Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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The Newberry Sun, Newberry, S. C., Thursday, December 20, 1967—SEC. B PAGE 5 Throughout the Christian world, Christmas is THE holiday, universally celebrated, universally recognized. Probably no library in the world could house the volume of material that is written about this great holiday in a single season. Because so much has been written — and will again be written this holiday season — we must consider it remarkable that the story of the Nativity has continued a simple and unaf fected narrative — n For God so loved the world, He gave His only begotten Son. ” Traditions and customs are subject to the changing times. Yet, amid the laughter and festivities, whatever carols are sung, however gifts are exchanged, there remains forever unaf fected the simple story of the birth at Bethlehem. This is the story of Christmas — an event which took place nearly 2,000 years ago — the birth of a Redeemer and the promise of eternal salvation. Through centuries of translation, of telling and re-telling, the meaning of Christmas remains simple and universal. Christmas is the birthright of every man. ^Something -for^ Ty SAM POPE 7# 6S7 ^ Jed Cranford turned his back on the small gathering and walked back to his fox hole. Settling down, he lit a cigarette and looked upward at a cloudy Vietnam sky. He brought his gaze down, to the distant hills. The Cong- infested hills. They were still the enemy. Tomorrow’s mis sion would be seek and destroy. If anything, he knew, tomor row he would be a better sol dier. He would lead his men, firmly, with cautious delibera tion, as a good sergeant should, but tonight he would sleep a sleep of peace. Within himself, violent hate had been replaced by a spirit of quiet determination. Jed Cranford was not a man given to impulse. He was always certain just where he would make his next footprint. He had stayed for a long time in the foxhole, watching the crowd gather on the protected side of the knoll. He had envied the men on the hill, their eager ness, their patient waiting, the something they had to believe in that set them a bit apart from the rest. But he had never thought he wanted even a small part of it. who removed his helmet and began to speak. It was a scene Jed has seen many times. It had never in terested him before. Yet, some how, this time, he felt the need to be a part of something. Not just because it was Christmas Eve, but because Jed suddenly felt alone and friendless. He made his way to the edge of the group, not sitting. but standing somewhat to the side, near enough to hear the words of the stocky one. "And, you may be inclined to despair and not remember that it is the Christmas season. Tell yourself that this is a dirty business and that it is unfair for you to be here in this dirty business, doing a dirty job that you don’t like to do. Why were you called upon to make this sacrifice? Why you, and not someone else? If you do this, perhaps you can understand why you have reason to find some joy this Christmas Eve. Tomorrow we shall observe the birthday of One who knew’ a lifetime of sacrifice. Because of that sacrifice, the world has known much joy and peace and hope. Make no mistake about it: despite the unpleasant ness of the situation you men find yourself in on this present day, tomorrow you will have cause to know’ peace, and joy and hope.” Back in his foxhole, Jed Cranford relaxed. It had taken only a moment, yet he had found something he needed. A reason for joy and peace and hope. Or, was faith a better word for it? Perhaps. Perhaps, faith in tomorrow. Candles & Goblets Upside Down Goblets become candlehold- ers when they are turned upside down. Stand them in a row on a window sill. Let them light the living room. March them down the middle of the smor gasbord table. They are bright and effective and very quick and easy to arrange. Inside each goblet, place a large Christmas ball, each one a ctil- ferent color. Secure 10 inch red candles to the bottoms of the goblets (which are now the tops) with candle wax or floral clay, hide it with sprigs of ev ergreen. If you use candlewax, decorate or not as you wish — the wax matches the candle and does not show. £)SCW. INC enjoyed serving you..hope to serve you again! MARTIN FEED & SEED CO. 630 Caldwell Street Phone 276-4011 Newberry, S. C. He saw the men on the hillside stir into movement. What Jed had wanted, and what he had achieved, was the life of a career Army man. He didn’t always know where he would be come tomorrow, but he knew what he would be doing. He would be working at a job that suitedhim, leading men, instructing, training. This was Jed’s third war. He didn’t like to admit it, but he was a bit bothered by the hate that had been born with in him during this one— in the rice fields and on the scarred hillsides. It was not what he had seen; he had seen worse. It was something within, born on the inside and nourished by no outside elements. He had wondered, only yes terday, if it might be that he was getting too old for this kind of a life. Perhaps, uncon- siously, he was rejecting every thing that so long had been habit and custom. He saw the men on the hill side stir into movement and without hearing or seeing he knew the helicopter was on the way in. Visitor Jed lit another cigarette, watching idly as a short, stocky man stepped down from the helicopter and made his way to the group on the hill. Those who had waited sat down again, circling the newcomer. COUNT Masuf BLESSINGS At Christmas, more than any other occasion, we need to rev erently pause, gratefully ac knowledging the countless bless ings that have been ours — Among these we find one that is always treasured—your friend ship. We are truly grateful and trust that we may continue to merit these associations for many years to come. SOUTH CAROLINA NATIONAL tk 'Bud {oi Erngbodtj