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A Song About Why Christmas Without Jesus is Just a Nondescript Day

12/23/2020

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It's a question we all need to answer.
Today, December 23nd, we find ourselves in the final throes of the rush to be totally ready for Christmas. The retail sales establishments, of course, have been planning for this event for months and now are doing what they can to make sure in these final days that they meet their goals.  After all, most know that Christmas accounts for a large portion of their business and a bad Christmas performance makes them look much worse than the bad boy finding coal in his stocking.  But thankfully, that is more often fiction than fact.  And the children are excited and the adults are reliving their own childhood in the lives of their young ones. But through it all as witnessed by the happenings is one thing that I find quite sad.

                                                WHERE'S THE LINE TO SEE JESUS?


Think about that question and ponder it.  We are willing to drive long distances, stand in line waiting for hours and all for the fun of watching our children have the opportunity for a short, personal visit with Santa.  But at the same time, we often have difficulty finding the time to visit with Our Lord and Savior, the one whose birth far exceeds the magic and mystery of Santa as a back-up prop.  We can find millions of excuses to use for not spending time with Jesus, yet we will jump over any hurdle for that illustrious visit with Santa.  It just doesn't seem right because, frankly, it's not.  We should be ashamed of ourselves.

A few years ago, a pretty young woman who is a gifted singer, Becky Kelley of St. Louis, performed a new song about this very subject.  The title is the same as the question just posed: Where's the Line to See Jesus?  It's a beautiful song and she sings it accompanied by her father, Steve, in a rendition that was adapted to video presentation on U-Tube.  It tells us in word and picture just what I wrote about, only in a much more convincing fashion.  So, I hope readers will listen to it and take the words to heart, for they are all so very true.  And it's okay to carry on that tradition of visiting Santa and awaiting his visit, but just remember that we need to put the "Reason for the Season" first and that reason is Jesus' birthday.  That event is what made Him both Man and God on this earth, to preach, teach and ultimately die on Calvary's Cross for our sins.  Without the forgiveness that event gave us, we would have no hope for something after mortal life. With it, when we accept it, we gain Everlasting Life, a gift far more valuable than anything Santa or anyone other than Jesus can provide us.  It is the ultimate gift that never dies.

Here's the link to the music.  Just cut and paste it into your browser. There is also a direct link at the introduction that came with this blog.

               https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OExXItDyWEY


If this doesn't get us in the proper holiday Spirit, I don't know what will.  Be blessed and enjoy this joyous time of the year and remember that without Jesus, the holiday would just be another nondescript day.

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CHRISTMAS MEMORIES: A Special School Project for Christmas

12/21/2020

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It was an evergreen like these, only larger.
One of my best memories of Christmas as a boy was helping my older brother find a Christmas tree for his high school homeroom class.  It was a different time back then, a time when you couldn't just ask your parents for money and you often had to use sweat equity to earn what you wanted.  It wasn't easy, but it usually turned out to be fun and worthwhile and it made us stronger, wiser and taught us the value of a dollar. And even the purchase of a Christmas tree by a group of high school students back in those days could be a big deal.

It was the late 1950s, my brother was a junior in high school and I was still in elementary school and Bobby came home from school just after the Thanksgiving holiday with a daunting assignment.  Following a school  tradition for Christmas at Newport News High, students in home rooms were divided into small groups, each with a specialized assignment based upon the luck of the draw.  His group was selected to provide the class Christmas tree.

Sounds easy, right?  Not so fast, for the rules of the game were specific.  You could not buy a tree, you could not cut a tree from property without explicit permission of the owner and the tree had to be at least seven feet tall, either a small, live evergreen or a portion thereof.
Gathering his fellow team members together that night they discussed their options.  The task was complicated by the fact that we lived in a small city, there were no open woodlands of any significance within five miles of the area and the preponderance of the land was in small to moderate sized city lots with little likelihood of finding what they needed.  And it was Thursday night and the tree had to be in the classroom no later than the following Tuesday morning, so they had to work fast.

I was sitting in with them since they said they would take all the help they could get, but I could think of nothing.  They adjourned looking down and dejected, but promised to gather again Saturday morning with a plan.  They didn't want to be the only group to fail in the class although they knew it would have been much easier had they gotten the assignment to provide decorations or such other items.  But alas, they had to work with what they had.

As I returned from school that Friday afternoon I found Mom standing at the kitchen window and gazing into the back yard.  And then I realize what she was looking at.  It was that big old evergreen over by the fence line that was now oversized and much too tall.  We looked at each other, she smiled and went back to fixing dinner while I went to do homework. At that moment, I knew exactly what she was thinking without here uttering a word. She was going to offer Bobby the top out of that large tree if he could get in down safely. As we sat down to dinner that night, Mom casually spoke.

