In 1985 the J.C. Penney...
Illustration
In 1985 the J.C. Penney Company in New York City was delighted to learn that Prince Charles and Princess Diana were to visit their store. Of course the prestige Penney's anticipated because of the royal visit was owed the fact that the couple were coming to call attention to the special sale Penney's sponsored for British goods. However, it was not all gain for the department store. The facility had to be shut down for careful scrutiny and preparation before the arrival of the royal couple.
One can speculate as to why the American public was willing to go to all this fuss and ado about two people who have no real power and influence in the state of things. One guess is that in a nation in which we do not parade the symbols of royalty, but rather applaud equality of individuals, we do derive some vicarious thrills from those who are regarded as special. When all is said and done, however, we must confess that all of the preparation and adoration were empty exercises. The days of Advent, however, are calls for us to prepare for the coming of One who makes a difference in our lives. This will not be wasted time for us. He is the One before whom all the world must bow eventually as the King of kings and the Lord of lords. He also is the One who has given the signs of the times by which we should prepare for his coming.
One can speculate as to why the American public was willing to go to all this fuss and ado about two people who have no real power and influence in the state of things. One guess is that in a nation in which we do not parade the symbols of royalty, but rather applaud equality of individuals, we do derive some vicarious thrills from those who are regarded as special. When all is said and done, however, we must confess that all of the preparation and adoration were empty exercises. The days of Advent, however, are calls for us to prepare for the coming of One who makes a difference in our lives. This will not be wasted time for us. He is the One before whom all the world must bow eventually as the King of kings and the Lord of lords. He also is the One who has given the signs of the times by which we should prepare for his coming.
