At Christmas
By Edgar Guest
A man is at his finest
towards the finish of the year;
He is almost what he should be
when the Christmas season is here;
Then he’s thinking more of others
than he’s thought the months before,
And the laughter of his children
is a joy worth toiling for.
He is less a selfish creature than
at any other time;
When the Christmas spirit rules him
he comes close to the sublime.
When it’s Christmas man is bigger
and is better in his part;
He is keener for the service
that is prompted by the heart.
All the petty thoughts and narrow
seem to vanish for awhile
And the true reward he’s seeking
is the glory of a smile.
Then for others, he is toiling and
somehow it seems to me
That at Christmas he is almost
what God wanted him to be.
If I had to paint a picture of a man
I think I’d wait
Till he’d fought his selfish battles
and had put aside his hate.
I’d not catch him at his labor
when his thoughts are all of pelf,
On the long days and the dreary
when he’s striving for himself.
I’d not take him when he’s sneering,
when he’s scornful or depressed,
But I’d look for him at Christmas
when he’s shining at his best.
Man is ever in a struggle
and he’s oft misunderstood;
There are days the worst that’s in him
is the master of the good,
But at Christmas kindness rules him
and he puts himself aside
And his petty hates are vanquished
and his heart is opened wide.
Oh, I don’t know how to say it,
but somehow it seems to me
That at Christmas man is almost
what God sent him here to be.
I apologize for interrupting an otherwise joyful Christmas newsletter with heavy news, but this is IMPORTANT:
Pritzker Signs Bill Allowing Secret Abortions on Teens Without Their Parents Knowing
State Representatives Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville); Dan Caulkins (R-Decatur); Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City); Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich) and Chris Miller (R-Oakland) issued the following statement on the extreme abortion measure Governor JB Pritzker has signed into law.
“There is no pretense of abortion being ‘Safe, Legal and Rare’ into today’s Democrat party. The ‘Shout Your Abortion’ party has no acknowledgment or care about the humanity of unborn children.
But it really should not be surprising that the same far-left extremists who deny innocent, unborn babies the right to life would have no qualms about denying parents the right to know when their minor children are seeking an abortion.
Reasonable people should find common agreement around the simple premise that parents should at least know when their minor children are seeking an abortion. Supporting parental rights should unite – not divide – Republicans and Democrats. Minors need parental permission to go on field trips, get a driving permit, or a sports physical. Parents should be involved in the decision to have a surgical procedure regardless of what surgical procedure it is.
As a society, we need to get back to promoting and supporting families and that begins with supporting parental rights. But sadly, the political elites in our government have declared a war on parents. From radicalism being infused in school curriculum to mask and vaccine mandates to now a ban on parental notification, the rights of parents are under assault. We urge parents across the state to join with us in our efforts to end Gov. Pritzker’s war on families.”
A Little American Christmas History
It was Christmas Eve, 1826, and there were no little feet running through the house getting ready to open gifts. At the famous U.S. West Point Military Academy, there was, however, good cheer that was about to erupt into a riot. What is known as the Great West Point Eggnog Riot was the result of a tough superintendent who refused cadets a little brew.
Ice Skating In Illinois
Have a go at an all-season ice rink, or visit a pop-up outdoor rink for festive winter fun.
The Christmas that was just the beginning of both an incredible tale of survival and redemption.
Decatur Transfer House
Shopping Minority Businesses
Salvation Army Gala
We Are Here To Serve You!
As a state representative, my office is available to assist you with any issues you may have when interacting with a state agency. Whether you need help with unemployment claims, getting a FOID card, renewing your driver’s license or resolving a tax problem, we are here to serve you.
Oftentimes, some of the best legislation comes from people who see where the law is unworkable or simply unfair.
If you have ideas on how the state of Illinois could improve, let’s sit down and discuss if a legislative fix is needed.
Please call our office at 217.876.1968 to get help or schedule an appointment to see me. The office is located at 715 W Imboden Dr, Decatur.
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