"So, Bobby," she queried, "Did you have any luck on your tree search?"

"No, Mom," he said dejectedly, "and the guys will be here at 9 in the morning. What am I going to do?"

"Well," she said with a twinkle in her eye, "you better get whatever it is you need to cut a tree tomorrow 'cause you're gonna' cut the top out of our backyard evergreen. That tree is just getting too tall so there's your answer."

Bobby jumped up and ran over and hugged Mom, almost forcing her to spill the pot of soup. But he was excited and so was I and Mom just stood there chuckling. And after dinner, Bobby called his buddies and told them the news made some plans.  Mom and I only hoped that they knew what they needed and could figure out the right way to tackle the job.  She didn't want the top of that tree falling on the neighbor's fence since it was over thirty feet tall.

Saturday morning dawned dreary and gray with heavy laden clouds indicating the likelihood of snow.  Right at nine the group began to assemble.  Philip from down the street came up whistling jingle bells and wearing climber's boots and carrying a roll of strong rope and thick gloves.  Jerry came from the other direction with two different sized hand saws. I was tasked with being the "step-and-fetch-it" for the older boys, making sure they got anything they needed when they needed it.

Bobby bounded out the backdoor and greeted everyone then asked, "Has anyone seen Jack? We can't start without Jack."

"He'll be here", said Jerry, who lived close to Jack. "He was late coming in last night but I talked with him.  Don't worry."

The boys grabbed a football to toss around while awaiting Jack's arrival when suddenly we heard the noise of a loud engine and the shifting of gears.  Backing up the driveway to the point closest to the tree was Jack in his father's wrecker.  He set the brace on the back end and pulled the metal cable over to the tree for use.

Now that things were in place, the boys went to work. Philip, the most agile of the group climbed the tree slowly, trying to keep branches from smacking him in the face from the thick tree.  About four feet from the top he yelled down for the end of the two ropes that would be used as guidelines for dropping the tree safely. Jerry would man one and I would handle the second one, keeping a thirty degree angle from each in the general direction of where the tree would be cut to fall.  After several tries, we couldn't clear the thick needled limbs so Bobby climbed with ropes in hand and left them with Philip. He attached them to the tree about five feet from the top, then tossed the other end to the two of us waiting below and we held them tight. Then he hooked the chain to the tree a few feet below, dropped below the level where it could kick back on him. He focused on that for a moment while Bobby made sure the chain wasn't tangled in the branches before getting ready to cut. Meanwhile, Jerry and I made sure the two guidelines were taut.

When everyone said all was clear, Philip went to work with his hand saw.It took some time to get the cable over and around the branches but it worked and finally Philip was up to the original guideline.  He checked it for tightness, made sure the line was a straight shot down to Jerry, came down another two feet and hooked the cable to the trunk.  Then he climbed down another four feet and began sawing.  As he was working slowly on the thick trunk, he began singing a rather bawdy version of the Twelve Days of Christmas, eliciting a muttered comment from Mom who was outside with us and watching with a smile on her face. Later she would tell Philip if he sang that song at school he would likely get sent home from school. Then she laughed and walked back inside. We all knew that Philip would be Philip and so did Mom. That's why she smiled but Philip and all the neighborhood boys love Mom for she was always kind to all of them.from Mom which made him quickly stop.

As the saw neared the three quarter way mark on the trunk at the base of the tree, a slight cracking sound was heard and Philip yelled for tight lines, telling Jack to start to rewind the cable slowly on the tow line as the top began to lean.  Jack, Jerry and I got into a rhythmic pattern and Philip lowered himself down a few more seats to avoid being hit by the tree and he was right on mark, avoiding any danger as the tree began to fall, hitting a large bough then falling down to the ground.

We all cheered when the nine foot section of tree fell right where planned and I do believe I saw Mom sigh with relief, but it was ever so subtle.  Boy, were we proud of ourselves and felt like we were kings of the world. We trimmed the small branches and twigs near the base of the cut, stood it up in a ten gallon bucket containing sugar water and propped it up securely against the garage so it would stand and soak up the water to keep it fresh.  Jerry said his father would make a stand suitable for the classroom.  But for now, the tree would remain in the container until Monday morning when it would be delivered to the high school for display.

We awoke Sunday morning to snow, very unusual for coastal Virginia this early in the season.  And when we walked outside to look at the tree, it had been decorated by nature.  The rich green branches were decked out in a beautiful white coating of thick, wet snow and sitting on a number of the branches were a family of cardinals, the males showing their beautiful red against the green and white background.  What a glorious site indeed.

