In the light of these tributes we may also fearlessly declare that the life, character and works of Christ are unquestionably attested by those who struggled to disbelieve Him, and at last bore witness in His favor. Dr. Barnes even suggests that "unconsciously, unadmittedly, Jesus was the 'star' of faith which Robert Ingersoll saw rising in the night of death, and as it's light fell upon the new-made grave, he mistook the benediction of comfort proffered by the pierced hands for the rustle of an angel's wing." What we think of Christ affects materially our conduct. He demands a personal answer. He first asked "Who do men say that I am?" But that is not enough. Of His followers in all ages, He asks "But who do ye say that I am?" If this important question is still unanswered by any who read these lines, why not this moment surrender yourself to Him? It is said that Wagner's earliest compositions were in the manner of Beethoven. But was not there good reason for this? For years when a youth, he had lived with Beethoven's compositions, until he knew them by heart; the spirit of the teacher had completely mastered the spirit of the pupil. The result of imitation was inevitable. Will not the spirit of our Master, Christ, pass upon us, if with similar devotion we seek to reproduce the genius of his life in ours? CHRISTMAS CHEER “Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all the People."—St. Luke. TH HE spirit of Christmas has captured the world. The festival becomes universal in spite of religious antagonisms. Christmas cheer is the legitimate child of Christianity. Because Jehovah lavished upon the world His greatest "gift" the world has made the Saviour's birthday the chief gift season of the year. We do well to heartily wish that the spirits of "Christmas Past", "Christmas Present" and "Christmas to Come" might wake up every miser "Scrooge" to hearty benevolence and that every poor "Bob Cratchit" with his "Tiny Tim" might have a blessed day in his humble home. The true spirit of giving is a heart quality. Customs may demand certain formalities, but the true spirit of giving does not wait. The ancients regarded the offering of a gift the token of good will. The acceptance of a gift was the sign of good will reciprocated. Giving is not a helpful practice unless it is prompted by lofty sentiment. Two evils should be avoided in the matter-carelessness and extravagance. The Christmas season prompts both the custom and the spirit of giving. It is the time to be truly happy. To give and forgive. God's great gift to the world was the Christ. "He so loved that He GAVE." The visit of the Wise Men at the birth chamber of Christ illustrates the true spirit of giving. They came seeking the Saviour. Finding Him, "they fell down and worshiped". They offered Him the homage of their souls. They brought the homage of heart and of earth; they opened their treasures; they offered their gifts; they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. The true cheer of Christmas is found in the love of Christ-in paying homage to the Christ. "On earth peace among men" is the Christmas greeting of Christian cheer. CHRISTMAS BELLS "Sing, Christmas bells! Say to the earth, This is the morn Sing to all men-the bond, the free, That Christ is born, That saveth them, that saveth me!" -Selected. A LOOK AT THE PAST "And God seeketh again that which is passed away."—Solomon. T is related of a great statesman of the South that when he was IT passing away, some one asked if they should pray for him. He replied: "No, my past life must be my prayer." This sentiment was entirely in harmony with the truth set forth in the words of Solomon. The past has been, and is sealed forever. The present now is; the future will be what we make it. But few who reflect upon the past do so without regret, sorrow or joy. Regret, because of sins committed, wrongs done or duties left undone. Sorrow, because of deaths, disappointments, troubles. Joy, because of once youthful days, when cares were unknown, pleasures unbounded, hopes radiant, skies unclouded; when, in the language of Thomas Gray, "Youth was on the bow and pleasure at the helm". Then, there is joy over good deeds done and kind words spoken, if such has been the record. It may not always be helpful to brood over the past. Some lives are especially full of unpleasant memories. But the past is a great teacher and if we sit patiently at the feet of this learned sage, many lessons, helpful both to our temporal and spiritual lives may be learned. Most people at certain times fall into meditation and may say as did David "While I was musing the fire burned". 128 There is no life entirely without some sunshine; some blessing; some joy. The experiences we have, the gifts and blessings bestowed upon us, are the result of an over-ruling Providence, and we shall be held accountable for the spirit with which we receive them and the use we make of them. While man possesses a will, by which he does or does not live in harmony with the Divine purpose, God is unceasingly at work in many ways whereby He may lead him into the fellowship of his children, by at last winning his heart, his will, his all. No blessing or kindness bestowed is for an idle purpose. All is done in love and for the purpose of drawing us nearer to Him. The past cannot be undone. "Only a thought, but the work it wrought, -JESSE GORDON. |