Let's Keep Christmas

Several years ago, a young minister named Peter Marshall was memorialized after his death by the publication of his biography and letters, among them a sermon entitled "Let's Keep Christmas." In it he said, "You are thinking about presents--wondering what in the world to get for so-and-so. You think of friends and loved ones who are so hard to shop for. You can't think of a thing they need (which is rather1 strange when you stop to think of it). Maybe there is nothing in a store that they need. But what about some token of love--what about love itself. . .and friendship. . .and understanding. . .and consideration. . .and a helping hand. . .and a smile. . .and a prayer? You can't buy these things in a store, and these are the very things people need."