THE REV. T. H. ROSEVEARE

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 545, 24 December 1928, Page 11

THE REV. T. H. ROSEVEARE

(MODERATOR OF THE AUCKLAND PRESBYTERY) TT is with great pleasure that I accede, to the request to write a 1 seasonable message. First, let me extend to all our people the Season’s greetings, a joyous Christmas, and a very happy and prosperous New Year: It was a glad day for the world when the angelic song tilled the air with the refrain: “Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth, peace and goodwill among men.” It would be a sad day were New Zealand to attempt to follow the example of Russia and make a serious attempt to eliminate Christmas joy and goodwill. This is the time when reserve and formality are laid aside and each strives to make someone else happy, arid evidences of the pleasure taken in the attempt are seen on the street, in trams and trains, in shops, and everywhere. But Christmas reminds us of something more than our duty to the people of goodwill. Christ came not only to set us ah example of welldoing. He came to “give Himself for us.” The best Christmas gift is that of a living Christ, who still offers Himself, not as a memory, but as a living factor. We have got past the days for waging warfare over doctrinal statements, and are awaking to the fact that we are one in a common possession of a living Christ. At His first Advent He was rejected by those who ought to have known better. How shall we treat Him to-day? Many of you, this Christmas will have sad hearts. To you, I commend Him of whom the season reminds us, for He can comfort as none other can. David Livingstone, addressing the f . students at a capping ceremony, once said: “Shall I tell you what Sustained me amidst the toil and hardship and loneliness? It was these words, ‘Lo, I am with you always.’ ”. May Christmas remind you of that same abiding companionship. Most of our church activities will cease for some weeks. May all our church workers, who have laboured so faithfully during the year, enjoy a well-earned rest, and next year return to their tasks refreshed and reinvigorated. *