The Daily Alaska empire Newspaper, December 20, 1931, Page 4

DEC..20, 1931. Daily Alaska Em piire JOHN W. TROY - - - EDITOR AND MANAGER .M“.}:l St(,ulu‘l and Main _7I’nh shed e evening PIRE PRINTING COMPANY a - Post Office in Juncau as Second Class matter. SUBSCRIPTION RATES. Delivered by carrier in Juneau, Douglas, Treadwell and Thane for $1.25 per month. v . Do the following rates: One ye in a six months, in advance, $6.00; one month, in a ‘Subscribers will confer notify the Business Office of in the delivery of their papers. R for Editorial and Business Offices, they will promptly s or irregularity 74. Telephone " MEMBER OF ASSOCIATED PRESS. Associated Press is exclusively entitled to the publication of g it not ¢ : credited in t local new ed herein. publis ALASKA CIRCULATION GUARANTEED TO BE LARGER THAN THAT OF ANY OTHER PUBLICATION CHRISTMAS THOUGHTS. There is no Christian festival which awakens emotions so strong and heartfelt as Christmas. The origin of the faith is enshrined in beautiful story, whose supernal melody rang above the Judean hills twenty centuries ago. Christmas makes the home fireplace the rallying- place of reverence and affection; where heart calls to heart and the laughter of age and childhood mingles in exhilarant spontaneity with the merri- ment of vital maturity, and all once more are children together. It is the season when the genial flame of charity inspires the soul. As happiness is reflective, even as the light of heaven, we now transmit to others our love, generosity and joy. We grow tolerant toward innocent, boisterous folly. We are at one with the holly and icy and carol and the song of minster bells. In the glad laughter of the children we are made to realize approximation to the summit of earthly felicity. In one another's smiles we read the speech of the angels. The home- fecling abounds with dear oppressiveness. It brings an ache to the heart of the wanderer who must spend his Yuletide far from home. The Messengers of Christmas sang amidst the stars. We symbol the Christmas light in tender taper flame. And with God's light came liberty and love—these the greatest gifts of the Christmas- tide. The red berries of the holly and the white berries of the mistletoe represent brightness and purity. The fragrance of kinship, of brotherhood, is everywhere made kindly manifest. The endear- ing faith, anticipation and joy of childhood present a draught of rejuvenating life-elixir to the lips of those who have left childhood behind them with. the other years. There is sacredness and charm in the Yuletide seasoni-poetry and romance. The spirit of Christ- mas is that magician whose love broods over the world and whose will it is that the children of men shall be happy, whose gentleness seeks un- ceasingly to deliver them from their own-riveted bands and obsessions of sorrow, want and pain. In proportion as we radiate and extend com- fort and happiness to others, so will be the measure of our own soul gratification and blessing. This is the season when whispers in the melody of seraph tone and phrase. And have we relieved another’s neeed, anxiety, sadness; contributed to his faith and hope? If so, we have honored that baptism of supreme sacrifice which glorified the earth and mankind near two thousands years agone. In the glad spirit of light, liberty and love, a merry, merry Christmas and a prosperous and happy New Year to all! THE NATIVITY. And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxation was first made known when Cyrenius was Governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one to his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; To be taxed with Mary, his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be de- livered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came unto them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, “Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great Joy, which shall be to all people. “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. “And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a mul- titude of the heavenly host praising God and say- ing: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” —Gospel of St. Luke. JOHNSON PLANS TO OPEN UP ALASKA. BSometime ago Representative Albert Johnson of ‘Washington told the Seattle Chamber of Commerce that he would ot the present session of Congress the homes of the natives built of loose limestone, propose & bill designed “to open Alaska” to ex- ploration and settlement. was acting Chairman of the House Committee on the Golden Rule At that time Mr. Johnson |y o 51455, @i opening in the roof for a chimney | S o £ Not a creature was mouse: with care, there; The children were their beds, their heads. ’ / N : Q@rzstmms\ , £ WAS the night before Christmas, ‘wnen W /—'l all through the house The stockings were hung by the chimney In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be While visions of sugar-plums danced in : ARGy stirring, not even 2 nestled all snug in & —Clement Clarke Moore. Territories as well as Chairman of the Committee on Immigration. He has lost both of those dis- tinctions now on account of the elections that have been held since he spoke in Seattle. However, the Alaska situation is the