Photostory #432: Goodwill, Fellowship and Happiness: The Enduring Spirit of Christmas

Photographers
Ted Grant
Maker
National Film Board of Canada
Release Date
December 20, 1966
Collection
CMCP fonds
Credit Line
Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography fonds, National Gallery of Canada Library and Archives
Main Text
Across the Christian lands of the world the anniversary of the gentle scene set so many years ago in Bethlehem is a time of quiet contentment and reflection for those whose lives have been set aside to care for others. Concerned with the spirit of giving and helping for the length of each and every year, eager to undertake hard tasks with no visible endings, their reward in life is the simple passing on of a glowing faith. Yet, they find many moments of added joy when the holy day of Christmas comes once more. In orphanages, they care for young lives overlooked by a busy world. In old people's homes, they make the closing days of spent lives more comfortable. In their noviciates, preparing for similar tasks of vital importance in strange lands across the seas, they set a few hours aside for a quiet celebration during the happiest holiday of the church of Christ. Confident in their knowledge of the mass of mankind, they reflect and make merry for a time in quiet coves of peace amid the cacophony of sounds that echo the modern world. For a few days they busily prepare small entertainments. Blending loving care with simple pleasures, music with laughter, happiness with affection, they spice it all with the enduring wit of the sophisticated soul. For these people of the world, and all others of goodwill upon the earth, the message stands pure and clear as always - peace and contentment to all men ... and a very Happy Christmas.