The Daily Alaska empire., 1938-12-20
H. L. WOOD, SUPERINTENDENT Alaska Mission oi seventh day
 AdyertiStS

As we near the close of 1888 it is again time to write our annual message of Christmas cheer. After reviewing the events of the past year it is with mingled sorrow and joy that we shall write this brief message. Of course we are expected to look on the bright side of life and this we try to do. But from the viewpoint of a Christian clergyman I cannot be unmindful of the greatest tragedy that will cause the year 1888 to stand out in history, the tragedy of religi- GUS intolerance manifested in many countries.
 Two millenniums witness that the teachings of Jesus to Hove your enemies" Pray for them that dis pitefully use you and persecute you''; Blessed are the merciful": Blessed are the peace makers; /; Blessed are the pure in heart: when put in practice in the indi- vidual life, the family. church. or nation, is the only road to last rg peace, h happiness and se- curity Yet as we look upon the world today with it's vaunted civili- zation and scientific advancement we see strange actions and greatly conflicting opinions.
 This Christmas will again wit ness the annual clash with riots and bloodshed over the possession of the birthplace of our blessed Sa- yiour between three great religions Of the world, two of them Christi ian, all equally intolerant. This Christmas will follow the greatest persecution and wanton unbridled abuse by pagans of the remnant of the ancient people of God through which lineage our Saviour was born, and through whom We re- ceived the holy scriptures In a nearby country we witness the Christians bombing, slaughtering men, women and innocent babes, using every means of modern scien- tific warfare to annihilate their former brethren whom they now designate as pagans because they have changed political color. In still another eastern European na ton we find another branch of the Christian church has become so politically powerful that it do- inmates the state and at it's behest law was enforced after De- cember 15, 1888, that is making 1t unlawful for any Christian of any denomination (except adher- entS of the state church) to sing. preach, read aloud the scriptures. or instruct in religious assembly. Public prayer is the only lawful religious activity that can be en- gagged in, after the above date, by any aside from members of the es- |
 With the Knowledge that such religious intolerance is rampant in the world and is growing more lntolerant each passing year as we witness the Christian church engaging in politics in nearly al countries, is there not reason fol thoughts of sorrow to be mingled with joy at this Christmastide. However I am not pessimistic al this annual time for good cheer Were not all these conditions fore. told in prophetic utterances by oul Blessed Lord Blessed are ye Wher men shall revile you, and perse- cute you, and shall say all man. ner of evil against you falsely, fol My sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: For great is your reward ir heaven: For so persecuted they the prophets which were before you" There is courage and cheer in these words of the Lord.
 The outlook may be dark bu
 the UPLOOK is as bright as tht promises of God Or as stated by ex-Premier Earl Baldwin tht
 morning following the Municl agreement which postponed for {
 time the coming world war, T seems that the finger of God ha. painted a rainbow across the six, . of the nhildrn1n nf ,,no,,