Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1906-12-28
THE NEW YEAR.

There is not q heart which takes note o
the changing seasons that Is not stirred with
some unrest as the old year gathers itself tc
the numbered past. The losses, the disap
pointments, the bereavements 1t has wit
messed come up afresh as 1t withdraws from
our grasp Its withered hand; and II its hour
have been bright with hopes fulfilled and
and joy that sweetened our daily cup, We
feel all the more deeply the sadness Of part
ing. But we are disturbed most of all be
cause we have not left In its keeping me
mortal OF ourselves with which we are con
tent. If We could recall the tablet and re-
touch the sad inscription; If we could blot
out here and there q bitter word If VIC
could live over again some wasted hours to
better purpose; if we could see offered once
more 10 our hand the golden opportunities
we carelessly missed or wantonly rejected !;
If we could but hold back the fading form
until we had plucked those stings from its
memory, we could then let it go with less
of self-reproach and listen calmly to the
passing bell.
There was beyond question special prov.
idence that guided the choice OF the Christ.
mas holiday, when the actual anniversary
was yet unknown. Some poets have won
dered that 1t was not placed in the happy
springtime, when the whole world Is being
clothed anew with verdure and bloom after
the dreariness of winter. But to the aching
heart which feels its sorest need, the lesson
1t teaches is best adapted to these closing
hours of the dying year. 1t is not sympa.
thy with nature, but prefer Of grace that
meets the longing of the restless spirit.
There is no where else hint Of help for the
dissatisfied soul. From every field of earth
we hear only of law 1t Is an eye for an eye
and tooth for tooth. A wasted year haunts
rs with its menacing finger, and Its requiem
seals our condemnation. We cannot correct
the wrongs that stand charged against us,
or redeem the time we have freighted with
evil. just here comes in the Christmas story
with it's message of healing and hope. The
love that has In 1t the offer oil forgiveness
comes at the end of the year when we are
most blessed with the burden it can alone
remove.
A week ago all lands were ringing with
the chimes that commemorated the birth of
tho worlds Redeemer The echoes are still
floating in the air; the dying year has heard
the sweet refrain, and turns on all who are
watching his departure with self accusing
memories plying look to remind them
once more Of that which ls mans only COM
fort in life or death. The Star which OF old
led the wise men from the East and has
been offered ever since for human guidance,
shines to-day above our path as 1t did over
the manger at Bethlehem, the symbol Of
pardon and peace.
The possibilities OF the future are the same |
to oil. This dividing land mark separating
the past from the future is holy ground !
Let rs put off for moment the shoes from |
our weary, trsveled-stained feet, and ask |
what we shall carry with Us over the in
visible boundary at which we stand There |
are some burdens it would be well to lay |
aside. Enmities are never safe compan.
ions at any season, but 1t is hard to dslodge |
them when once we take them to our em |
brace. They seem, however, to cling less
tenaciously at the Christmas time, the song
of goodwill which the shepherds heard |
having q strange influence to weaken their |
hold. 1t is good time to cast them off |
once and forever and have done with them.
Hate is a corroding canker, and gnaws with
IMPLYING teeth at the heart which gives 1t
a home