Page 8 - HSLChristmasAnthology

HSL Christmas Anthology Page 8

important for it strong theme of Christmas as a time of charity to
the poor.

Then, a Christmas story by the radical Unitarian minister and
abolitionist Theodore Parker overlays the gospel story with an
account of how a New England village was tricked into overcoming
their differences—including vehement disagreements about the
suitability candidates in the latest presidential election-- by the
actions of a generous and elderly brother and sister.

Finally, a later (1923) Christmas story by the Unitarian minister
Rev. is typical for what becomes of this genre of story in the
twentieth century: the arrival of Christ is actual depicted as
somewhat redundant, the best of love and generosity already having
been demonstrated earlier by ordinary people, if only we had the
eyes to see.