A.W. Woodburne M.D. 1947 THINK "Christmas

[JBKlyde]

"Good evening, Ladies and Gentlemen, we have Good News for you tonight from every fighting front." With such words a commentator opened his broadcast during the war, thus voiceing satisfaction over a favorable turn of events in the fortunes of war. Yet the awful carnage incident to every victory made the term, Good News, a misnomer. Because such news even when favorable to the Allies, meant sad news and bad news to wives, sweethearts, mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers and kiddies whose share of the news was in forms of telegrams from the government, reading, "regret to inform," "Killed in Action". To them the nation was heart-rending news.

News from the fighting fronts was never good news to all the people even on the side of the victor, though heralded by whistles, trumpets, gun-fire and church bells. News that begets bereaved and broken hearts is horrible news for multitudes on both sides of any conflict.

Genuine Good News must bring "Glad tidings of great joy to 'all the people. Such was the Good News broadcast broadcast by an angelic commentator almost two thousand years ago to a bunch of shepherds. And it was intended that that broadcast should be transcribed and rebroadcast, along with other Good News to confirm it, by us whose receivers picked it up, to "all the world," "to every creature."

Merry Christmas! We say it so glibly, so easily, amid family reunions, big Christmas dinners and Christmas Tree excitement as presents are gaily exchanged. The six hundred million Christians if united, could perpetuate the magnificent manifestations of good will by following the founder of our Christmas in not only giving goodly gifts but by living but living lovable lives. That would pave the path for permanent peace. That is a challenge to each one of us. Notwithstanding all the fine gifts and generosity we are not yet generous enough. We must give the golden rule a chance. We must give the serious message of Christmas it's preeminence and not forget it in our festivities. We must not let the Christmas spirit continue to come and go, but so live that it will come and stay/