To You … With Love,

Once more the simplicity of the story of Christ rules the world. There are sideshow festivities hocking their wares near the footlights of the wide stage, but only one story lends its birthing cry to the heart of man, aching and longing for union with the God it can't really forget.

Thus, it begins as softly and sweetly as a child's whimper in the darkness, the music opens, laying out its vision of "dreamless street" as the wonder, crying within the darkness of man's cold night troubles, overtakes the mind. The star shines anew through centuries of joy resounding and bit-by-bit, as moistened snowflakes gathering on barren ground, the pure white story of God covers all the dirt of yesterday.

He is born, the Holy Child and a Hallelujah Chorus brings kings and beggars to their feet in humble adoration, for God has made possible in a world of impossible things His presence among men. It is here, within Christ's life our humanity comes closest to touching true love. It is here in winter that spring lives again.

My sincere appreciation and my deep admiration to all those who presented and participated in the Christmas Cantata at St. Paul last Sunday.

May the blessings of the Father and the Son be yours as Christmas comes again.

Rev. Avis Richardson (retired)