Article February 10, 1917 Issue

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with contributions from D. L. Ritchie, Joseph Fort Newton

[Western Christian Advocate]

The birth of Christ in a man's life is preceded by a period of soul distress, brought about by the overshadowing and ministry of the Holy Spirit. The spirit of man descends to the depths, the darkness of hell settles about him, and in the travail of despair the new life that is "hid with Christ in God" is born in him. Then follows an ineffable joy, which enlists the angels in lifting up a glad song with the refrain of the soul redeemed. It is again the angels of Bethlehem. It is again peace on earth and good will to men. It is all joy in the night. It is gladness throughout the day. It is a birth begotten of the Holy Ghost. It is a miracle. We do not seek to explain it; we live it. We do not pray to understand it; we enjoy it. We prove our spiritual birth by living a robust, active life that does not need to be explained. We vindicate our spiritual birth by a temper pure as the air, by a steadfastness royal as the stars, and by a love as noble as fervent fire. Every man "born of the Spirit" has his Christmas on that day when Christ is born in him, "the hope of glory." That is Christ's birthday to him.

[Prin. D. L. Ritchie in The Christian World]

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