Jasper County Democrat, Volume 20, Number 77, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 December 1917 — Christmas Is Still a Religious Holiday [ARTICLE]

Christmas Is Still a Religious Holiday

Christmas holds a unique place as a yearly celebration. The observance of other holidays has changed, but Christmas has yielded none of its original sacredness. It is now, as at first essentially a religious day. Its realitj voices a song of fraternity people gr o\v at. this season more generous, more indulgent, more human. It is evangelistic for the destruction ol malice and ill-will—-differences between one and another are forgotten. Year by year Christmas devitalizes selfishness, and Consequently the day is a powerful factor for good. Great characters step from the spiritualized atmosphere; majestic deeds of charity leave their blessing and example everywhere. Yuletide is not merely a period of gift bestowal or solely a time of thoughtfulness. Its significance is more profound. Feeling is immersed In kindness. Conduct is adapted to what is highest and best. The first plain Christmas, of which that of today is a sublime issue, dignified sacrifice. The Good Book says: “And there were shepherds watching, and keeping the night. watches over their flocks.” A manifestation of personal saci-ifice. Those who would be rich must give. The gift need not be monetary. Giving is without limitation —if a singer, give to others a gladsong; if a millionaire in experience, give freely of advice; if a table of plenty, share the repast with those who are not only physically hungry, but thirsty for sympathy; if Invested with geniality, become a prince giver of laughter, of service, of encouragement. Be constructive. Followers of this doctrine draw from the season a rich return in happiness.