. [volume] (Marion, Ky.) 1904-1907, 1905-12-22
Christmas Prophetic Day
BY RUSTIC
BY RUSTIC

To the great majority of those who
still observe Christmas as religious
festival, il is day of tender reminis-
cence The devout Imagination re-
creates the scenes of long ago. Naza-
reth becomes as real as our childhood's
home. The gentle mother, the ador-
ing shepherds, the singing angels, the
heavenly voices procaiming, Peace
on earth, good will to men" all these
on Christmas Day, are as sounds and
scenes we have ourselves heard and
witnessed. In such an hour, most real
are all the gracious days and deeds Of
Jesus life from manger-cradle to the
cross.
In former time, when men more 10y
ally believed the gospel story, and.
when myth and miracle provoked no
harsh denial, the saints fancied that in
Christmas vision they saw the Christ
and heard the music Of his speech.
Some dim radiance Of that vision yet
abides. On Christmas Day his story is
told in all the Earth-his praises sung
in all the lands. And thousands who
know him not, or who believe not, will
yet live out his teaching in deeds .of
love.
One day we consecrate 10 unsclfsh
service Of our fellow-men. We strive
in the very spirit and method Of Jesus.
though We may know It not. TO increase
the joy Of the world. We feed the
hungry and clothe the naked. We
remember the sick and sad at heart.
and. II We could. we would bring
Christmas cheer TO the weakest and
the worst. Some rays Of christian
charity fall within the prisoners cell
and penetrate the darkness Of city
slums. Few have the heart 10 smite or
harm, FOR thy Christ love Is law Of life
one day in all the year.
Christmas is a day dedicated 10 the
home. The care-worn son Of toll. who
in life's losing battle may have regret
ted that young hp. ever called him
father is this day happy IN the
laughter Of his children. The over.
burdened mother, who knows al the
grief Of WEAKNESS and want, is lifted
for few bright hours into the sun.
shiHe Of joy. Husband and wife. too
often living in self-imposcd slavery.
striving for the riches that perish. and
forgetting that love is the vine u life.
may this blessed day renew the old
tndearments, and find within a humbl.
home-a palace Of delight.
o day Of the heart. We welcome
thee o day Of the home. We rejoice
in thy light Come. rich with thy
gifts Of love. with the offerings Of
pity. with the consultations II faith
But why live one day by the law %.
'o'e ami many days by the Law oi
STRIFE Why no, hive ever in IN,
Christmas spirit n brotherhood i.
so good. so in accord with the Master.
lofty faith, why not dwell together a.
brothers while the years speed on
And, Il We are alone blessed IN promot.
Ing the good q Others. why not act
cvermorc above the range Of ,ho.,
miserable aims that end in sclr''
Jesus Is ctemally right. Love b. bet.
ter than hate, and 70 give IS better
than 10 receive. The surrender of
selfish ambition Is the beginning Of
life.
Will this faith set conquer
the world Yes. most assurcdly
Love Is no, only better than hate. bu,
Is stronger Peace Is not onl, happier
than war, but is nobler. And To helm
our brother on the rough way u lie /.
wiser than 10 tramplc him into IN,
dust.
The prcccp,s Of Christ's christianity
are beyond the mutations ~ time The
influence Of His holy lie is an UNSEEN,
force destined 10 command the
ages.
Much that We prize may fail U.S. bu,
the JOY and strength Of his uncloude,
faith IN God a. Father. IN man a..
brother, and in the dcathlcss lie of the
human soul, shall surely abide IN,
day-star Of progress while the world
endurcs
Of Jesus, final victory u prophetic.
q glor'cu. star q heavenly hight.
That cleft the darkness OF The night
To bless the Christmas morn.
No sinful earth shall lucnch tbs ray.
The omen Of the perfect DAY
For ages yet unborn.
o voice Of the Eternal Might
That broke the silcngc uf che u.gb,
To bring good will % men.
Through all the centuries weary strife.
In glowing hope, in rising life.
We hear thee yet again.
o humble child whose cradle law
Beneath the star proph,,ic ra,.
We see and know thee still
Not strangely clad in crccdal lore.
But He who walked by Iorlan's sb,,,