1922 Christmas Eve Message

Title: 1922 Christmas Eve Message

Date: December 24, 1922

Location: compiled from speeches printed in the New York Times and the Washington Evening Star

Context: Delivered by Vice President Coolidge to the American People, broadcast nationwide over the General Electric radio station, WGY[1]

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“When the first Christmas came to mankind it brought the assurance that their faith and hope were justified.  It revealed the existence of an everlasting righteousness.  It established the foundation of the civilization of the Western world.  Through all the shifting changes of more than nineteen centuries this revelation has remained, constant, unshaken, secure.

“Through the influence of its teachings there has come a recognition of the glory of man.  He has been raised up to his true position, ‘a little lower than the angels.’  The universal right of freedom has been acknowledged.  Obedience to authority has been sanctified.  The existence of a common brotherhood has been disclosed.  The ever-abiding obligation of service has been established.

“These are the fundamental principles of American institutions.  They were not created by man.  They cannot be destroyed by man.  They have a higher, more imposing source, reaching from everlasting to everlasting.  To observe these principles, to live by them, to translate them into action, is the way to good citizenship, to progress and to economic success.  There is no other way.  The full significance of Christmas is lost unless, as a part of its observance, the American people think of these things.

“It is the realization of these great truths that warrants an abounding optimism.  They have not failed, they cannot fail.  There are times when they may appear to be rejected, but they always emerge strengthened through increasing allegiance, triumphant through enlarging victories.

“These are the reasons why our country has no need of revolution.  What it needs is perfection.  The world waits on the extension of these principles into the practical affairs of people.  Their application will be found not in some complicated legislative enactment, not in some abstruse theory, but in the simple and homely experience of everyday life.  If more freedom is desired, it can be had by more obedience.  If there is need of more brotherhood, it will be found in more service.  If success be sought, the way lies open through thrift and industry.  If character is wanted, it can be created by hard work and kind deeds.  This is the substance of which America has been built.

“Of all countries on earth ours needs the least apology.  Whatever it is desirable for a people to have, here it may be secured.  Opportunity is open.  The rewards of effort are sure and large.  They are growing better.

“All of this leads to but one conclusion.  Preserve American institutions.  Perfect the relationships of daily life.  Persevere and go forward, obedient to the divine instruction:  ‘Be ye constant in well doing.’  That way lies our promised peace and good will of which the angels sang with joy as they beheld the miracle of the first Christmas.  The mission of America is to make that vision a reality.”

 

[1] Jerry L. Wallace compiled this complete transcription of Vice President Coolidge’s speech from the edited texts of the speech appearing in The New York Times (p. 13) and the Washington Evening Star (p. 4) of December 25, 1922.