One of the older boys came by Monday morning to take the tree to school.  I even went to the high school PTA meeting with Mom the following night since the tree would be on display in Bobby's homeroom.  The parents of all of the boys were there to compliment the job of their sons, who loved every minute of the adulation, yours truly included. It was beautiful and had been decorated with homemade decorations, white lights and red bows galore.  And the handmade stand had been painted to look like a gift box.  What a beautiful use for the top of that glorious evergreen and, what's more, maintaining its life status until school was closed for the holiday, it survived and continued to grow thanks to those drilled holes and he cold weather and was later planted on one of the city's school grounds where it survived for many years.

It took years for the original tree to fill in it's flattened top, resulting in a broader but still pointed tip.  And the base became fuller and broader as it continued its march both skyward and outward.  The last time I was back in my old stomping grounds I rode by the old house and the tree was still there, only much taller and still broadening.  If it didn't die of disease or lose a battle with a hurricane over the years it's probably still there. But regardless, I'll always remember the special Christmas tree gift that the beautiful old evergreen gave to all of us on that Christmas years ago. One of those stories I can never forget.

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SUNDAY MORNING COMING DOWN: The Sunday Before the First Christmas

12/20/2020

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Were Mary and Joseph traveling on that day?
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  - Isaiah 9:6 (ESV)

One of the most amazing things about the story of the birth of our Savior who we celebrate each Christmas is the fact that it was foretold for many centuries before the event. The Prophet Isaiah, living about seven hundred years before the first Christmas spoke of it, yet most didn't understand the full ramifications of the message and later, when it finally took place, many had difficulty believing it, others never got the word, and even more, some of the elites, denied it for it was seen as a threat to them and their power and influence.  So let's imagine ourselves living in the Holy Land back then and how it must have actually been perceived. It is truly a fascinating story. And let's look at this date today which, of course, is a Sunday only five days before our grand celebration takes place in full glory. In so doing, look at it as if we were alive and experiencing what was happening right then.

First off, we need to recognize that Sunday had no significance to their religious practice since it was not a Holy day back then but, rather, the first day of the work week.  And since we don't know the date of the Christ's birthday, we have no idea what day of the week or even with certainty the time of the year although most scholars are sure it was not in the winter. In those days leading up to the last Sunday before the first Christmas, people were going about their daily lives in Jerusalem and Bethlehem  as they always did except each man and woman had to be registered for the tax rolls at that time of year. So, Mary and Joseph were no exception and they were either in the process of getting ready or already on their trip to Bethlehem, Joseph's place of registry. Failure to comply with the law would result in a swift and severe punishment, and with Israel under the control of Rome it made things so much more difficult. All knew not to dare and be late but to get to their registry points on time.  In addition to the tough route of journey up and down rocky hills, the fact that Mary was at full term and the baby would be coming soon compounded things much more. It was a tough time for the Jewish people under the leadership of the weak Herod who was petrified of Rome. In order to comply with the edicts of Rome, Herod was cruel  and self-centered as well and being a secularist, not being a man of faith made it much worse.

But the Jews had one ray of hope. The word was spreading that the Son of God would soon appear on earth at any time.  Now, Mary and Joseph knew she was carrying the baby that would be Jesus, but even they didn't full comprehend the full degree of what that entailed. So, they just remained largely anonymous as they made their way along the roadways. And just think of it. Mary, who was still a young teenager who had been gifted with an immaculate conception by God. And Joseph, much older but actually responsible for the young woman to whom he was betrothed, carried forth with plans to get here safely to Bethlehem via donkey, or perhaps was already under way. Think of how concerned, yet committed they were as they headed to Bethlehem where Mary would deliver the Christ Child, the King of Kings in a lowly stable witnessed by cows and lambs and just a few others. 

The new King of Kings would  be born in a setting where humility was the order of the day and  the new King would grow to dazzle all people including the temple priests as He could sit and talk about man's relationship with God and his fellow man with a countenance of intelligence supported by the Spirit that would change the world with His love. So, think about the wonderful plot of the story which would last approximately thirty-three years before He would fulfill His ultimate purpose in coming to this earth to offer salvation to those of us who believe in Him by faith through by His act of sacrifice for us.  And as a humble and soft-spoken man and God, He epitomized what God expects of us.  It's not the amassing of riches, fame and power.  No, it's to live with His love for and with His faith in him put at the center of our lives.  Please think about this as we go through the next special week and vow to live it ourselves as we go forward. God bless each and every one of you and enjoy. It is truly the most wonderful time of the year.

Thank you, Lord, for all the blessings that you give us and for giving us the wonderful true story of the first Christmas before it even had that name.  And help us to always stay strong and live our lives with faith, love and peace as we do your bidding as faithful servants of your love and grace.  Amen.

