Augsburg College - Augsburgian Yearbook (Minneapolis, MN)

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The 7boughts oj Cjod Tlu trtts »f Jthnrah are filled tvtlh mot Hurt, The ttJart tf l.tb.iuoii U'l iek he hath planted, Whert tht birdi wait their see its, ♦ • Tint iin£ am tt£ tht branches. God raised the huge mountains, and covered their tops with snow that the springs at their feet might water the mighty trees, in the branches of which the little bird would warble her notes of praise. There is a song with a refrain, Child, I loved thee long ago.” An old lady, sick and helpless for years, thought about her happier days. Her yearnings centered themselves about the glad Christmas times, especially those of her own childhood and the child days of her children. Many a Christmas now had gone by with no little Christmas tree. God had foreseen her lonesomeness years ago and had made His plans. Long ago and far away, deep in a forest a tall evergreen grew. It lamented its useless existence in the woods wncrc thousands of trees stood. But it lived on and a seed fell into the ground. The seed sprouted and grew into a strong little tree under the shelter of its protecting neighbor. A woodsman came. Drawn to the little tree bv its perfect shape and its fresh greenness he cut it down and sent it to the large city at Christmas time. In the hearts of a group of students God nursed the Christmas spirit. Before the holidays a banquet was prepared for the students with Christmas cheer of every kind. The little tree had its place and sang its quiet song of praise surrounded by young, strong, smiling faces. The banquet was over and one thought of God had been fulfilled. The little tree, cheered by its service in the way of God, took renewed grip on its strength and stood forth a thing too good to be thrown aside. It was sent to a neigh- bor's home on its errand of good will. The neighbor had a large tree. The little tree was not needed. But the thoughts of God were still with it and the tree made its urgent appeal. It had something to do vet. The Christmas spirit worked upon the hearts of the little tree's owners. The- side old lady there was the place. Again the tree was decked out and its festive dress was draped over it. In jxracc- ful train it went the tray with its Christmas meal, dainty and neat, followed by the happy little tree. The sparkle of the eye and the leap of the heart, Oh, how good you arc. The tears of joy carried the wordless cry of gratitude out beyond the weary sick- room to the mighty heart of God. The cycle was complete. From out of the calm depths of eternity the old lady’s questioning heart received its answer: “Child, I loved thee long ago. The thoughts of God are |x:rfect, making glad the heart. The thoughts of God arc manifold, but they arc always harmonious and at every step they prove themselves always good. Not always,” you sav. No, not always do we see them as good. They arc often at deaths grip with evil. Evil is an uglv thing, and when God is lighting evil before our eyes, we sec evil as it is, ugly. But the victory belongs to God, and in His peace His thoughts again stand revealed before us as perfect. The thoughts of God arc tender, bringing calm to the troubled heart.

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Our President I

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 A NOR liAS Ml‘l.I.ANI) Professor of New Testament Theology Ghokok Sviikdroi . Prttidtut Luas 1». Mar no Professor of Old Testament. Professor of • Systematic Theology Kkv. J. I:. Loiikck Instructor in Religion I.AKS I.II.I.LIILI Professor of Church History Riiv. T. (). Hukntvhdt Lecturer in Theology Johannes I.. Nydaiii. Colley Librarian I I. N. HliNOKlCKSON Professor of History and Latin Registrar