
“Peace on earth, good will to men.” These are hallowed words. Through ages they have heartened and moved mankind, even though their message of peace is far too often drowned by the strident voices of the fearful or the arrogant, who fill our minds with doubt and pessimism…
The spirit of Christmas returns, yet again, to enable us to gain understanding of each other; to obey the elemental precepts of justice; to practice good will toward all men of every tongue and color and creed; to remember that we are identical in our aspirations for a peaceful, a decent, a rewarding life.
In the warm glow of the Christmas tree, it is easy to say these things, but when the trees come down and the lights are put away-as they always are-then we have a true testing of the spirit. That testing will be answered, throughout the year ahead, by the success each of us experiences in keeping alive the inspiration and exultation of this moment.
We must proceed by faith, knowing the light of Christmas is eternal, though we cannot always see it. We must believe that the truth of Christmas is constant; that men can live together in peace as Lincoln said, ‘with charity for all, and with firmness in the right.’”
President Dwight David Eisenhower, December 24, 1956. The phrase, “with charity for all, and with firmness in the right,” is from Lincoln’s second inaugural address.
As I often admit along about this time of celebration, the old light deprivation syndrome kicks in full bore, so I go a hunting for something to keep my readers at least slightly tuned in. As I was wallowing in what Bunyan typed the slough of despond, I came across the above in The American Patriot’s Almanac, by William J. Bennett and John T.E. Cribb. I’ll bet you would like the book.
As have multitudes in past years, I too, long for the day when we shall gather down by the riverside, beat our swords into plowshares and study war no more. This is a grand time of year to look to Jesus our author and finisher in prayer for his coming kingdom of peace on earth.
Luke 2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Copyright © 2014 Larry Lilly
For great IT Service click Oral DecKard
The spirit of Christmas returns, yet again, to enable us to gain understanding of each other; to obey the elemental precepts of justice; to practice good will toward all men of every tongue and color and creed; to remember that we are identical in our aspirations for a peaceful, a decent, a rewarding life.
In the warm glow of the Christmas tree, it is easy to say these things, but when the trees come down and the lights are put away-as they always are-then we have a true testing of the spirit. That testing will be answered, throughout the year ahead, by the success each of us experiences in keeping alive the inspiration and exultation of this moment.
We must proceed by faith, knowing the light of Christmas is eternal, though we cannot always see it. We must believe that the truth of Christmas is constant; that men can live together in peace as Lincoln said, ‘with charity for all, and with firmness in the right.’”
President Dwight David Eisenhower, December 24, 1956. The phrase, “with charity for all, and with firmness in the right,” is from Lincoln’s second inaugural address.
As I often admit along about this time of celebration, the old light deprivation syndrome kicks in full bore, so I go a hunting for something to keep my readers at least slightly tuned in. As I was wallowing in what Bunyan typed the slough of despond, I came across the above in The American Patriot’s Almanac, by William J. Bennett and John T.E. Cribb. I’ll bet you would like the book.
As have multitudes in past years, I too, long for the day when we shall gather down by the riverside, beat our swords into plowshares and study war no more. This is a grand time of year to look to Jesus our author and finisher in prayer for his coming kingdom of peace on earth.
Luke 2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Copyright © 2014 Larry Lilly
For great IT Service click Oral DecKard