A Message Of Hope

 Christmas is the one day of the year that carries real hope and promise for all humankind.  It carries the torch of brother- and sisterhood.  It is the one day in the year when most of us grow big of heart and broad of mind.  It is the single day when most of us are as kind and as thoughtful of others as we know how to be; when most of us are as gracious and generous as we would like always to be; when the joy of home is more important than the profits of the office; when peoples of all races speak cheerfully to each other when they meet; when high and low wish each other well; and the one day when even enemies forgive and forget. ~ Edgar Guest

Peace On Earth In Our Family This Christmas

I have been offline for the past few months and as a result haven't updated my blog. I want to thank all of my visitors who have been here during that time. There have been several people in the various blog communities I'm a member of post comments, request friendship, etc. and I'm behind on answering those. Thanks to all of you and I'll get to those soon.

Today would've been my parents 51st wedding anniversary. I sure miss them, especially here at Christmas time.

One of the things I miss since they have passed away is our family Christmas Eve party. That was a special time for Mother and a family tradition she started. We would have sandwiches, chips & dip, and a few of her delicious pies. Then we would exchange some of our presents. You'll have to forgive me - I'm having one of those "warm, fuzzy" moments right now.

This was one of the topics my sister and I discussed when she called earlier today. We hadn't talked in several days because our off and on relationship was in the "off" mode due to a difference of opinion. She called because of Mom and Dad's anniversary. I'm glad she did; I had intended to call her.

Another topic my sister and I discussed were the deaths of two of our aunts last week. The first one was Dad's sister-in-law & the other was Mother's sister-in-law. My heart goes out to our families. Death is difficult, especially at Christmas time when all the family have hopes of being together.

These two deaths reminded me that my sister and I are the last of our family. I can remember how lonely Daddy was at times after all of his brothers and sisters were gone and especially after Mother passed away.

My sister and I won't be together this Christmas, but will be spending it with other family and friends. We'll be having our family gathering the first of the year when my niece and nephew will be here. But because we were willing to put aside our differences, we don't have to feel so alone either. We still have each other and that's the most important thing whether we're together or not.

I'm glad we have "Peace On Earth" in our family again and I truly hope you have it in your family this Christmas and the coming New Year.

"I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day"

(Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882), 1867)

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

I thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along the unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And in despair I bowed my head:
"There is no peace on earth," I said,
"For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men."

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth he sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men."

Till, ringing singing, on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime,
Of peace on earth, good will to men!

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