Putnam County herald. (Cookeville, Tenn.) 1903-1922, 1915-12-16
Ghrtatnlaa--:
A TIME OF GIVING
By r. J. Craig
Pastor, Methodist Church

|
Seneca said: He that bestows
benefits initiates the gods: he who
takes, the usurers."
Artaxerxes said: ITO bestow is
more royal than to take away
Aristotle said: ut belongs to a
freeman to give rather than to re-
ceive."
These, seeing through a glass dark
! ly, gave expression to thoughts full
of helpfulness.
Jesus, the great teacher, sometime
during his ministry. said: 1T Is
more blessed to give than to receive
These words were not recorded by
those who wrote the life of Jesus.
From heart to heart they were given
until they reached the soul of Paul.
A. D. 60. Parting with the elders of
Ephesus. to whom he had faithfully
ministered in the love OF God, work
| ing with his own hands that he might
help those in distress, Paul lovingly
reminded them of what Jesus said:
at is more blessed to give than to
receive"
From the rising of the sun till the
setting of the same there is light:
there is heat; there is life. When
the sun sets the stars come out Of
their hiding places and smile on the
children of man. Spring, summer
fall and winter with measured steps,
keeping pace with the love of God,
are ever going round the world to
bless mankind. The birds sing till
they live, rest awhile and sing again.
The flowers bloom long enough to
make man think of God, close their
petals, stoop, to lift others up for SER
vice; and die, giving place to others
to show the beauty of their Creator.
Each drop of rain, each flowing
stream, each blade of grass, each
mighty river, each deep blue sea, each
waving field, each lovely forest, all,
all cry aloud and say: I'VE are the
gifts of God to man."
We know that our Father Is pleas
ed in giving these things.
As great as our Father is, there Is
one time in which His giving reach.
ed it's high-water mark.
The little children who are encour-
aged by loving parents to hang their
stockings on the night of Christmas
Eve will easily understand the time to
which reference is made.
The dear ones, from home, at work
or at school, returning to Join the fam
lily circle, feel that there is one day
of giving taking rank above the 9TH
or days The husband remembers
the wife, and the wife does not forget
her husband. Friends think OF
friends, and the poor are blessed.
Great corporations send greetings to
those who work for them. And the
young man sends presents to the one
he loves Business houses close, and
mighty engines are told to rest for =
little while VS.
What day is that, of all the days Of
giving, in which we are caused to
think more earnestly on that wonder
full passage: 1T is more blessed to
give than to receive?
The blessing that comes to the Iov-
ed. dependent, trusting child is that
which makes us think OF the angels.
The light beaming in the eyes Of
the poor, receiving what they need.
leads us up to the Home where there
is no want.
The love that shines in the face OF
him that is lifted from his fallen state
Shows his high appreciation Of the act.
1t is a blessing to receive. It is
like God to give.
And there were in the same conn
try shepherds abiding in the field.
keeping watch over their flock by
night And, 10. the angel Of the Lord
came upon them, and the glory Of the
Lord hone round about them; and
they Y re sore afraid. And the angel
said uA him, Fear not; for behold, I
bring you good tidings OF great JOY,
which shall be to all people. For un-
TO you is born this day IN the city Of
David a Saviour, which is Christ the
Lord"
christmas Day-the birthday Of
Jesus Christ--celebrates the greatest
Gift Of God to man.