CHRISTMAS 1945

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 9, Issue 34, 21 December 1945, Page 4

CHRISTMAS 1945

CHRISTMAS dawns on our community in a somewhat different guise this year, Of course there is the usual hustle and bustle; the excess shopping-; happy prospective holiday and the hundred and one other features so traditionally associated with the season. But there is s newness of outlook, of prospect and of hope. Hundreds* who a year ago still lived in fear for their loved one« overseas have now the joy of their presence in the home circle once again. Those who still have their absentees can. now rest - secure in the thought that danger has been removed and that peace, be it permanent or merely a patched up interlude, is once more, restored. The immediate feast will be celebrated more happily than it has been lor past six years and the same old wealth of smiles and laughter will be heard again as of old. Of food there is an abundance of immediate necessities. Gifts of all descriptions cram the stores and shops, their abnormally high prices being apparently no bar to the ready-purchase of the money-free public. All these things afford us great room for thankfulness, and in the midst of our enjoyment it is only right that we should give a passing thought to those less fortunate; who rendered desolate ancTwithout hope, have become utterly impervious to the Christmas warmth and fellowship which is the very heart of our festival. It is a greater tragedy to realise that these, innocents can be numbered in their millions, and their complete destitution and despair must ever sully the tragrance of true Christmas until it is cured and bitter tears are dispersed before the radiance of joyful appreciation and happiness. We in the Eastern Bay are mindful of a responr sibility in this direction, and the New Year with its calls will provide ample opportunities for us to renew our Christmas pledges of Peace on Earth and Goodwill unto All Men., A MERRY CHRISTMAS.