The wageworker. (Lincoln, Neb.) 1904-????, 1908-12-19

instincts of humanity. This holiday
eclipses all other birthdays, as the
sun makes the electric light to cast
shadow. At this season a large
majority find delight in giving. 1t
gives occasion for springs of human
kindness and good will to fow 1t
challenges the charge that man is
innately and persistently selfish.
More than is believed practice the
truth that is more blessed to give
than to receive.
Christmas is the festival of children
and women. Christ's conception of
childhood and youth and his treat
ment of women made it possible for
them to commemorate his birthday
with JOY and gladness. At the out
set Of his career he foretold the reg
nancy of the cradle and the glory of
the woman. Christmas celebrates the
birth of a child to whom the world
| owes the progress of 1900 years, and
whose work will endure so long as
earth shall continue and influence 9TH
er worlds.
AI INETEEN centuries ago peasant
IL woman OF Judea in a stable gave
birth to a child destined to do
the greatest possible work-to free all
women from bondage and all children
| from slavery-the evils which dis
| graced past ages. Jesus influence
upon humanity as a child, a man, a
| teacher and as a Saviour, as one who
| put the eternal right of man above all
| established customs and precedents,
is the greatest Inheritance of the hui
man race. The king of the Jews has
become the king of the world A He
brew mind with no racial bias is now
ruling the nations. The spirit of the
Christ most deeply moves modern life
and thought. His name has passed
over our institutions and his mind has
penetrated into our social and domes
tic existence. The inspiration of true
liberty and education, the benediction
Of the beautiful, the elevation of let
tiers, literature and morals are
ascribed to him.
II as clearly marked as the cur
rents Of the Gulf Stream bring
ing verdure and beauty to inhospitable
shores, light to those in darkness, anG
making the wilderness to blossom as
the rose. Innumerable poems, drama:
and songs have been developed
through his teaching. Art taxes itsel
fittingly' to portray his life, architect
ure struggles 10 build temples suitable
for his worship. Universities, col
leges, schools, and all systems of edu
cation attempt to realize his est
mate of the dignity and worth of child
hood. Government ITSELF" said Glad
: stone, lis but the translation of thu
! teachings of Jesus Christ into human
laws and Institutions His thought
j and ideas toll like giant for man
progress. The single historic vine II
Santa Barbara carried to California b.
priest has changed all the industrie
of that land, SO Christ's ideas carr
energies for civilizing worlds. LAS tn
sun upon the horizion rolls forward
pouring forth warmth out of it's In
visible urns, so we perceive an atmos
phere of hope and joy has bee
poured over the continent out of tn
heart of Christ and those who love
him. The world celebrates at Chris
ing. 1t looks reverent1y upon the fac
of him, the feeble infant in the maj
ger, and upon other children to who1
he gave SO much.
CHILDREN and Christmas are tn
factors Of civilization. Edmun
Burke defined civilization a
"the spirit of gentleman, and til
spirit of religion in a life lived in tn
presence of man and God"
The beauty, purity, humility, faitl
helplessness and the promise of chi
r.