?^i ^3»:^^ c?*^ 'f-.. ^ «J: ^^ ^.^ ^^, "^ *^*^m^. « ^nnie C* miliar ^'' ^ -' BOSTON Smith & Porter Press 1903 s^\< ^ COr^Gl :, .V . - t903 -'^^3 -..,. ,,^_ 7/^?-s 1 Copyright, 1903 Annie L. Fisher ^33 • •••••••« • *■•• • •• •••••••••• •••«. • ? Wdl3$id^ ^t\ou^l\is CHRISTMAS. What does it mean that the Christ is born ? What is the meaning of Christmas morn? What does it mean to God's children here, That song of the angels, so sweet and clear? It means that the Kingdom of God has come ; That the hearts of the nations shall beat as one ; That the reign of sin and despair shall cease. And earth's harsh voices give place to peace. It means that the motives and lives of men Shall be swayed by that spirit of love again Which fulfils the law, bringing peace to earth. And proclaims to the humble the Saviour's birth. It means that the idols which men have made, And the mortal mandate, so long obeyed, Shall pass away like a fevered dream. And Love Eternal shall reign supreme. Already the tints of the coming day Are dispelling the earth-clouds of somber grey. And hearts are preparing a welcome free. To receive the Christ into Galilee. m^gsid^ 1i;f|OUsf|te NEEDFUL THINGS. We need not carry a burdened heart, Filled with fear for the coming days, And let a murmur of discontent Take the place of a song of praise. Our Father knoweth our daily need Of shelter and rest and food. And we need not fear that the hand of Love Will fail to supply all good. Our daily need is to watch and pray To be patient and kind and true ; To do unto others as we would That they unto us should do ; To empty our hearts of the love of sin, That we may more goodness gain ; And to keep our feet in the narrow way Which leads to a higher plane. We need to see in our fellow-men The image which Jesus saw, — Man's perfect selfhood, at one with God And obedient to His law; To know that the selfishness, strife and hate Which appear in the world today Are only the shades of this earthly night. Which the daylight will sweep away. latdQsId^ ^ftought^ We should know that the feet are always free To follow where duty leads ; That the hands are able to work for Truth And copy the Master's deeds; That no ears are deaf; that no eyes are blind ; But that all may hear and see The wonders wrought by the great Truth-Power Which is setting God's children free. But our greatest need is to understand That in spirit we live and move ; That all power belongs to our God, alone. Whose law is the " Law of Love ". Then by living our thanks for the mercies past, And reflecting the good we can. We shall conquer the flesh, with its sense of sin. And show forth God's perfect man. Wi^gside i:itongf|t^ A NEW YEAR'S PRAYER. Search me. Oh God ! and know my heart ! Make Thou its purpose right; Uncover secret, hidden faults; Make the dark places light. I would not make of my heart a den Where sin and deceit may hide, But an upper room for the Master's use; — By His presence sanctified. Try me, and know my every thought ! Cleanse Thou my consciousness. That the thoughts I send forth to my fellow-men May be strong with Thy power to bless. Guard the door of my lips ! Let no unkind word Go forth like some poisoned thing To wound the hearts of the ones I love By its sharp and cruel sting. Let no evil way be cherished. Lord ! But let truth, flowing in from Thee, Re-form and fashion my daily life Into love and humility. Then lead in the everlasting way Where the blessed Jesus trod; — May I find in Thy service my own true life. And have but One Mind — One God. Wansid^ ^f|OUQf|td PEACE ON EARTH. Love reigneth ! let the earth rejoice ! Let sin and sorrow cease. Truth has revealed God's love for man, And on the earth is peace. Love reigneth ! and the human heart Forgets past grief and pain ; And tired eyes, long used to tears, Look up and smile again. For Love enthroned within the thought Must rule the daily life. Hearts filled with love for God and man Can find no room for strife. \m 5 »9«2 May be obtained of Ezra W. Reid, C. S. 608 Huntington Chambers Boston. <^ 1 .X ■^l '^. v^^»* >-> : :x «^^j:^- N"^fc>^ -^^>-4wi:,__^^.,^ ,^.^v ' -ti^^*: