My most grateful thanks and admiration to The Salvation Army and to the staff in St. Charles who are the kindness and most appreciative generosity, especially this past year. I reside in senior living and several time these past months, I have received items from the local Salvation Army food pantry and copies of War Cry. I wanted to write that the back page of the Christmas issue was such a surprise and a blessing. The most celebrated of all Christmas artwork, nativity scenes are the greatest gift. Most of the time there are retail and shop ads, food and restaurants specials, but what people really need to focus on is a simple wish: the beauty of life and all its glory. Joy in everyday life, peace and love within ourselves upon all the Earth.

Things I am thankful for this season include:

• Family, friends and pets
• A purpose to serve others
• Balance in life
• Mercy and forgiveness
• Hope
• Health
• Sense of humor
• Memories and celebrations of life
• Knowledge and wisdom

Deborah Samuels

St. Charles, IL

Editor’s note: December back cover artwork “Adoration of the Shepherds” is by Andrew Howe.