THE Hauraki Plains Gazette With which is Incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE. MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY. “Public Service.” FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1943. CHRISTMAS

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 52, Issue 32376, 24 December 1943, Page 4

THE Hauraki Plains Gazette With which is Incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE. MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY. “Public Service.” FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1943. CHRISTMAS

The passing of another year brings us again to the greatest of all Christian festivals, celebrated before the outbreak of war with wholehearted joy and 1 gaiety. It is a matter for great regret, and boncern, however, that for the fifth successive Christmas, the lighter aspect of the season seems out of place, for New Zealand, as a full partner in the British Commonwealth of Nations or to go further with that Union of Nations pledged to crush the forces of evil which threaten all free men, is still engaged in the greatest war in world history—a struggle for its very existence. Into this fight New Zealand has joined with a whole-hearted determination to expend the last ounce of energy in an effort to slay if possible the grim ghost which stalks abroad, and would destroy all that as a people we hold dear. . . „ The extent to which New Zealand is committed in this conflict is found in the thousands of our men and women who are already members of the forces. It does seem out of place in such circumstances, to expect that Christmas, 1943 should resemble those, for instance of 1938, and years prior to the outbreak of World War 2. But while sad thoughts may shade the natural feelings of rejoicing which spring forth at this time of the year from the inner soul of man, it is well that so far as is possible the festive season should be observed as in the’ past, even in its apparent superficial aspect. There is scarcely one of us who has not some dear relative, near or far, who is doing his, or her little bit in the fight to retain for us that freedom thought and action which we cherish so much.

While we are enjoying Christmas festivities our thoughts naturally go out to them. We will be wondering where they are, what they are doing, what privations they are enduring. We will be thinking all kinds of things, but the predominant thought will be that Christmas, 1944 will see them home again enjoying all the fruits for which they fought, and for which many have made the supreme sacrifice. Christmas 1943 for us in New Zealand at any rate, can be observed with lighter and freer hearts than Christmas 1941, for then with Japan’s entry into the war we were brought right into the danger zone.

While we are still in the danger zone the direct threat to us is not nearly as great. During the intervening two years the Pacific countries, thanks largely to our American friends, have been able to gain strength and become largely prepared to shake off any challenge the enemy might launch. • The Christmas festival marks a great occasion—the birth of our Lord who set out to save mankind—and it is well for the British race that whatever it may face in the near future by way of tribulation, it should realise the inner meaning of the period, and strive for its upkeep even in the face of the. greatest sorrow. As each Christmas comes round, men are apt to measure up the progress made during the year and look to what the future has in store. They contrast the ideal and the real; the actual an dthe possible; men as they are and as they might be. To some, with a world war waging, it would appear that the world is going back and that all that Christmas stands for is but a z mockery. But does such an outlook portray the exact position, black though it may appear to many ? Christmas stands for faith, unselfish courage, and the greatest of all virtues, charity. In more peaceful times, a full outlet is provided by a deep, practical recognition of the underlying meaning of the season, by a joyous spreading of the cheer-

germ in secular life, and a ministering to the needs of the needy and distressed. But to-day with a diabolical war threatening our existence, there is doubt. It is here that the faint of heart may be inclined to wonder whether the celebration should not be subdued. And surely the answer should be in the popular phrase of the soldiers —“Carry on P’ Peace, after all, is an attitude of mind, and springs first ‘of all from the individual. The Christmas season celebrates the birth of Him who made the supreme sacrifice for His Ideals that Peace might reign. To-day,: more than ever, these facts should be brought home to us, for the same ideals are at stake and the same sacrifice possible. That it is being willingly made, on land; sea and f in the air, in"~ martial combat and in civilian life, should give the lie to detractors whose sole refuge is to question the ideal. That this objection also may be removed rests chiefly, if not wholly, with those of us left behind. | With more determination than ever, the ideals attendant to Christmas should be practised in everyday life, not just when the season demands, but throughout the year. It is a challenge which should be taken up no less lightly than the more ’ obvious one thrown out by our enemies; it is a challenge which; though equally burdensome, must be taken up with equal fervour if we are to refute the charges of mockery. In countering both assaults it. is a battle-half won if the heart be light because of the consciousness of the ideal. So in this spirit the task is viewed; and in. this spirit we offer to all without qualification the annual wish of A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A BRIGHT AND BETTER ’ NEW. YEAR.