howard thurman. ron and i were fortunate enough many moons ago to have a class by dr. thurman. an amazing african american pastor who could write. these are some things for you to consider when trying the true meaning of christmas. you won't forget to go to church on christmas eve of course. but here's a short poem. at christmas time, the tide flows out from the inner sea. at christmas time they find their way to many shores with gifts of remembrances, thoughts of love, though the world be weary and the days afraid, the heart renews its life and mind takes hope from the tides that flow from the inner sea at christmas time. thurman talking about advent as a time of preparation. and the person to begin with is you. and so that is the important thing. christmas returns as it always does with the assurance that life is good. it's a time to lift to the spirit. when the mind feels its way into the common place and senses the wonder of simple things. evergreen tree. familiar carols. it's a time of alum nation when candles burn and old dreams find their youth again. it's a time of paus