A stretched out hand of tolerance

As we dive into Christmas and the New Year, allow me to remind you of a movie that unfortunately is beginning to get lost in the antiquity of good, old-fashioned holiday movies.

The 1947 flick “The Bishop’s Wife” stars Cary Grant, David Niven and Loretta Young. It’s fine medicine for those who find themselves overcome by pessimism, losing a taste for the sweetness of life and love.

Here’s the sermon from the close of movie. Still hangs together today.

Merry Christmas,

Sherm

“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 squeezer 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 shining gifts that make peace on earth.”

— H/T Dennis Maynard