Bro. Ignatius,

Christmas, for many of us, no longer seems to hold the true meaning, or reason why, we celebrate this very special day.

I have stumbled upon this short sermon, given on Christmas Eve by David Niven in the 1947 movie “The Bishop’s Wife”. The story is about an Episcopal Bishop, who has been working for months on the plans for an elaborate new cathedral which he hopes will be paid for primarily by a wealthy, stubborn, demanding, and selfish widow. The Bishop is losing sight of his family and of why he became a churchman in the first place.

In answer to his prayer for help, an angel is sent down from heaven to help him. The Bishop does receive help, and so does everyone else, but not necessarily in the way they would have preferred. However, with God all things are possible, and so, all problems are solved, perhaps not in the way they wanted them to be solved, but as in all things, God’s "Will", will be done.

It is my hope that this short sermon written for the Bishop by the angel, sent down to help him, will touch the hearts of all men as it has touch mine.

Bro. Ignatius, if you choose to allow this short sermon to be read by those who use your web-site, I will be most grateful.

God Bless and “Merry Christmas”,

John R.

“The Empty Stocking”

Tonight I want to tell you the story of an empty stocking.

Once upon a midnight clear, there was a child's cry, a blazing star hung over a stable, and wise men came with birthday gifts. We haven't forgotten that night down the centuries. We celebrate it with stars on Christmas trees, with the sound of bells, and with gifts.

But especially with gifts. You give me a book, I give you a tie. Aunt Martha has always wanted an orange squeeze and Uncle Henry can do with a new pipe. For we forget nobody, adult or child. All the stockings are filled, all that is, except one. And we have even forgotten to hang it up. The stocking for the Child born in a manger. It’s His Birthday we're celebrating. Don't let us ever forget that.

Let us ask ourselves what He would wish for most. And then, let each put in his share, loving kindness, warm hearts, and a stretched out hand of tolerance. All the shinning gifts that make peace on earth.