Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1916-12-29

Christmas calls from heart to heart,
Breathes a message full of cheer;
'Tis the joytime of the year,
Be thy cup with mercy full,
Lined thy bed with folds of wool
Health and love wait by thy chair
Peace and plenty everywhere"
whether near or far apart" almost
all of us can say truly that christmas
calls from heart to heart" No matter
how full of duties and activity the days
may be there is a little undercurrent of
plans that concern the absent There
may be, in fact there are, some minds so
clogged with selhshness that Christmas
giving is Sentimental rubbish" but
try those individuals with Christmas
gifts and see JUNCTION with which they
receive and display them. When the
sentimental rubbish" has their names
on it that is a different phase of the
matter.
This has been a week to be remem-
bered, rain, sleet, snow, high winds and
an occasional CLEAN of sunshine. Those
who did not take time by the forelock
and have things prepared in advance
have had to go in the teeth of a gale
Our presidents policy is a good one for
all seasons and all places. One that
often quote is Better be safe than
sorry"
And as far as l am able live up to it.
This chat will reach you at the close of
the year. Another season of joy or sor-
row will be almost over, and my prayer
for each one is embodied in the lines
that L quote today. May JOY, peace and
good health be yours. If any of you
have failed in helping the world be bet
ter, if any have let pride, selfishness
or that broth of eviP' be the cause of
heartaches, remember that God forgiv-
eth sinners. We are celebrating the
birthday of the Son who was sent upon
earth to show US hoR to live and let us
renew our vows and once more strive
with His help to do right, to deny our
selves the things that make us stumbling
blocks and press with renewed strength
for the goal, the precious words, Come
We blessed of My Father"
January of another year is drawing
nearer every minute. Christmas of 1916
is slipping off and taking a record writ
ten in letters of silver and gold, record
ing the helpful, encouraging things, the
innocent pleasures, the uplifting
thoughts that this week should prompt,
or the record is in blood and tears. Tears
Shed by women ana ch1ldren because
they have been neglected and abused
and even blood shed or CONCEALED be-
cause of inhumanity. Which shall be
your record? Don't imagine that having
your name on the church register fools
even the people about you; certainly it
does not, and God who sees the heart
records events.
Sometimes when we are praying for
the redemption of someone, or for God
to change the sinful heart, the misled
mind of a dear one, Satan plants mis-
giving and we almost cease to pray. At
such times | want you to turn to this col
lection of encouraging promises:
"Have faith in God. Without faith it
is impossible to please God. With God
all things are possible"
Behold the Lords hand is not short
ened, that it cannot save; neither his
ear heavy, that it cannot hear"
The time draws near to hear the New
Year bells toll the requiem for this dy-
ing year. 1t has been good to US. Three
hundred and sixty-five days, and each
one full of opportunities to help some
one, to lift the veil of sorrow, or help
the happy-hearted. Did you remember
the stranger within your gates? Have
you given her the benefit of your friend
ship, or have you stood afar off and criti-
cised?
Whatever has been your attitude, try
to do better next year. And let us all
say, "Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and
forget not all His benefits"
Faithfully yours,
LIZZIE o. THOMAS.