The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-12-14
REV. R. A. SCHELL
Pastor OF First Christian Church
A Plea for Organized Mercy.

The Christmas time is again close
at hand. 1t is fitting, as we approach
its observance. that we consider how
best to observe the great event which
we celebrate. There is always reason
for great rejoicing at Christmastide;
but at this time there is extraordinary
ground for celebration. In the victory
of our allied armies we have seen the
triumphing of that cause for which
He, whose birth we memorabilia, be-
came incarnate and the approaching
o. that zone far-off, divine event. to
which the whole creation moves
1t is appropriate that we should hold
festivities. ring the joy-bells. and con-
duct great services of praise and wor-
ship. Thus we may give expression
to our gratitude to God for the I'm
speakable Gift of His Love-" These
Christmas observances should be never
SO elaborate. But our celebration
should not end with them. Religion
that ends in the observance of ritual
is shallow and incomplete. Jesus
went SO far as to endorse the words
of Hosea, 81 will have mercy and not
sacrifice" He did not mean to be-
little worship for none was more wor-
shipful than He. This language was
| used not as an negation but as COM
parison of superiority. Worship is
important but charity is even more so.
Indeed all true worship will bear the
fruit of beneVo1ence, shown in reliev-
ing needy and suffering. The impor-
lance of this is not to be minimized.
1t is true that the evangelization of
the world and the development of
Christlike characters is the supreme
task of the church. But it is also true
that social service is the trail to the
hearts of men. Men cannot realize
the cravings of the soul when they
are suffering the pangs of the unsatis-
fled appetites of the body.
Never was there a greater demand
for Christian benevolence than during
this season. Never were there so
many hungry to be fed. naked to be
clothed, or sick and imprisoned to be
visited. How could we more fittingly
celebrate the birthday of our King
than to minister to their needs?
We celebrate the anniversaries OF
our friends births by giving them
presents. We can not present gifts
direct to Jesus. But He himself has
! pointed out the way of expression.
Referring to life's unfortunates. the
| hungry. the naked. the sick and the
| imprisoned. He said, "In-as-much as
/ you have done it onto one of the least
of these you have done 1t unto me-"
| What more fitting then than. at this
|
make special sacrifices in order to re-
| lieve humanity's extraordinary needs.
The practice of charity should not
, be an individual matter but for the
sake of efficiency, it must be social
| ICED. This fact has given rise to many
splendid benevolent institutions. Just
now there is none which deserves
more loyal support than the great
Red Cross society. 1t functions most
serviceably in this hour. Indeed it
! has truly been called 1.-The Society of
! Organized Mercy" 1t is appropl late
! that the membership campaign of this
| organization should be conducted
/ during the Christmas season. Our be-
loved President Wilson has well said
i in one of his great messages, "Red
fCross membership is the Christmas
spirit in action" What~a glorious OPP
! portunity it offers as to show practi-
J cal mercy to all suffering and needy
! humanity The messenger of this
| Great Red Cross Mother" goes every
! where. in every hour of need, and
| Builds it house by the side of the road
7! And becomes n friend to man."
So this plea is made to the Christian
people of Topeka and to the good
citizens of this community, that they
all, young and old, viii take out mem
berskips in the American Red Gross
society as special token of joy and
era titude at this great Christrnas-tide
Come, let us make it unanimous!