A MAJOR GIFT

Christmas Time, Two Thousand Two,
Time again for greeting you
With words of love and Christmas Cheer
As we close yet another year.

Long have been my days this year,
Without my Living Dorothy Dear,
But they have passed in song and praise
As God blessed me in many ways:

Memories of our years three score,
So rich and full they seemed much more;
Children so alike my wife
That they, like she, enrich my life.

Friends in church and those next door
Give me courage more and more
To press ahead with work in hand
To spread God’s love throughout the land.

It is not I that foils my grief;
Friends, family, faith - sweet relief;
And I know my wife must smile
As God helps me to reconcile.

As I receive this perfect gift,
God give me grace that I may lift
Those who have not eyes to see
The vision You have granted me.

Your Son came down to cancel death;
This he said with every breath;
So let us shout throughout the earth
That death is life through His sweet birth.

A MAJOR GIFT

October 30, 2002

Christmas Time, Two Thousand Two,
Time again for greeting you
With words of love and Christmas Cheer
As we close another year.

Long have been my days this year,
Without my Living Dorothy Dear,
But they have passed in song and praise
As God blessed me in many ways.

Memories of our years three score,
So rich and full they seemed much more;
Children so alike my wife
That they, like she, enrich my life.

Friends in church and those next door
Give me courage more and more
To press ahead with work in hand
To spread God's love throughout the land.

It is not I that foils my grief;
Friends, family, faith - sweet relief;
And I know my wife must smile
As God helps me to reconcile.

As I receive this perfect gift,
God give me grace that I may lift
Those who have not eyes to see
The vision You have granted me.

Your Son came down to cancel death;
This he said with every breath;
So let us shout throughout the earth
That death is life through His sweet birth.