Any world-wide anniversary necessarily carries its own message, and it devolves on those who perpetuate the day to proclaim that message in its entirety, in its full, undivided form; and unless this is faithfully done, the returning period will lose something of its significance. Mankind knows many anniversaries, but there is one which overtops them all. It is the return of the date that ushered in the Christian era, over nineteen centuries ago, by the advent of Jesus the Christ, that again draws the attention of the whole world to the Christianity established by the Master; and it is known as Christmas. Many peoples at this time turn their eyes to the nations called Christian, to see in what manner the followers of Christ Jesus preserve his, message.
The shepherds who were watching their flocks on that great night were undoubtedly aware of the promised coming of the Messiah; and the angel that appeared confirmed their faith by announcing "good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people." This heavenly messenger was immediately joined by a "multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." There is an important sequence here, the announcement of the fulfilling of prophecy being followed by a message consisting of two parts, the first giving glory to God, the second promising peace on earth. About thirty-two years later, when Jesus was engaged in his ministry and was asked which was the "great commandment in the law," he replied that the first and great commandment was, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind," and that the second was like unto it: "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." And he added, "On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."
Compare this estimate of Jesus with the full message of the nativity, and note the correspondence. The heavenly host had given glory to God, and then there followed the conclusion of the message announcing the brotherhood of man. Yet, such has been the forgetfulness of the centuries that it is all too customary to speak of peace on earth without, apparently, acknowledging the fatherhood of God.
