Far beyond from where I stand, the morning sun rises gloriously over my favorite snow covered hill. The peace and quiet of early morning is what I call “beauty’” and the sun rise alone is enough to put a smile upon my face. Later, as the world is awakened the peace and quiet will become disturbed, but as for now, my imagination will allow me to hear the echo of a snow fall! All around, there beams forth the silent excitement of Christmas joy and such a delicate greeting cannot be forgotten.

This day is so completely important that no one really forgets it. For weeks now we have seen the hustle and bustle of Christmas; street walks cluttered with people, a smile upon faces and packages under arms; colored lights hiding under a snow covered blanket, red and white bells blowing from street light posts, glowing trees peeking out from the windows of many houses, decorated cookies in cookie jars, mistletoes to create a little laughter, friendly mail boxes sending out greetings, music floating everywhere, Santa Claus’ faithfulness impressing thousands of wide-­eyed children, and adults messing up their calendars with a schedule of big parties. Excitement, enthusiasm, joy, wishes, and love, have you ever seen one day filled with so many symbols?

Christmas is the most joyful time of all year. It is the most widely celebrated of all events. It is a time when you feel an amount of quiet peace, and a time you feel you could sing out forever. We enjoy filling the hours of the night listening to a choir and being more inspired with Christmas. The beauty and thankfulness of life is emphasized and one is inspired lo give of himself and express his appreciation for what others have given to him. Many strive to show kindness and give an at­mosphere of happiness in his surroundings. And the concept of charity is exercised more completely by many.

But somehow, my mind is pressed with another question. “What, oh what happens after December 25 — to Tuesday, Wednes­day, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sun­day!” Does it not make you want to cry in desperation to see how suddenly everyone can forget. Oh, I do not mean only those who so generously accept Christmas as a holiday and some fun, but I also mean even those who understand so differently. “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isn’t that so impressive that it carries a meaning that far outlives a season? Isn’t this wonderment that be­wilders anew each day? How very unreal is the birth of Christ when in days past it has been forgotten just as a dream that was born and then faded away. As we are now approaching a new year that must be lived in the midst of a world which is being tom and ripped apart more forcefully by the sin of man each day, we need Christ­mas every day! It holds a mountain of meaning for the future of smiles, fears, sad­ness, or tears. If we forget Christmas we have no Christ! Is not Christ too important to celebrate for only a season? After to­day has passed the music will be gone, but yet in all happiness we should have the song of praise in our hearts. “I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.”

Yes, Christmas day does appear to live on just a bit longer than yesterday, for the town’s lights are very gradually being put out. People are walking stairs to complete their day with a night of rest. Stars are twinkling away the last few precious hours of the day and again passing my window are gentle snowflakes, filling the footprints of today and giving to us a freshly un­marked and unscarred tomorrow.