We end our WWI blog with this reflection on the future which faced Berkshire by the end of 1919.
Advent
The lesson and meaning of Advent have been brought home to us by varied and heart-stirring experiences in recent years. During the war we have felt both the warning of judgement and the comfort of the assured triumph of righteousness as never before. Last year our hearts were full of thankfulness, – ‘then were we like unto them that dream’ – and the dominant message of Advent was the Coming of the Prince of Peace. Today we look forward more soberly to the future. God is working His purpose out, His kingdom is being established upon earth, but, in the meanwhile, the reign of peace seems longer delayed than we had hoped, “It is not for you to know the times or the seasons which the Father hath put in His own power.”
So it becomes us to remember the Gospel teaching as to the conduct of those who wait while the Lord delayeth His coming. They are to be good stewards and intent upon their work.
It is a most appropriate Advent lesson for us all; we can see that the country needs all hands to the task of rebuilding, and this means that it is a patriotic duty for every man to work hard and do his best in his allotted place. “Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.”
But what a vast difference it makes to know that the War is won and that all the work done now goes to make the world a happier place for the children who are growing up. Such an outlook puts joy into work and makes men feel the warmth of fellowship as comrades in a task worth doing.
Wargrave parish magazine, December 1919 (D/P145/28A/31)