THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 10, 10 December 1936, Page 18

THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS

For one thousand nine hundred and thirty-six years we have celebrated the most joyous of all events —an occasion when, no matter what cares may beset us, all should find some greater measure of happiness. Dull is lie who cannot find something uplifting - in deeper thoughts about the significance of this period, and so it is that everywhere one looks for radiant Happiness. Especially so should this be among the younger people; and for the older ones, too, there comes abundant joy in the radiation throughout the world of the spirit of the message “Peace on Earth, Goodwill Toward All Men.” SEASON OF GIVING. And Christmas is the season of giving, whether of happiness in material gifts, or in the spreading of one’s own cheering outlook. At this season dull care should be shut away; the doleful countenance be replaced with the true smile of gladness. Love for one another becomes more manifest; kindness is reflected everywhere. Perhaps that joy is enhanced by the reunion of friends and families. Happy times, in our part of the world at least, are found in holidays at the beach or camping ground, and in this respect New Zealand is well endowed. GRACE OF OCCASION.

But in whatever way we spend Christmas, uppermost in our minds should be the grace of the occasion—the grace of joy in the anniversary of an Event that brought into the world a Great Light that altered the whole course of civilisation—and so it is that all should radiate light, too, the light making Christmas truly merry and joyful.