The Independent-News, Volume 100, Number 19, Walkerton, St. Joseph County, 6 December 1973 — Page 6

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— THE INDEPENDENT-NEWS — DEX EMBER 6, 1973

Man s attitudes toward religion today focus on the Laws of God rather than mere magic

At Christmastime there is so much emphasis on the secular. even commercial aspects of the Season, it is natural that skeptics of the entire religious concept take this occasion to deride many of the traditions such as the miracle of Conception, the Star in the East, and so on. As the triumphs of mod-ern-day science continue to dazzle the mind and imagination. its age-old “conflicts” with religion continue to be debated. Interestingly enough, in the latter part of the 20th century, when such spectacular achievements as man's voyages into space are becoming almost commonplace, the conflicts between religion and science seem less controversial ... in fact, these “miracles’’ arc being judged as events that ensue as results of the laws of God. Many great scientists have expressed deep religious feeling in connection with their scientific discoveries. For example, concurrent with his discoxer}’ of the mathematical laws of planetary motion in the early 17th century. Johann Kepler said: “Ihe heavenly motions arc nothing but a continuous song for several xoices. perceived by the intellect, not by the ear. It is no longer Surprising (therefore) that nan wanted to reproduce the continuity of cosmic time , . . by an artful symphony f<>r several voices ... to test the delight of the Divine Creator ... by making music in the imitation of God”. Again, citing the 1918 edition of Sir James Jeans’ “The Mysterious Universe", tLe renowned physicist-as-tronomer wrote that “the Stream of knowledge is heading towards a non mechanical reality. The universe begins to bMik more like a great thought than lil ea great machine. Mind no longer appears as an accidental intruder into the realm of matter.

Quoting Cornell University’s first president. Andrew Dickson MTite, “My conviction is that science, though it has evidently conquered Dogmatic Theology based on biblical texts and ancient modes of thought. Will go hand in hand with Religion;

and that, although theological control will continue to diminish, Religion as seen in the recognition of a Power in the universe, not ourselves, which makes for righteousness, and in the love of God and of our neighbor, will steadily grow stronger and stronger.”

CHRISTMAS: MESSAGE OF HOPE FOR WORLD’S WOES

In a world tom with violence at almost every level, through formally or informally declared war, in rioting, anarchy, in cruel discrimination, it is difficult for thinking people to truly experience Christmas. Yet, through the very meaning of Christ’s coming, every man, of every persuasion . . . whether “Christian” or not, can take Christmas to his heart and profit by it. For Christ personified brotherhood, abiding love, tolerance; if Christians have gotten away somewhat through the “outward and visible signs,” the ceremonials and the trappings — perhaps this is the year to come home to Christ. Whatever the rest of the world is doing, let each of us celebrate Christ’s birth in our individual, personal ways. Let us forget self, let us truly open our hearts, to genuinely offer friendship and brotherly love. t- .. j AX HF KW'TSSrJHBHMKI I I^t us “do” for others, not just through organized charities, or group efforts. Discover the thrill of assisting some less for-

men/ the PEASE of (jod, tljat passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and lov'e of (Jod, 1 this day/ and ev’ermore.

tunate person, someone who may have much of this world’s goods, but be impoverished otherwise. This is the Christmas to relinquish those petty grievances, and perhaps the important ones, as well. This is the Christmas to really show those you love that you do love them, in important, little ways ... and in large ways, too. It is so human to take care of the vital, “large” ways, and overlook the small, also vital ways! This is the year to do something about that. Christmas Creche Has Tradition We do not know when the first creche was set up as a tableau to illustrate the nativity, but church records indicate that St. Francis of Assisi received special permission from the Pope to reconstruct the scene in the Bethlehem stable. Today the crib, surrounded by figurines of the Holy Family, the Three Wise Men, shepherds, angels and farm animals, is to southern Europe and Catholic countries what the brightly decorated Christmas tree is to America. • • • In the Southern Hemisphere Christmas is celebrated in mid - summer heat. They will have the traditional turkey dinner. Families often go to the seashore or the hills fur a picnic.

Carol Singing Still A Popular Christmas Custom Caroling is the custom in many countries thruout the world. And, there are about as many different customs connected with it as there are countries. Bagpipe music accompanies the carolers in (no, not Scotland) Italy! In England the carolers receive gifts for their efforts. “Gifts” of refreshments are often the case in America. “Star-singers** is the name for groups of carolers in many nations. The term is taken from the pole they carry, which has a lighted star on top. j Xj^zhou shalt know Him [ A when He comes, e I Not by any din of drums, 6 Nor by vantage of y I His airs, I v Nor by any tin ng Ho 7 ] wears, I V Neither by His crown 7 / Nor His gown. \ I But His presence L known shall be ( ] By the holy harmony A Which His coming । ) makes in thee. ? Author Unknown 7 ■■o-—-o — o—-•o— —d

The First American Xmas Tree Christmas traditions date back thousands of years . . . to the Druids and ancient Rome and beyond, but the first Christmas tree in America was brought into being comparatively recently... in 18-47. The place W’as Wooster, Ohio. A young German immigrant, August Irngard, a youth of 21, is said to have introduced the Christinas tree to America. As Christmas drew’ near that year, it proved to young Irngard a season of somewhat dismal anticipation. He missed the fund of entertainment and observance which marked the Day in his homeland. So he decided to have one like those in Bavaria. Tw’o other reasons, very personal ones, were his nephew and niece. He wanted to bring added joy to their Christmas, and make it ono they would never forget. Young Irngard went into the woods and chopped do\x*n a spruce tree. From the village tinsmith he obtained a twinkly tin star. The family made paper decorations, and thus the Christmas tree, as most of us know it, came into being. The townsfolk prtLcrzd ’round to admire it - efora long, the word had own spread far and wide, about the beautiful tree in Wooster, Ohio. It became an American custom. America honors August Irngard. His tomb stands on ; Madison Hill in Wooster. This year, as in previous l years, a lighted Christmas tree will probably stand at its door, a tribute to the man f who first brought to America . the symbol of joy and peace f and love that should be i Christmas for us all, all over r tire world. I A churchman, John 1 Pierpont, composed the gay Christmas song, “Jingle Bells,” which has been popular for over a century.