The Daily News. MONDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1923. PEACE AND GOODWILL.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 December 1923, Page 4

The Daily News. MONDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1923. PEACE AND GOODWILL.

There is no sham about the Christmas season; its reality is so potent, that the beneficent influence of the festival—the shining constellation in the Christian’s year—is shed on all classes and on people of all ages. Before another issue of the Daily News is published, Christmas Day will have passed and be numbered with those of all previous anniversaries of the foundation of Christianity, with its message of “peace on earth and goodwill to men.” The sceptics may ask for proof of the reality of that message, and may point to wars, revolutions, assassinations, murders and all the ills which the world discloses as being all too painfully in evidence. These, however, are but akin to the ill-humors .that effect the flesh, mostly needing skilled treatment, but still capable of causing much ' suffering and death. They do not affect the great principles associated with the true spirit of 'Christianity. We, who have the good fortune to have our lot cast in a country like New Zealand, where the conditions of life are all that can reasonably be desired, have only to look around at this season of the year to discover that Christmastide is overflowing with significance of brotherly and neighbourly amity and goodwill. The dominating desire is not only to wish happiness to all around, but to give practical evidence of that desire, both in the family circle and to those outside its scope. Above all it is the season beyond all others .at which the children’s happiness is made a matter of special effort, and if rightly used, the custom of making gifts that are intended to give pleasure is one that inculcates the spirit of good will and kindness throughout life, while it keeps brightly, burning the best impulses of the elder generation in being of service to their fellows. There is no disregarding the fact that there is plenty of room in every community for kindly thoughts of others and for acts that will produce happiness and gratitude. It is certainly desirable there should be one season in the year when thoughts are turned from mere self and diverted to bright-

ening the lives of others. That is why the Christmas season, with its giving and receiving of tokens of goodwill, is rightly made much of, apart from the importance- of its religious aspect. Young and old can join in its customs and be inspired by is altruism, while even the sick, suffering and infirm can feel its influence, although they cannot participate in its joys. Then there is the beneficial effect on trade and commerce, whereby the country at large is made to prosper. Let no one imagine for a moment that any sordid note is struck by referring to this aspect of the Christmas season, for we cannot desire to extend a. full measure of I goodwill to all unless those engaged in trade, commerce and industry are included, as they form a prominent part in the welfare of every country and furnish the means whereby full expression is given to the Christmas spirit. It is an old saying that “it must be a poor heart which never rejoices,” so that it is most fitting there should be one period in every year when gladness holds sway. The people of the Dominion on the whole have much reason to be thankful for the circumstances under which they are enabled this Christmas to realise the improvement in their circumstances. The depression has passed and their anxieties .are mostly minimised. In comparison with most other countries New Zealand is most favourably placed, hence the spirit of this festive season should be more thoroughly felt and extended to others. If there are those who are unable to realise the true meaning of the message of “peace and goodwill,” they are much to be pitied for they are minus one of the most beautiful of all the blessings of life. It is to be hoped that these exceptions are few and far between. Even in such cases there is hope of a better feeling, and they are included in the hearty good wishes we extend to the community at large for a Christmas of peace of mind, happiness and goodwill.