NO other occurrence in all human history has so influenced the course of subsequent events as has the birth of a babe in the recess of a stable yard nineteen centuries ago, "in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king;" no other event has wrought such important changes in the thoughts of men and in their modes of life. The brief career of the humble Nazarene left an indelible stamp upon civilization which becomes increasingly apparent with the passage of the years. Furthermore, the truth which he taught and exemplified has reached, both geographically and mentally, far beyond the confines of civilization, finding its gracious way into the hearts of dwellers in earth's darkest places, of barbarian and savage alike, regenerating and civilizing all who receive its precious message. Christ Jesus taught and exemplified the most transcendent truth—the fatherhood of God, the brotherhood of man, and the unreality of evil. In these three fundamental demonstrations he proved the operation of the divine Principle to underlie his works.
It seems quite impossible to-day to gain a clear concept of or adequately to visualize the status of humanity at the beginning of the Christian era. The world for the most part was then hidden in the Stygian darkness of paganism and old night. Here and there light had shone, but its feeble rays had illuminated but small areas of the mental darkness. Certain Greek philosophers had conceived a higher notion of Deity than was contained in the belief of gods many; but progress toward the spiritual light of day had been confined chiefly to the children of Israel.
Abraham had gained the exalted concept of the one God. Moses had consciously talked with God, and through divine inspiration had led from bondage the Israelites, still struggling up from the belief of material bondage toward the light of spiritual understanding. Prophets and seers had caught glimpses of Truth, but were unprepared to receive the full significance of its message. Evidence of the limited and material sense held about God finds full exemplification in the last of the minor prophets. Although at times, it seems, Malachi rose to great spiritual heights he still conceived of God as an anthropomorphic being, endowed with passions like men, albeit in larger degree, who rewarded and punished accordingly as His favor was won or denied. The letter had become the essence of worship, and the Pharisee obeyed "the law" in its minutest detail, although wholly devoid of the true spirit of worship. His sense of devotion was satisfied in strict obedience to the law. In this mental atmosphere was born the babe of Bethlehem. Fearful for his kingly prerogatives, Herod sought the life of the infant Jesus, compelling flight into Egypt, the nearest place of safety. Under divine protection the boy grew and his spirit waxed strong within him. The momentary glimpse of him in the synagogue at Jerusalem before the elders is the only authentic record we possess regarding his youth and young manhood. He grew up in Nazareth of Galilee, a small village where the crudest of artisanship was practiced, and where as the carpenter's son he no doubt learned and plied that useful trade.
