A Christmas message from Dr. Charmaine Yoest:
As I celebrate Christmas together with my family this year, I remember the words of 19th century poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow whose song, “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” begins,
“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.”
This is what Christmas is really about — Family, friends, peace on earth and good will toward men. I see the lights and beauty all around me and remain thankful for all of life’s blessings.
Yet even amidst the family, fun, and laughter, a tinge of sadness touches my heart. I recall some realities that aren’t so happy: the innocent who’ve perished, as well as the millions of women who are hurt through abortion each year.
Then, I hear the words of another stanza of the song,
“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.”
Sometimes, as we fight Big Abortion and defend Life, it may seem that all we see is that “hate is strong,” and mocks our song of peace and hope and good will toward men.
Yet, the next stanza reminds us that the hope we celebrate at Christmas is stronger still:
“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.”
God is not dead . . . nor does He sleep. . . I am encouraged, for I look around and see the true meaning of Christmas: that in the midst of dark times ultimately the wrong will fail and the right will prevail with peace on earth, good will to men. We know for whom we persevere, and that may be the greatest gift of all.