To the world the birth of Christ has meant illumination. “That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” That light did not break suddenly with a deluge of noonday glory flooding the world with sinlessness. Such consummation was left till a yet later time, when the Sun of Righteousness shall rise with healing in His wings. It came veiled in humanity. Lighted first in a humble home in Nazareth, it has shone through two millenniums in the homes of a happier world. It has exalted marriage, sanctified parenthood, blessed the child. It has ennobled every task, and lifted womanhood from chatteldom to full-sharing fellowship in the highest and the best.
Painters on whose canvas that light has glowed have given noblest themes most beauteous form. Poets who have caught its gleam on the heights of inspiration or have seen it in lowly vales glorifying the dew of human tears have left the world its sweetest songs. Sages who have written by its unwavering ray have embodied in purest speech the grandest truth. Statesmen to whom it has been a lamp to guide their feet have been led by surest paths to greatest good.
The birth of Christ has meant to the world its noblest idealization. It has placed above the ancient incentive of self-love and self-indulgence the ethics of self-forgetfulness. Greatness is in service. Power is in love. Joy is in giving. Spiritual good transcends material good. Prosperity is in peace.
The birth of Christ has meant to the world realization. Some will say the world knew all these things of old. Let us remember that Jesus was the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. The best things known to ancient times, though yet He was but promised, were of Him. Wise men saw Him afar off, and were glad. But in His birth speculation became fact, faith became assurance, prophecy became history. Ideals that had been dimly discerned and regarded as unattainable, actualized in the life of a man who was in all things like unto us, were brought within the reach of all.
Others may say the world has not yet apprehended. Men are still self-seeking. We still have war. Yes. But Christian ethics everywhere condemn baseness. War is deplored. At His coming it was said, “He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God.” He Himself prophesied wars. But in the confusion of those wars, His own may realize inward peace.
To me, His coming has meant eternity. Youth is gone. Its dreams are dead. Years have taught me that I can have no aspiration pertaining to this world but that must fail in years now soon to come. But He abides. His love is imperishable. Heir with Him unto the earth made new, I have in Him a fellowship that shall not pass away.
