Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-12-25
Guiding Our Feet Into the Wa, OF Peace


\YJHEN the angelic choir descended upon
w the Judean hills nineteen centuries
ago and announced to tho startled shepherds
The birth OF Jesus OF Nazareth. they accom-
panied ii with the message that the event
meant 'tdines OF great JOY. which shall be
to all people. The hope conveyed by this
promise spread from the humble shepherds
and took root in the hearts OF the people OF
Judea that delivcrer had come 10 lift OPP
preston from their overburdened shoulders.
Later. when Philip joyously announced to
Nathaniel I'VE have found Him. Of whom
Moses in the law, and the prophets did write"
Nathaniel with incredulty that was rooted
in public opinion ENORMOUSLY replied, Can
there any good thing come out OF NAZARETH"
Hear the answer OF Philip: Come and see"
During his stay on earth Jesus proclaimed
the fundamental principles OF world dcmoc-
racy. and 10 prepare His disciples through all
the ages to como for the struggle that should
eventuate in their triumph, He warned them
that the conflict for their enforcement in
the hearts OF men and their application 10
the institutions of civilization would be
ceaseless one between the forces Of good and
evil until right should prevail over might
and the world finally be made free. From
that day to this, the struggle has been going
on. Philips invitation to Nathaniel to come
and see" has been slowly driving its meaning
into the hearts and minds OF men, until the
N-ray Of critical analysis has revealed the
full scope and strength Of the Christie teach
ings to world wide human needs. The beauty
and strength OF the Christ conception Of or
dered life has spread to the remotest corners
OF the earth. until to-day witness three
fourths OF mankind arrayed under the banner
which typfes the teachings Of this Jesus
Of Nazareth in the eliminating struggle for
the overthrow Of the antagonistc powers
which have stayed its acceptance during all
the woe-burdened intervening centuries.
Despite the consuming connasration Of
war which now RACES with fury never before
witnessed on. so stupendous scale the an
niversary which we to-day commemorate
marks a stage in the progress of the Christie
ideal which should cause every faithful heart
to thrill with JOY at the prospect OF its ap-
preaching fruiticn--the dayspring from on
high is about to dawn upon the world, Ito
give light to them that sit in darkness anG
in the shadow OF death, TO guide our feet
into the way OF peace"
The world has pondercd Nathanael's ques-
ton. Can there any good thing come out
of NAZARETH" and the answer on this an
niversary Of the birth of the lowly Nazarene
finds reflection. in part, in the recent hoist
ing in the land Of His nativity Of the national
flags which are emblematic of the principles
He proclaimed and for which He gave His
life. that they might find universal accept
ancc.
Napoleon. on his march for the conquest
OF Asia, reached the boundary OF his extra
ordinary career a the plain OF Nazareth
Al Helena he said: Alexander Caesar,
Chnrlcmagne and | have founded empires.
But upon what did rest the creations OF
our genius? Upon force! Jesus Christ alone
founded His empire upon love; and at this
moment millions would die for Him."
Let u.s. then upon this anniversary of the
birth Of the humble Nazarene rejoice that
mankind is at last coming to appreciate the
sacrifice He made for human freedom and
is determined that it shall extend to all the
downt"oddcn peoples OF the earth