I congratulate the members of Universal Brotherhood Lodge No. 7 on the work of the closing year and the prospects of the coming one.
I wish it were in my power to express to you all the sweetness and quiet joy of the first Christmas, at Lotus Home, and the only thing that was lacking, was the presence (in the physical body) of the precious “Lotus Mother,” for it was such a delightful experience, so full of hope and promise, that we wanted you there to share it with us.
Truly the spirit of “Peace on Earth, Good Will to all Men” brooded over the Home and spread its wings over all that are working and ministering to the tiny “Buds” there.
It is wonderful to see the improvement in them as the days go on, since Dr. Kean has taken them in hand; she understands all their little needs and with Miss Morris’ gentle and unceasing care and attention they are growing as strong and beautiful as the most exacting could desire.
The atmosphere surrounding them is so serene and full of unselfish brotherly love that the unfoldment into health and beauty of mind and body has begun early, and we feel sure that they will grow to lovely “Blossoms by and bye” and be workers for Humanity on the broadest lines of “Universal Brotherhood.”
There was the Christmas Tree, filled with lights and all the “shining things,” and the sweet odor of the fragrant boughs filled the rooms, the babies and all the household gathered around it with the members of our family also, at twilight, and if any one thinks a lot of wee babies do not enjoy the fun of a Christmas tree, let them come here and see “ours,” they stared and laughed and took in all the loveliness, as wisely as the older ones of us. Little Katherine was so overcome with prolonged staring and nodding her head with approval, that she fell asleep in the midst of it, no doubt continuing the lovely vision in her dreams.
Little Grace with the rosy cheeks and laughing blue eyes had grown to the dignity of short clothes on Christmas day, and though but five months old she sat in her fine new high chair and crowed and laughed aloud with glee just as though she were years old instead of months only.
Wee Edith, our frailest Bud, is frail no longer, but is growing stronger and rosier every day, and her great wonderful eyes look as if they held a store of untold things, which she will give to the world some day, in song or verse.
