The rather impressionistic scene depicts a village and brick church at evening. The sky is a glorious color and snow appears to be falling. A few people are gathered outside the lighted church. Perhaps choir practice has just ended.
Inside the card, in addition to the message "With many good wishes for Christmas and the New Year", there is a lovely quote from Dr. Peter Marshall. Dr. Marshall -- in case you haven't ever heard of him -- was a well-known preacher. He was born in Scotland and emigrated to the United States at the age of 24. In time he became the pastor of the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in Washington, DC. In 1946 he was appointed as US Senate Chaplain, serving from January 4, 1947 until his sudden death of a heart attack just over two years later. He was only 46 years old. A Man Called Peter, by Catherine Marshall, is Peter Marshall's biography. I believe it was made into a film as well.
Here is the quote from Dr. Marshall: "I thank God for Christmas. Would that it lasted all year. For on Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day, all the world is a better place, and men and women are more lovable. Love itself seeps into every heart, and miracles happen ...".
Oh I think the quote is true as true can be except for this one point: “love seeps into every heart.” With regard to that, I think of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and the line: “Hate is strong and mocks the song of peace on earth, good will to men.” If you have never seen the movie, treat yourself. I am sure that you would enjoy it, though it is a bit of a tear jerker.
ReplyDeleteThe Christmas card illustration is lovely.
You are right about love not seeping into every heart. So many have closed their hearts, and, ans you said -- or rather, as Longfellow said -- hate is indeed strong. But God is stronger!
DeleteI see in a comment below that Carrie also recommended the movie. Guess we will have to see if we can find it. I got the book years ago when a church library was being dismantled, but I don't remember ever reading it.
It is a lovely quote and the card itself is beautiful! Christmas as it was a few decades or so ago. Unfortunately most folks no longer go to church which is a tragedy. It is sad how our society has walked away from God and His principles. And society is going to pay! But then the Lord told us it would be this way in the last days. I have read Catherine Marshall's book. Actually I have read several of her books. Lovely post, Mrs. T! Have a beautiful day.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right, Sandi, it is indeed a tragedy that so many no longer attend church. Do you ever read Barbara Harper's blog, "Stray Thoughts"? She recently posted about what we miss when we walk away from church. An excellent post.
DeleteAnd yes ... you are right, God's Word does tell us it would be this way in the last days.
Thanks for the visit, Sandi! Always a joy to see you here.
We watched the movie years ago and it was wonderful. Well worth watching! I also have a little book by Peter Marshall, called "Let's Keep Christmas." I think I picked it up at a booksale or something...but I haven't read it yet. Maybe this year! The card and quote are lovely. :)
ReplyDeleteWell, since both you and Vee recommend the movie so highly, we will have to see it. Where did you get it? The library? I have the book "A Man Called Peter" but I don't think I have ever read it.
DeleteBeautiful card and the quote is even more beautiful
ReplyDeleteIsn't it? I thought both were lovely also.
DeleteWhat a lovely quote and wouldn't it be wonderful if everyone took it to heart at Christmas and year-round.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, it would be wonderful. Thanks for your thoughtful comment.
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