same now as it was October 31, when Mr. Johnson gave utterance to his plan, and his plan is just as applicable now as it was then. “I desire to frame a bill to take the great dead hand off Alaska,” Mr. Johnson asserted in an address to the members council of the Cham- ber of Commerce. He continued: There has not been one silver dollar going into Alaska in years, and no new people. In fact, they are coming out and leaving the Territory. With the leasing and land laws as ‘they are now Alaska will lie dead and dormant for generations. My plan would be a law authorizing the Secretary of the Interior to open large tracts, 100 miles in width and 500 miles in length, if necessary, for development and exploitation. Such tracts would not even dent Alaska, If any law could be passed that would enable the Secretary of the Interior to open up Alaska, iwhy limit it to tracts, big or little? Why not apply it to all of Alaska? Why not permit the Cabinet officer to “dent” Alaska? Christmas, Reverent hearts have exclaimed—"“The chief glory of this old world is that it was once a pedestal for the Cross,” and we would add at this Christmas time—“And a Cradle for the Prince of Peace.” How proudly the world must have turned on its axis that first Christmas that it might rock the |Babe of Bethlehem. In visiting Nazareth, some years ago and seeing of small dimensions, shutters in the windows in- that the smoke from charcoal burning in a brazier might escape, little or no furniture, Oriental and fur rugs on the floor for beds; we exclaimed in distress of mind and heart, surely Mary and Joseph and Jesus had a more inviting home than this! But we all learn sooner or later that loving hearts and not furnishings make a home. Mary's heart must have been the purest and the loveliest in the world that God placed His only begottton Son upon Her breast to be nurtured for Him. It is stated in Holy Writ that the Angel Gabriel appeared three times to mankind—once to Daniel, and he fell upon his face in fear; to Zachariah, the father of John the Baptist, and he became dumb on account of his unbelief; and to Mary, who joyfully exclaimed—“Behold the handmaiden of the Lord, be it unto me according to myself.” Parenthood is the highest calling. It requires finer qualities to make an ideal parent than a re- former or public benefactor. A son once asked his father what he would like to be, a great scientist, an author, artist or what? Drawing his son lov- ingly to his breast, he replied—“A great father, that I may be more like God.” As we rode on horseback through Samaria over its bridle paths and rugged hills we pictured Mary and Joseph journeying to Bethlchem to be taxed— they had no prejudices, we are sure that would cause them to detour. Would that we too could put humanity above patriotism and help to bring in the new era of Peace on Earth, and Good Will to Men. The road seemed so dangerous to an Inexperienced rider that many times we closed our eyes and per- mitted our horse to pick his own steps. An aged gentleman in advance of us turned a somersault over his horse’s head in descending a declivity, but with little or no injury to himself. A pleasant afternoon’s drive from Jerusalem brought us to Bethlehem. The Church of the Nativity, built upon the brow of the hill, is one of the best accredited spots in Palestine. - Having entered its portals we descended by @& staircase to the chapel below. In the floor in front of the altar is a large silver star. Above it is the in- seription in Latin—“Here was born Jesus of Nazareth of the Virgin Mary,” Over the altar is the picture of the Boy Jesus in the carpenter shop, plane in hand, busy in work, while Mary and Joseph are seated nearby. Under the picture are inscribed the words “And He Went Down To Nazareth and Was Subject Unto Them.” As one lingers here she worships the Christ who was one with God in the beginning, who was God, and who created all things. The same Christ who was born in Bethlehem to bring us to God and the Christ who stands at the door of our hearts and knocks that He may be born in us today. “Christ is the bridge that crosses the chasm between man and God, nay, rather His fullness fills it up.” It has been said, in reverence, that one is less surprised that so few accepted Jesus as the Christ when He came here in the flesh, but rather that so many had the spiritual discernment to recognize His Divinity through the confines of the flesh. A lady once expressed regret to a Scotch Divine that she did not live in the days when Jesus was in the flesh that she might have received Him in her palatial home—‘Had He come in the dress and with the manners of your coterie of friends you would have received Him” was the brusque reply, “but if He had come as the carpenter of Nazareth with horny hands you would not have received Him more readily than did the people of His day.” If we will not receive the Spirit of the glorified Christ here now and crown him King of our lives, after all that has been accomplished, in His name, we would not have received Him had we seen Him in the flesh. The all important question is: Will you receive Him here Now? The wise men “fell down and worshipped Him | and opening their treasures they offered unto Him gifts, gold, frankincense