Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-12-25
CHRISTMAS SPIRIT
HELDA|D TO WORLD
Bishop Freeman Pleads for
Year-Round Application of
YuIetide Inspiration.

Declaring that Christmas speaks to
the world "in terms Of q universal COM
radeship' that has as its supreme end
Right Rev. James E. Freeman, Bishop
Of Washington, in a Christmas sermon
broadcast from Bethlehem Chapel,
Washington Cathedral, shortly before
noon today, asserted that when "the
Christmas spirit has inf1amed the hearts
of men as with a passion, new
earth shall be born wherein dwelleth
Righteousness"
Five services were to be held today
at the cathedral. The day is being
marked by the visits of thousands to
Bethlehem Chapel, where a symbolic
presentation of the birth Of Christ is
made. Last night large electrically
illuminated star was lighted on the
roof of the cathedral.
Christianity Is Explained.
The festival service which was broad
cast this morning was conducted by
Very Rev. q. G. F. Bratenahl, dean Of
Washington. assisted by members Of the
Cathedral clergy staff. The music, in
Guiding Christmas hymns and anthems,
was sung by the Cathedral choir Of 10
men and "a boys.
In his sermon, Bishop Freeman de-
clared that Christianity is mot a cult
not yet system, but the Interpretation
OF a divine principle of right human
relationships expressed in terms Of life,
the life OF Him who in humility entered
into the fellowship with men on Christ
mas day.
Christmas is the day Of the glori-
ginning OF q new conception Of do
nestle bliss and felicity. It Is the en-
franchisement Of the mother, the ex-
altation of childhood, the lifting up Of
the race to a new level Of thinking and
living; yes, it is the supreme expression
not only Of Gods purpose concerning
men, but the highest disclosure Of
mans possibilities and potentialities
the open door into his truest and fullest
development. In the divinity OF the
Christ Child man catches visions of the
divine elements in his own nature"
In conclusion, Bishop Freeman de-
clared:
Christmas day and its rejuvenatine
message must touch this old world anc
| give 1t a fresh outlook, new meaning
| better hope. It's spirit must be 81
amplified and extended that it shall
give color and form to our habits anc
practices the year through. Peace anC
goodwill cannot be confined to a single
season, the freshened expressions anC
renewals of generosity cannot be re-
stricted to the small area of our home!
/ or the narrow circle of chosen friends
No, this is too precious q thing. too biz
conception Of life and its relation
ships to be given expression but onc'
year.
Translate Message Into Deeds.
"Bethlehem's glowing message mus
be translated into deeds Of selfies'
service; its comprehending love mus
become the precious talisman will
which we interpret our vision Of /;
world fellowship. Its peace must cove
| the earth as the waters cover thu
sea and that day be ushered in whel
| the kingdoms of this world shall be
come the kingdoms of our Lord ant
His Christ. When the Christmas spiri
has inflamed the hearts Of men a
with a passion a new earth shall b.
born, wherein dwelleth Righteousness.
This is no idle hope, no heetini
/ vision, that for a brief space throb
| in the brain Of some dreamer; 1t is tn
| avoWed aim and purpose OF Him VIII
! came TO earth on Christmas day;
| is the ultimate end of His ministry
it is the voice Of God calling us up Il
! behold the design and plan of an en-
| franchised and enobled human race"