We thank Thee, God, for eyes to see

The beauty of the earth

For ears to hear the words of love

And happy sounds of mirth;

For minds to find new thoughts to think,

New wonders to explore;

For Health and Freedom to enjoy

The good Thou hast in store.

 Help us to remember that to some

The eye and ear and mind

Bring sights and sounds of ugliness

And only sadness find;

Let us remember that to them

The world has seemed unfair

 That we should strive to bring to them

The beauty all may share.

 O may our eyes be open, Lord,

To see our neighbour's need;

And may our ears be kept alert

Their cries for help to heed;

Make keen our minds to plan the best

For one another's good.

That all  the world may be at last

One friendly neighbourhood.

The author of this writing is unknown, but the sentiment contains the good wishes of Women's Institutes everywhere – so we wish you the best of Christmas seasons, and may the year 2023 bring  you all the joy and happiness you desire.

Happy Holidays!

 Yours For Home and Country, Ruth Fenner, Provincial Historian, British Columbia Women's Institute