WHEN the first snow comes early in the winter, what bright, happy faces the children have. They are glad to get their sleds out once more and slide swiftly down the hills and over the smooth slippery walks.
In our picture we see a good many enjoying themselves in this way. I am sure many of my little readers, like the boy in the front, take pleasure in drawing their younger brothers or sisters to school on sleds.
Twelve years ago, on Thanksgiving Day, some boys were enjoying their first sport with their sleds. They lived in a small town on the Mississippi River. The weather had turned cold enough to freeze the river a little.
The boys took their sleds out for a slide on the ice, but soon got out where it was not strong enough to bear their weight. One sled broke through, and before the boy could be rescued he was drowned. In a moment he was in eternity.
Dear reader, if you should be called away suddenly like the boy of whom we have been reading, where would you go?
Do you know the blessed Saviour who is up in heaven preparing a home for those who love Him? He wants us all to go there. He died on the cross and suffered the punishment for our sins so that we might not have to die and be forever shut out of God’s presence. If you feel your need of such a Saviour and confess your sins to God, He will forgive them.
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins.” 1 Jno, 1:9.
Then if death should come to you, you will go to be with the One who died that you might live. But if you harden your heart and refuse to listen to the Saviour’s loving call, you can never enter His happy home “where all is peace and joy and love.”
I hope all of you who have not already done so will turn to Jesus and not rest until you know your sins are washed away in His precious blood.
Then as you glide on your sleds over the snow and ice these cold winter days, you will be all the happier because you know you have such a kind Saviour watching over and caring for you.
ML 12/27/1903