The Lord's Day is the keystone of civilization. It determines the future power and glory of our nation. Without it the matchless splendor of the church would be poor indeed.

With multiplied millions of loyal, faithful followers of Christ, and many of our churches overflowing in attendance to encourage us, there are also ever-increasing evidences of disrespect, abuse and neglect of this holy Lord's Day to dishearten us.

It is therefore of utmost importance that our pastors and other church leaders reaffirm from our pulpits and teaching positions convictions regarding the Lord's Day.

Sunday is the queen of all days. It is God's gift to us. When we are tired and discouraged from daily toil, from rushing to and fro, busy traffic, crowded stores, a competitive world and tensions and pressures, Sunday comes and we can slow down, relax, rest, worship and be renewed in strength, courage and spirit.

Renewed spiritual strength comes through quiet meditation, attending Sunday school, morning and evening worship and other activities of the church. Listening to the thrilling music, fine sermons, Sunday school lessons, sharing in divine worship and praying together, we are made strong physically and spiritually. Our strength is renewed like the strength of an eagle.

Sunday for fathers and mothers is a day in which they find more time to communicate with their children by putting aside work and other activities. On Sunday parents can take time to find out what being parents is all about and to share with their children the many important things in their lives.

Sunday is a day when we get together with family and friends, renew relationships and become more receptive to each other. It is a day when we may visit someone who needs a good word of cheer or some lonely person who needs comfort.

Sunday is indeed God's gift to us. How shall we use it?

It is no wonder that The Lord's Day Alliance of the United States was formed over 100 years ago in Washington, D.C., for the sole purpose of preserving the Lord's Day in America. The Lord's Day Alliance seeks to have every Christian celebrate Sunday as the day of the Lord's resurrection and also for every non-Christian to have a common day of rest.

We encourage you and your pastor to have special days of observance in your church, placing deep emphasis upon the importance of the Lord's Day and its proper observance. We urge you especially to celebrate the day set aside, the second Sunday in February of each year, for this purpose.

There are many things you can do to help save Sunday and to preserve the Lord's Day in America, but there is nothing you can do better than to set the example yourself by keeping the Lord's Day in a way that honors Christ.

(Dr. James P. Wesberry served as Executive Director of the L.D.A. of the U.S. from 1975 to 1992. He passed away on December 25, 1992 after a brief illness, at 86 years of age.)