A Perpetual Herry Christmas

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVI, Issue 11, 24 December 1925, Page 9

A Perpetual Herry Christmas

“LORY’ to Cod in the highest, and on ea th peace aiyl good will toward men.’ Though it is 2,000 years old, that message of peace and good will comes ringing down the ages to us, and with unabated force sinks deep into our hea is. it echoes round and round this oi l world till everyone seems permeated by the spirit ot good will—till gladness, hand-shakes, and cheerful words t.re heard on every side. Surely this i . as it ought to be, for are we not commemorating the anniversary of the incarnation of Christ, the Son of God?

Why is it we always feel so happy at Christmas tine? We are really seeking happiness all of the time, aren’t we? ’then why do we so seldom find it? Is it not because happiness is not something concrete that can be found—it is a relic-; action—it evades anyone who seeks it directly—it comes only as the result of trying to make other people happy. In this lies the real secret of our Christmas joy. Every time you say “A Merry Christmas to you,” with a real ling of sincerity in your voice, it cones living back like a boomerang in the cheery response you get. and makes you feel that it is not so bad to be alive after all. Just think a minnip—isn’t it a real pleasure to be a Santa Claus, and even at some considerable personal inconvenience and denying of yourself, put something in those stockings so carefully hung up b v the fireside? Be honest with vourself —don’t the shouts of joy on Christinas morning, as the •dockings are emptied, bring a real deep‘sense of pleasure that cannot be had from spending money on one’s sei f. But whv at Clristwas begin and end this hanniness that comes from making other peaplo happy Whv not continue it always? There is no need ; -o he giving toys to boys and girls all +he year round—they don’t want I hem. Just in words express that feeling of good will to mon and children alike, and you’ll find that because it is scarcer during the rest of the year, it is all the more appreciated. I W<» all want happiness, hut wo arc all looking in the wrong place for it. The deepest happiness of all is to be found in God and the <•• •' other source of happiness is to be found in our fellow men. and in nature around us. There is not one single bit of happiness to be found inside ourselves for the self-centred person is the mosi miserable cron In re that exists. while the unselfish person, without directly looking for it. enjoys the onlv true happiness. Here’s niy Christmas wish for you—that you may start right mil to-day. and make this the iolhest Christmas that over was by spreading good cheer all around you. and that you will keep it up right through the year. You know deep down in your heart, that it i is the only wav to bo really happy. i Thon whv should you not live i n a perpetual Christmas? Start at home- ; that is where we should all begin, and j if w< are spreading good will and glad- * ness there, wo will be ell right clse- • where .and what a merry Christmas ours will bo.