The Pittsburgh Press (December 24, 1945)
Ferguson: Old thoughts are best
By Mrs. Walter Ferguson
At this time of year newspaper writers try to think up something new to say about Christmas – and there is nothing new to say. The old things sound best. Old ways, old thoughts, old loves come thronging back to mind as the year draws to a close and we prepare to celebrate the birthday of Jesus.
Though we may scoff at them for 11 months, in December we restate our belief in ancient faiths and superstitions. Good will, forgiveness, loving kindness are fashionable for a while. People who do not believe in God accept the Santa Claus myth. They admit that the virtues of generosity, forbearance and love are of great value.
Nobody derides our intentions because we spend time and money on others. Skinflints open their pocketbooks so that the hungry may eat and the cold be warm. The nation is swept by a wave of soft-heartedness and none can deny that we are all the better for it.
There will be less talk of war. Instead, we shall be reminded that Jesus left to humanity one important new commandment – “Love your enemy.” We shall be told once again that the Infant Jesus grew up to die upon a cross and that his last words were unforgettable, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
Maybe those words will cause us to realize that forgiveness is the best revenge. If not, Jesus lived and died in vain.
Did he die in vain for you and me? I think it may be so, unless each of us tries harder to fix the Star of Bethlehem in our Heaven, unless we out real meaning into the old beautiful words, “Peace on Earth, good will toward men.”