Time For Kindness And Unselfishness

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30632, 24 December 1964, Page 5

Time For Kindness And Unselfishness

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, Dec. 23. A plea for everyone to remember the hungry people of the world at Christmas was made today, in a . Christmas message from the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand, Mr D. N. Perry, of Opotiki. “Christmas is a time for showing kindness to one another. Yet the Retailer’s Association is .‘worried about lotteries at Such times as Easter, Mother’s. Day, and Christmas’, as they have ‘reduced the sale of gifts.’ Increasing gambling facilities pours liquid assets on the fires of materialisms and selfishness,” Mr Perry said. “It is difficult to enter into the true spirit of Christmas when our hearts are sick at the knowledge of a hungry and cruel world. Much of this trouble remains in the world because good people have been so slow in showing and expressing concern. “How can this change? Larger groups will not change except when something first

happens to smaller groups. Every family is such a group. We have a responsibility to show that the Christmas message is for the whole man, body and soul. “Instead of judging and condemning, we should examine ourselves. Let us make our Christmas fare simple, tasty, and colourful, which the children will enjoy. We can enjoy their pleasure. “We should place an empty bowl on the table, and tell the children that it is to remind us of a hungry world, and to receive gifts for the hungry. The children may lead us. “Our practical gifts and sincere prayer can bring new life to a needy world. “Christmas should link God with families, and our family in particular. Let us ask our heavenly Father to recreate in us a true Christmas spirit, and soften our hearts towards the needs of others. Then needy people will be able to thank God for Christmas, and all that it means.”