DECEMBER 16, 1960
Happiness Never More
The children awoke early in the morning and eagerly rushed downstairs to the glistening, radiant tree, which was all ornamented with shimmering pieces of glass and metal. They zealously searched for their presents, and when they had gathered them all, they began unwrapping them. There were the toy soldiers, the doll that cried, "Mama," when you turned it over, the army tanks and cannons, the doll-house, and the electric train. The children ran upstairs to show father and mother the new toys which had been given them.
Soon there was the church service. The traditional carols were sung - "It Came upon the Midnight Clear," "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," and "Hark the Herald Angels Sing." Next came the sermon and the minister saying, "Christ was born this day for you. He died to save you. What shall you fight for? What shall you die to save?"
Then there was a bright flash, as though a dozen suns had appeared in the sky. The little doll was thrown over and cried, "Mama"; the toy train was derailed; the doll-house collapsed; and the toy soldiers fell to the ground, for they were unprepared. They didn't know what to fight for.
Somewhere in a closed room, three men raised their glasses while one of them proposed a toast, "Have a happy New Year, gentlemen."