A Christmas greeting

Chapter 15: GOD AND SATAN

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About This Book

The essay offers a spirited reflection on the Christmas season, defending the traditional greeting against modern cynicism and urging readers to set aside private grief or quarrels to practice kindness, forgiveness, and small neighborly deeds. It acknowledges sorrow caused by war and loss while offering consolation that the departed may yet be near, and counsels cheerfulness as an ethical choice. It criticizes restless travel to continental resorts as a frivolous escape, praises old English Yuletide customs, and blends moral exhortation with patriotic imagery toward the horizon of a new year.

GOD AND SATAN

God said—“I will create

A world in the air!”

Satan heard and answered—

“I too will be there!”

God said—“I will make of Man

A creature supreme!”—

Satan answered—“I will destroy

Thy splendid Dream!”

God said—“I will ordain

That Thou shalt no longer be!”

Satan answered—“Thou canst not, Lord,

For I am a part of Thee!”