Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-12-30
THE CHURCHES AND
TO-DAY'S SERVICES

day needs TO offer the sacrifice Of
broken and contrite heart that her Lord
when lie comes may accept her. 1t is n
pity when any man boasts OF his pos
sessions and his power. for so doing
ne turns his back upon tho God Who
gave him all he has and shuts his eyes
to his real poverty. SO does a nation
boas,ins OF her might prove herself
unit TO receive the King. Humility Is
that for which the Lord looks and
asks at His coming. We should heed
this lesson to-day in our land. We
have much to feed a foolish pride
great resources. wealth, strenEth--but
We cannot be saved or made ready to
meet God by these. Rather should we
see the sins which are widespread.
drunkenness, impurity and tho failure
OF right rule In all our cities and many
OF our States. SO fierce will &C the
light when the King shall appear las
rehner's fire" that all OF which We
think ourselves to be possessed will
sink away into ashes. leaving us unfit
TO go out with burning lamps TO meet
Him. And the Lord wishes us to
long for His coming, and how can we
lonS for it II We arc corrupt and con-
tented? The cry should be 20 quickly
come, for VIC need Thee. dear Christ.
The Garth is hungry for righteous
peace. Evil is mighty. And in my
heart, the heart of Thy child. is hum
ger for holiness. Come quickly. Lord
Jesus" And as the Master comes even
now, spiritually, in answer 10 such
CRY. so will lie come at last visiblv and
in glorious might to a world He died to
save when that world stands ready to
receive His salvation.
LOVING HEARTS ARE
THE BEST WELCOME
scious need OF pardon is directly asso.
c!ated with JOY AT the thought of His
coming, and such JOY IL the best prep
araiion. When man comes home after
Il journey the best preparation for him
ia not a house cleaned and decorated
or even meal prepared. hut loving
hearts. and hands outatretchcd. and lips
crying. Welcome home. o. we have
missed YOU and lonEed for your COM
ing" I seem TO soc that picture all
through tho Old Testament. JOY at the
return Of the Lord 20 His own. II was
made vocal when the angels sang and
the shepherds and tho wise men came
10 worship. They voiced it who in their
suffering cried for His healing. They
declared il who confessed their sins
nd were pardoncd. And that is why
Christmas to-day il something more
than a bright remembrance We are
clad. indeed. that Christ was born long
glad day He is coming again 10 claim
the earth for which He died. our
laughter would die away In sobs OF
despair DO you wish Me to come"
the dear Lord asks. Did YOU long for
My COMING lie will cry when VIC
greet Him with alle!uiahs. In spirit
We greet Him each Christmas Day. but
not only as a little Child in bethlehem
hu, ar our glorious Lord coming to
bless all who are ready and watching
for His appearing.
. my Christ. | do lonE tor Thy com
ing. and find JOY in the assurance Of
Thy promise. II will come again. Help
nc 20 do my work, help mo to strive
after holiness. make me TO know ny
sinfulnoss and 10 confess il. and then
grant me Eiadncss OF heart IN the
fact tina; some day Thou wilt come 20
ms rladness which no delay can spoil!
no present sorrow can cloud. come
Lord Jesus. come quickly. Amen.