The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1916-12-21
CHRISTMAS GREETINGS

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DEAR FRIENDs:-The Christmas sea-
son is at hand and feelings of joy fill
our hearts.
What pity that the Christmas spirit
could not prevail all the year. But it
should and by and by it will, though it
will under different conditions. ! trust
you all have caught the true Christmas
spirit. If your Christmas is holy ore
it will be a merry one. Only as it is
the spirit of love will it be the true
spirit. Christmas is Gods great love
love day to man The love of heavt
was let down to earth on that first
Christmas day and it came in the form
CT the Babe in the manger at Bethle-
hem. That was Gods great Christmas
gift to US, and he who has Him with
him, has the true Christmas spirit for
he lives the heavenly life. Love is his
ruling spirit. The way to show our ap-
probation of this heavenly gift, as VT il
as the Christmas spirit, is by opening
the souls door and letting the pure air
of heaven breathe all its graces. q
Faith, hope and love seem to have
more freedom at this season, in the
soul. But why should these beautiful
graces be relegated so largely to the
cellar of the soul at other seasons?
True, they may grow there, but it is a
mushroom growth. They lack vigor
and buoyance Give them the pure cir
and bright sunlight Of the souls best
room.
Somehow so many seem to think if
these graces have sway at this season
it will be enough for the entire year.
Try it the year round. One good thing
about this Christmas Joy and spirit,
that a goodly number who experience
the Christmas JOY and spirit are willing
to continue it through the year, and
live in the sweet influence of benevo-
lence and charity
The season reminds US of Jesus the
Saviour of the world. That suggests
great need, viz: to be saved. From
what? Sin and its awful consequences;
its guilt and power, and saved to the
glories of heaven, with all its peace and
joys. Jesus is more than a sublime
hope to US. He is the central figure of
prophecy and of the worlds history and
He is the Christ of the present as well,
a living reality, the same yesterday,
today and forever. flow good to think
of Him as present companion,
friend in need, and one who abides in
our homes and hearts. His presence
gives US new courage to climb the hard
hills of life's pathway, to endure the
trials that beset US. and bear the sor-
rows that envelop US.
From the rugged mountain sleeps of
life we go down into the valley of
trouble and anxiety but with fearless
step, we pass through the shadows that
encompass. because we are conscious of
being led by an invisible hand.
That glorious presence changes tur-
moil and toll into joy and peace. This
Christmas season should bring to US a
new conception of His abiding presence.
We hear it said, well this is the happiest
season of the year. Why? Because of
its peculiar spirit, which is joy. Yes
real joy in the broadcast sense. Some
how there is tenderness comes over
US, we feel kindlier to all and our hearts
go out to the many thousands who are
suffering for the barest necessities of
life; who have no Christmas joys as
in days of yore, We want to help them
bear their burdens, and bring some new
JOY into their hearts. 1t is but the
worlds expression of peace on earth
and good will to men,"
Have you ever noticed how ready we
are to forgive our enemies at this sea-
son? We are willing to smother out
the wrinkles of i'll will and promote
peace and good will" in all circles.
Especially do we want to make our
friends happy. So busy hands are pre-
pairing the gifts of love and home
thoughts are of kindly remembrances.
That is good. commendable indeed, but
let US not forget the poor, or the proper
gift to God, through his church. He
that giveth ito the poor lendeth to
the Lord, and he will get back in liberal
dividends.
Help the various Boards of our
churches, for they are in straights.
They see the glarlng needs yet are
powerless to supply them. He who
came to give His life for US, has en-
trusted to these Boards of the church
His work; they are our agents, but
they can only do their work as the
church furnishes the funds, therefore
from hearts, homes, Sabbath schools
and churches send your Christmas gifts
to gladden. the lives of those who know
not of the Christ. 1t is all right to
remember our own at home and in our
Sabbath Schools. but it is a selfish
spirit that will let the gifts stop there.
We are making Very poor impress