A discourse preached on a Christmas occasion by the Pastor of the Church of Christ (Scientist), Boston.
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall he no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgement and with justice from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.—Isa. ix. 6, 7.
This is Christmas Day—at least, that is what men call it. This is what the Churches in all ages have called it. With it are associated joyful memories. The Christian world looks forward to its annual return with eager anticipations. Why do they? If we accept their statement for the truth, it is because that on this day the Christ was born. No doubt but the general answer would be that this is the reason why humanity hails the return of Christmas and its festivities. If, however, we examine into its observance, it might strike an impartial and close observer from another planet, that general good cheer had as much to do with our eager anticipation of the day as of joy because the Christ made his appearance into our world on this day. He might be led to think that our sense of the day and its memories were largely gastronomic and gift-giving, quite as much as they were spiritual.
