To the editor:
Long ago in the little town of Bethlehem, there stood a shepherd on the hillside keeping watch over his flock, when suddenly there appeared to him an angel clothed in white. She was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. Her countenance was magnificent and the warmth and love that radiated from her, overpowering.
“Why are you so sad on this night? Know you not that you are not alone. Know you not that you are guarded and watched over. Oh, you of little faith, love has been good to you. There is not a moment when you are not loved – even in the deepest moment of despair – you are not alone.
“Each night when you are on the hillside, I am with you. All through the day I watch over you and keep you safe. Love is born every day in our hearts. True love for our fellow man; pure love for one who watches over you.”
Then the beautiful girl came and kissed his lips and at that moment love was reborn in his heart.
“Who are you?” The shepherd asked.
“I am love,” replied the girl. I am forever with you.”
From that moment, the shepherd never lost sight of love. He went about his daily life with her always in his mind and felt her love ever present within him. Love manifested through him and he expressed her to everyone he met.
Every night he was alone on the hillside and yet never, never alone. Love is truly ever with us, every moment of every day. We have but to reach out to give love and love will manifest through us.
So as we approach this Christmas season, we must remember the love that is constantly being reborn within hearts everywhere. This is a beautiful life, if it is spent in loving.
– submitted by Alston Patton