How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given. So it comes again, wonderful Christmas time. Snow or snow, you have got to admit it is a veritable wonderland out there, and it takes a pretty hard heart not to be softened by the glorious sights and sounds of this sacred holiday season. Look into the eyes of any youngster and you will see there the true magic of Christmas. Winter evenings are brightened now by shimmering rainbows of colored lights and the silvery beams of winter moonlight are reflected in the beautiful twinkle of candleglow. Even this weary old world tends to sparkle with the special magic of this season. But so often we foolish people barely have time to notice all this glittering wonder. We are so busy rushing hither and yon, hurrying, always hurrying. Why must we make Christmas such a hectic time, we ask ourselves as the days fly on by. “And Joseph went up from Galilee into Judea to the city, which is called Bethlehem, to be registered with Mary, his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. There were in the same country, shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night.” – Luke 2:4,5,6. I’m afraid I will never be able to get all the shopping done, or the cookies baked, or the house cleaned. I’m afraid I am much too busy for my own good. “And, lo, an angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were very much afraid.” – Luke 2:9. You know, every year we say the same thing: next year I’m going to relax, take it easy, shop early and not get caught up in all this worldly hustle of Christmas. There has to be more to this sacred holiday than this. “And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” – Luke 2:10. Malls are crowded, feet are tired, tempers are short. Merry Christmas• Bah, humbug! Music assaults your ears and with very little enthusiasm you listen to someone crooning “White Christmas,” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and “Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer.” The songs of Christmas today! How unlike the Alleluias of that first Christmas. “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will toward men.” – Luke 2:13,14. Today is Christmas Eve and each carefully wrapped gift is placed lovingly beneath the tree. Oh, the excitement of it all! God’s greatest gift ever given to mankind came to earth one night over 2,000 years ago, so Christmas is for each and every one of us whoever we are. All we need do is reach out in faith and accept it. As a Ms. B. Anderson wrote, “To gaze above in velvet sky/and find the Bethlehem star on high/It’s shining still, this Christmas Eve/For every soul who will believe.” “For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” – Luke 2:11. Merry Christmas. Happy birthday, Jesus. Jacobs is a Connellsville resident.

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