PEACE ON EARTH

Christmas of 1918 should never pass from the memories of those who have lived through the period of the war, for it is the first Christmas in five years when the message “Peace on Earth’ has not seemed like a mockery. So deep is the sense of relief in everyone’s heart, that it comes on us almost unawares.  We have all been wondering consciously or unconsciously, on the mystery of things which, during the little cycle of twelve months, has cast us into the depths of the blackest apprehension; and then raised us to the pinnacle of hopes realized. In the years which somehow seem remote, before half a world was deluged in blood, Christmas recurred for the mature man or woman with magic rapidity; but how long it seems since Christmas of 1917!

Tremendous events that will form the theme of thinkers and historians for all time have crowded into a few brief months; so that in the records of the mind these months seem as long as years… Documents that we dismiss to-day with a casual glance will be carefully scanned.  Victorious and defeated generals and statesmen will have their critics and their champions.  Innumerable monograms will be written.  Meanings that we cannot discern to-day will be read into or evoked from those events through which we have lived since Christmas bells last were ringing.    

Looking back upon the thoughts which were expressed at Christmastide during the years of war, we gain an idea of the dark and troubled way our souls have traveled to reach this dawn of peace.  There cannot have been one reader of these words, who has not brooded in secret and feared the worst; not merely for some dear one, but for humanity itself.  Dark and impenetrable indeed seemed the future on Christmas day of 1914, and succeeding Christmases brought us fugitive hopes to be crushed at times though never to die. 

The most deadly blow to our hopes was yet in store twelve months ago.  It came with the spring, and then, as if by a miracle, all began to change.  Hope rose stronger and more radiant than before; Victory spread her pinions and led our forces onward; and at last came peace, not feeble, nor shrinking as if about to depart, but with the signs of enduring strength.  The undying message “Peace on Earth; Good will toward men,” sounds forth in its full meaning at last. 

During these troubled years, there have been those who have regarded the war as the negation of faith which Christmas typifies and celebrates; but real Christianity never released men from the responsibility of resisting evil.  Our Christian soldiers have resisted evil to the death; and though Christmas of 1918 will be a sad festival for those who miss the laughter and greetings of those who never will return, we are all the happier because at last we know they did not die in vain. – Saturday Night. 

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Published in the Aylmer Express Newspaper on December 26, 1918
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