Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve is about the birth of the Christ child for which there are thousands and thousands of churches across our state tonight holding services, lighting candles and praying for peace.  And we celebrate the birth of twins, Andrew and Mary, who through the miracle of modern medicine at St Joseph Mercy Hospital in Pontiac and much prayer were able to survive birth two months prematurely. Last Christmas, we featured Edgar A Guest, who is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery on Woodward south of 8 Mile. On Christmas Eve, we feature another of his poems today in honor of those serving in our armed forces and the families who await their safe return.

A Christmas Greeting

Here's to you, little mother, With your boy so far away; May the joy of service smother All your grief this Christmas day; May the magic of his splendor Thrill your spirit through and through And may all that's fine and tender Make a smiling day for you. May you never know the sadness That from day to day you dread; May you never find but gladness In the Flag that's overhead; May the good God watch above him As he stands to duty stern, And at last to all who love him May he have a safe return. Little mother, take the blessing Of a grateful nation's heart; May the news that is distressing Never cause your tears to start; May there be no fears to haunt you, And no lonely hours and sad; May your trials never daunt you, But may every day be glad. Little Mother, could I do it, This my Christmas gift would be: That he'd safely battle through it, This to you I'd guarantee. And I'd pledge to you this morning Joys to banish all your cares, Gifts of gold and silver scorning, I would answer all your prayers. Edgar Albert Guest

Merry Christmas from Edgar A. Guest

Woodlawn Cemetery on 8 Mile and Woodward is a historical, pleasant place to stroll no matter what the season. James Foster, kindly cemeterian, led me on a tour Christmas Eve that included Detroiter Edgar A Guest's tomb as well as the Dodges, the Wilsons, the Whitneys and even Rosa Parks. We indeed wish you a Merry Christmas and close with Edgar's precious words

A Christmas Carol by Edgar A. Guest

God bless you all this Christmas Day

And drive the cares and griefs away.

Oh, may the shining Bethlehem star

Which led the wise men from afar

Upon your heads, good sirs, still glow

To light the path that ye should go.

As God once blessed the stable grim

And made it radiant for Him;

As it was fit to shield His Son,

May thy roof be a holy one;

May all who come this house to share

Rest sweetly in His gracious care.

Within thy walls may peace abide,

The peace for which the Savior died.

Though humble be the rafters here,

Above them may the stars shine clear,

And in this home thou lovest well

May excellence of spirit dwell.

God bless you all this Christmas Day;

May Bethlehem’s star still light thy way

And guide thee to the perfect peace

When every fear and doubt shall cease.

And may thy home such glory know

As did the stable long ago.