Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1914-12-19

There is ia ever nation great in
terest shown in the birthday Of some
personality who has had marked d.
recting and controlling influence in
the history and institutional life OF
the nation. For one people II may be
a Washington or a Lincoln; for an
other a Gladstone a Bismarck or q
ToIstoi Characters Of the kind live
in the memory Of their respective
nations. But in the Christ is one
who belongs to all the world His
incarnation. or coming among men
70 live with them and 10 share IN
human experience and TO give His
personal service and spiritual infiu-
ence for the benefit Of all history is Of
worldwide meaning that is only
too slowly being understood in its
fullness. But as the eyes OF Christ
endom are now turning toward the
cradle Of Bethlehem and the gladness
Of the Christmas season is felt every
where q truer and deeper apprecia-
tion may be attained Of the greater
moral and spiritual height at which
this world leader, the Christ, towers
over all others.
Qualities Of Leadership
His leadership was not dependent
on the sword OF steel, but on the
Sword Of Spirit. Among the edu-
Gators Of the world He excels in those
didactic insights and rshnements Of
spirit that are essential TO an educa-
ton that develops the moral and
spiritual abilities and qualities Of
character. He was not a statesman,
though He preached Of kingdom and
its constitution and characteristics.
Yet the influence of His personality
is shaping legislation steadily In the
direction of the kingdom of His vision
and description. He was not an
economist. but His sense OF justice
and right in human relationships and
activities is stamping itself on human
life. This Is the person Of Thoughtful
reflection, divine sympathy and love.
moral and spiritual character and
power, to whom the world is looking
today for guidance.
The world needs Him and the world
cannot do without Him. When a
babe He was sought by wise men and
humble shepherds. The wise men
came in order TO gain larger knowl-
edge; the shepherds came in order to
to find a Saviour, and political rulers
came to and a political enemy. Mixed
and varying motives are possessed by
some men today when they are asked:
what think ye OF Christi" The
wise men and the shepherds are types
Of men today who feel the need Of
leadership in the way OF larger
spiritual life or in the attainment Of
knowledge that delights those minds
that seek to know the secrets Of the
universe The wise men who came to
the cradle Of Bethlehem represent
consecrated Christian scholarship.
The shepherds represent the great
common people who seek comfort and
a friend.
A Vital Fact.
The incarnation is not alone q
theological dogma. It is vital fact
spiritually that touches human life
in every aspect, not alone the in
dividual, but the institutions of hu-
man society, and affects the career OF
the nations. Either the human fam
lily advances or II goes backward. 1t
cannot maintain an equilibrium or q
static position. 1t is subject to a
dynamic spiritual force that impels
II. The vital fact OF incarnation and
the faith of man in II constitute the
spiritual advancing and uplifting
force that cannot be withstood or
ignored without disaster to indy
iduals and nations.
Not only for leadership aid the wise
men and shepherds go to the cradle
OF Bethlehem. but for satisfaction to