The Nativity

MIND AND PLAN IN NATURE 161 to which all the movements of the great bodies in the heavens conform, and fixed laws to which the energies and motions of the particles of these great masses accord. Again, there are fixed laws in accordance with which the plants grow, chemical and physical changes in matter and in man take place, and conforming to which the mind is gradually developed. It, therefore, seems reasonable that all these various phenomena and phases in nature, including man, are exhibited, do exist, and are what they are, in accordance with perfect order and fixed laws. Confusion and mere chance are foreign to the very nature of these wonderful activities; energies and existences in the universe. Therefore, if there is order in the universe, and fixed laws controlling all things, then it is fitting and consistent to our minds to believe that there is a Creative Intelligence guiding the destiny of all material and immaterial things or existences. As one's conduct in life, one's kind of living, and one's thinking, all have an influence for good or for ill, every human being is obligated to high thinking and moral conduct. Man should not steal, he should not lie, he should not hate, he should not be envious and jealous, he should not be immoral or dishonorable in any way, for he would thereby hurt not only himself, but be doing also a great wrong to others. Man should not only do all the good he can to uplift himself, and thus indirectly tend to help advancement of others, but should directly do all he may for uplifting his fellows. The world has advanced most, and chiefly been made a better place in which to live, by people who have in one sense gone far beyond their immediate moral obligations, and have sacrificed themselves by suffering, and even death, in order that great peace and purer happiness could come to you and to me. The Nativity The silver moon had set far in the West; O'er all the Holy Land the night was still; The shepherds with their sheep had gone to rest, While darkness reigned o'er vale and dell and hill. But lo, a brilliant light beamed from on high; An angel voice announced the blessed morn; Behold I bring you tidings of great joy, For Christ the Lord to you this day is born. Angelic choruses in anthems grand, Sang sweetly, "Peace on earth, good will to man.*' Let nations in their haughty pride bow low; Acknowledge the profound, allwise design; And in the Christ child learn by faith to know This greatest gift of God to all mankind. O. F. Ursenbach.