For ‘God saw that it was good’ – Sunday, December 21, 1952
In commenting on this Christmas, may we pass for a moment the usual texts that we might turn to, and take one from far back, from the first book of the Bible, that recalls how the Creator of heaven and earth looked over what had been brought into being—”and God saw that it was good.”1 And it was good: a beautiful and bounteous earth with its seasons and its sustenance, with forests and fields, the sun and the sea, the fruits and flowers, the meadows and mountains and so much else unmentioned, given for our good by a loving Father in whose image men were made.
The centuries and the ages have come and gone since then. The earth has seen its sorrows, its setbacks, its peace and its progress. The prophets have often been stoned in their own age and accepted in others.
The world has seen dark days and dark deeds—but under and overall has been an always-emerging truth that could never be permanently suppressed in the unfolding of the plans and purposes of Providence. And despite the mistakes that men have made, despite discouraging circumstances and situations, despite cruel contrasts, ignorance and adversity, despite it all, there is so much that is good within the limits of this life, and much reason for faith in the future. The spirit of Christmas is in itself one of the evidence of a finer future, that gives a glimpse of hope, almost it seems a glimpse of heaven.
As this Christmas comes, let it be a time that lights the eyes of children and puts laughter on their lips. Let it be a time for lifting the lives of those who live in loneliness; let it be a time for calling our families together, for feeling a nearness to those who are near to us, and a nearness also to those who are absent.
Let it be a time of prayers for peace, for the preservation of free principles and for the protection of those who are far from us. Let it be a time for reexamining ourselves, and for dedicating our lives to the values that endure.
As this Christmas comes let it be a new witness to the world of the mission and message of Jesus the Christ, the Son of God, our Savior, the Prince of Peace. Let it be a time for thanksgiving, for faith in a finer future that ever comes closer as each Christmas comes—for “God saw that it was good”—and it was and is and will be good in the eternal working out of His plans and purposes.
1Genesis 1:25.
The Spoken Word,” heard over Radio Station K S L and the nationwide Columbia Broadcasting System, from the Tabernacle, Temple Square, Salt Lake City, Sunday, December 21, 1952, 11:00 to 11:30 a.m., Eastern Time. Copyright, 1952
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December 21, 1952
Broadcast Number 1,218