SWEEPING CHRISTMAS CHANGES

Everywhere we look we can see evidence of changes which have swept our villages, towns and cities:

We see – Homeless people after having been ignored for months now being greeted and treated kindly by citizens suddenly aware of their destitute saddened lives!

We see – The homes of a Kilowatt counting populace burst out in brilliant displays of light and sound as if energy had suddenly become free and endlessly abundant!

We see – Thermostats programed for maximum production temperature turned up a few degrees giving a warm and cozy feeling to those gathered to exchange greetings!

We see – Management who usually distance themselves from employees comingling, breaking down rigid artificial barriers of vertical organizations!

We see – Bosom buddies from high school and college breaking their yearlong vigil of silence wishing happiness on social media and even some old school cards of sentiment and cheer!

We see – The walls of church’s straining to the annual rush of parishioner’s crowding into seldom used pews and halls being filled with sounds of merriment!

We see – Teachers and students breaking the enmity barriers and joining together in acts of good will towards one another!

What has happened to cause this change in the hearts and actions of all we view?

Is it possible – That the accumulation of articles in newspapers, radio, television and computers that started to fill pages and screens mid-September have finally worn down the resistance of even the most rigid and hard hearted?

Is it possible – That the anticipation of one final paid holiday benevolently given by union struck employers now overwhelms employees with feelings of gratitude?

Is it possible – That the cold and darkness of winter’s days causes us to fill our lives more abundantly with artificial light, warmth and color?

I suspect any explanation is possible, but I personally wish to believe the change has come upon us and our surroundings because we individually and collectively are being led, directed and guided consciously or subconsciously, toward some level of contemplation of the meaning of the earthly advent of the Lord Jesus the Christ.

Was this – Babe born in Bethlehem really the offspring of Deity?

Was this – Really God the Creator who had condescended to come to dwell with men?

Was this – The Teacher of all truth – the source of all light and love?

Was this – The Son of God, come to earth to declare the one way for joy to be found among men?

Was this – The Prince of Peace come to place the feet of those who would publish peace firmly upon the mountain?

Was this – The Healer who came to bind men’s wounds and cure women’s ills and mend the broken hearts of all?

Was this – The Miracle Maker by and through whom all things became possible?

Was this – The Savior and Redeemer who came with the enabling power to cleanse men’s souls and break the bonds of death?

I earnestly and daily pray

With each ending day – The many testimonies which have been borne will begin to sink more and more deeply into more and more hearts!

With each ending day – The thoughts which cause us to annually re-evaluate the meaning of life will expand to fill our every day!

With each ending day – Our souls are being penetrated more powerfully towards having that mighty change wrought upon them!

With each ending day – We will be moved toward an increasing crowd of relationships filled with acts of love!

That with each ending day – Christmas’ season is expanding to be enjoyed always and forever!

I hope as your morrow breaks – joy fills your heart to overflowing and each life you touch is left brighter because you are there.


THOUGHTS FOR A SABBATH DAY WILLIAM L. RILEY

EDITED BY – KATHLEEN W. RILEY