and myrrh.” I read re- cently of a missionary who so touchingly told of the love of God to a number of the Indians that the Chief came up and laid his tomahawk on the altar as an offering. As the missionary con- tinued hs next presented his blanket and later went out and brought his pony to the tent door. This, however, did not ‘suffice, for soon the chief walked to the altar and presented himself to God. Christ offers Himself to us this Christmas time. Shall we not give ourselves to Him to be used to, usher in the new day of “Peace ‘on Earth, Good Will to Men.” Thus we may truly keep the Christ- Mass throughout the entire year. —Edith Gibbs Jones. | Chrisumastide. (Cincinnati Enquirer.) The best sentiments and emotions of humanity are interwoven with the celebration of the Christ- mastide festival—the Feast of the Nativity. From palatial abode to lowliest habitation, in all Christian lands, the steps of the Christmas spirit may be traced. This is the season when may be realized approxi- mate understanding of Christlike compassion—when the hearts of millions of people are akin with ten- derness and sympathy and love—unselfish love. “Nowel, Nowel, Newel, Nowel! Born is the King of Israel.” So long, long ago, the dwellers in English shires, | and the same sweet melody rang from the ivy-clad lanes of France. Other Christmas carols still come sweetly on the Christmas Morn wherever men revere and love the memory of Christ. They are lyrics which inspire the mind to thoughts of goodness, for on this memoried day truth and goodness blossomed into perfect flower in the manger altar at Bethlehem of Judea. The Wise Men came riding from the desert, fol- lowing the Star which typified the Light of the World—of time and eternity. Humanity, however stumblingly, still follows after the divine luminance of the Savior's teaching. The Christmas Day takes precedence in import- ance over all other celebrations recorded in the history of human experience. To no other who has Merrie Christmas And we hope Santa Claus has arranged to make you all very happy. Wide-Awake Shoe Shop AL LUNDGREN Merry Christmas Happy New Year We wish to express our sincere appreciation to our many friends and patrons in this community for their support and patronage and hope that we may continue to merit your favor. STAR BAKERY JAMES SOFOULIS, Proprietor \ \ ] ) [} D e SOOI o walked the earth has mankind accorded the en- during honor and affection which it gladly, will- ingly accords to Jesus. Dickens, whose genius for understanding the hearts of the common people will be remembered chiefly because of his affinity with the Christmas Spirit, which enabled him to write of the Christmas- tide and its meanings in such a way as to touch the heart of the world to melting tenderness and tears—tears of joy and tears of pity. Still, at this season of the throbbing bells and carols sweetly sung, we behold the evolution of Scrooge, and realize the pathos of the life of Tiny Tim—we envision the brightness of green-red holly, catch odors of the Christmas feast and realize the fullness of family affection. Still honored and loved is the Saint who fares abroad on the Christmas Eve with sledge and dainty reindeer, to gladden the hearts of those who truly believe in him. And who that is normal of heart and soul does not believe in him? The stockings hang by the fireplace, the Christ- mas tree is ablaze with tinsel and twinkling lights —the household is alive with the happiness which alone irradiates the world at the Christmastide. ‘The tree! The ancient Aryans called it the Sun Tree. They looked upon the spreading rays of the sun as branches—the floating clouds were leaves and the moon and stars the fruit and blossoms on the celestial tree. But after centuries they came to recognize in the symbolism of the Christmas tree the Light which shall outlast moon, stars and sun. The world is happier this day because it now more nearly approximates understanding of the philosophy taught by the Founder of Christmas, the emancipator of womanhood and the Divine lover of little children, whose happy laughter is the sweet- est music of the Festival of the Nativity. Christmas Hymn. Hark! how the welkin rings Glory to the King of kings! Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled! Joyful all ye nations, rise, Join the triumph of the skies; Universal nature say, Christ the Lord is born today! . . . Hail! the heavenly Prince of Peace! Hail! the Sun of Righteousness! Light and life to all He brings, Risen with healing in His wings. Mild He lays His glory by, Born that man no more may die, Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth. —Charles Wesley. Shepherd of Tender Youth. Sheperd of tender youth Guiding in love and truth Through devious ways; Christ our triumphant king, ‘We come Thy name to sing; Hither our children bring Tributes of praise. . . . So now, and till we die, Sound we Thy praises high, TWO LITTLE WORDS “Merry Christmas” Those two words have behind them all my good wishes for your future happiness. Happy New Y ear! PETER W. DESPOT FAIRBANKS, ALASKA MV D N ALL KIND WISHES Sending all kind wishes Not limited to Christmas Day, For gladness and good cheer But good throughout the entire New Year. 3 MacKinnon A partments o