into the New Year
Henry Van Dyke was truly "a man for all seasons." He was a prolific author and composer; he wrote that well known story, The Fourth Wiseman, and the words to Beethoven's Ode to Joy. He was also a skillful fly fisherman, which tops the list for some of us.
Not as well known, but just as poignant were his lines composed "Keeping Christmas." As we we leave the Season of Christmas behind, then why not take the Christmas spirit with us?
The rather lengthy list of attributes for the Christmas spirit boils down to his last line:
Are you willing to believe that love is the strongest thing
in the world -- stronger than hate, stronger than evil, stronger than death --
and that the blessed life which began in Bethlehem
nineteen hundred years ago
is the image and brightness of Eternal Love?
Then you can keep Christmas.
And if you can keep it for a day, why not always?
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