The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1909-12-25

of David a Saviour, which is Christ the
Lord St. Luke II IL
In thus announcing the birth of
Christ to the shepherds abiding with
their fiocks in the fields around Beth
lehem, the angel of the Lord ushered
in the first Christmas Day some two
score of centuries ago. As the shep-
herds marvelled at the wonderful
tidings suddenly there was with the
angel a multitude of heavenly hosts
praising God and saying:
GLORY to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, good will
toward men,
That glorious message is the real
significance of the birth of Christ.
Such is the real significance of the
celebration of the festival of Christ
mas. It typifies conditions as they
should prevail on earth and among
men.
Christ's birth, his life. his sacrifi-
cial death were the forerunners, the
guiding lights, to a coming tranquility
of grand proportions among all peo-
pies. It has not arrived as yet. But,
regardless of the pratings of pessi-
mfsts, it is on the way. And its reali-
zation is nearer now than it has ever
been before. Sometimes the threat
ening clouds hang heavy and are
dark. Nations empty their sacks of
gold to, prepare for bloody wars.
Crimes against men and God flourish
in every realm. Evil abounds in
every cline. Through all this, though,
procession of righteousness is
marching on. 1t is gathering strength
with every league it travels. Its goal
its victory-may be in the distance,
but the pathway to it is brilliant with
good deeds and is scattered with
blessings manifold.
Let every man be UP and doing to
play his part in the great conflict
which is being waged. The recurrence
of each succeeding Christmas should
spur him On to nobler efforts. Prob
ably the most substantial general re-
suits can be Obtained if each and every
Individual labors with himself to
make himself a better man, to make
himself measure up more nearly to
the standards set by that great Teach
err whose birthday anniversary is be-
ing observed today wherever enlighten-
ment reigns.
A nation, civilization comprising
many nations, is but a reflection.
composite picture of the people who
make it UP. AS those people advance
individually towards the perfect state
in all things, even though such con-
dition is we'll nigh unattainable, so
will the nations which they comprise.
AS long as men war with each other in
unfair ways in their varied pursuits,
as lone as they refuse to do unto
others as they would be done by, just
so long will the nations of the earth
act in a similar manner on larger and
more costly scales. Such battles, how
ever. between men and nations as are
carried on now and in the future will
result eventually as have the mighty
struggles of the past. The world will
be the gamer for them For the NOV
ing force that controls the destinies OF
men is pointing the way for them to
follow. And it is onward and upward
The celebration of this Christmas
day. therefore, should be in a happier
vein than any which have gone before.
Good cheer should be dispensed
through gifts, remembrances and kind
w words in a free and lavish fashion.
as an appreciation of the fact that the
world is better off today in all things
than it has ever been in its entire his
tory, This condition of affairs, too,
will continue TO grow and Increase
with each succeeding year until, in the
intimate end, there will be of truth,
con earth peace, good will toward
men,"
And his portion and reward will not
be small who helps in ever so slight
a way to that magnificent accomplish
ment.