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All He Had to Offer Was the Playing of His Drum

12/19/2020

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Before the Baby Jesus, all he had to offer was his drum.
With only six days left until Christmas, the sounds of the season fill the air. What, you say?  You don't hear them?  Well, then, just open your heart and let them in, for the Sounds of Christmas are both the sounds you hear as you go about the day but also the sounds that play in your head from your memories of Christmas throughout your lifetime.

They are the sounds of children laughing, happy and joyful in the splendor of this time.  They are the sounds of the cattle lowing and the lamb softly bleating for the baby nearby.  They are the sounds of the church bells ringing in the news that Jesus Christ is born.

There are also the sounds of the choir singing and the musicians playing the wonderful carols of Christmas, as well as the sounds of reindeer hoofs walking on the roof high above after landing from flight with their sleigh, carrying the "HO HO" Santa from his house in the cold North to yours wherever that might be.  And there are the sounds of the baby crying as he strengthens his lungs preparing for his life ahead. And yes, there are the sounds of the little drummer boy beating out the rhythm of joy as he plays his best for the newborn babe.

Once you've experienced the sounds of Christmas and the ways that your imagination can enhance them, they are powerful, mystical and wonderful.  And they stay with you for a lifetime and grow as your experience grows.  The Sounds of Christmas leave a permanent and positive mark on your life and they serve to add to your experience of joy and love that the season brings.  So be silent, open your heart, your mind and your ears to the Sounds of Christmas, for we are now in the midst of truly the most wonderful time of the year.  Cherish those sounds and the joy they represent and you can keep them with you to use anytime you want for, after all, who says we can only celebrate Christmas in December?  Keep Christmas alive in your heart always.

God bless you and have a wonderful Christmas with all the sounds and the joy, peace and happiness they bring.

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MARY AND JOSEPH: Two Key Players in the Christmas Story

12/18/2020

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Mary and Joseph on their journey to Bethlehem.
Of all the miraculous stories in the Holy Bible, none deserves more attention than the beautiful story of Mary and Joseph.  That God would choose this righteous but simple man and a young teenager lacking knowledge of the workings of the world, to be the parents of the Man-God who was sent to save us is miraculous indeed.  But since we know that God often works in mysterious ways, this one was likely chosen to show us that Jesus came not as a visible King, but as someone who belonged to the people who needed Him the most and He showed His love and devotion both in his human life and in the horrible death he bore for all of us.

Can you imagine being either Mary or Joseph in those days before the first Christmas over two thousand years ago? Now we're not talking about this day based upon our date for the celebration of Jesus' birth, for we know that Jesus wasn't born in December.  But just consider a mere four days before His birth and what the couple was going through.  After all, despite Mary's advanced pregnancy and the stress that can cause in even good times, Mary and Joseph had to travel by donkey along rough roads in any possible type of weather to go the town of Joseph's birth for census taking and tax registration.

But on this particular day of their preparation for the long and arduous journey there were many things they had to pay attention to. Perhaps they were in the last stage of preparing for the arduous journey or maybe they were already on their way.  Regardless, it was a tough time and we all know that it didn't get any easier right up to, and including, the birth.  The roads were rough, robbers roamed the rural roadways and weather was frequently changing with only the shelter they brought with them.  And Mary, of course, being at approximate full term was uncomfortable. What if she went into labor on a night in the wilderness with nary a creature comfort to give her comfort. And Joseph never experienced such a situation before nor was he completely knowledgeable of Mary’s needs at the time.  Yet the labored on and, as we know, they made it and the precious baby who was Jesus came into this world.

Or what about the Wise Men or the Shepherds?  How about the townspeople seeing them on the road to Bethlehem?  Were they aware of the miracle coming and what it would mean to the world? Did they have any idea really what would transpire in such a period of time where these two unknown people would become central characters in the play of life?

As we focus on Christmas this year, let us take time to remember just how difficult it was for this couple and all the others involved, knowingly or not, in this story for the ages.  Remember, Joseph and Mary could have turned down the mission assigned to them by God, yet they didn't, and because of that the Greatest Story Ever Told begins with them. 

And what about today and in the future?  What if it were today?  What would the situation be like and how would people react? And then there is the preparation for his return?  Will we be ready to accept the King of Kings as our ruler of the world?  It's what is expected of us and it is way past time to prepare.  But all of these questions should be answered by each of us at this time of year when we should be focused on His coming (both as a baby and His return).  God wants to put the love of Jesus to work for all of us, yet with free will we must make the choice, choosing Him or His evil combatant who is always nearby trying to snare souls. So, what will we do?  Will we make the choice of eternal life by believing by faith in Christ? Or will we opt for the earthly state of living and, absent a grand awakening, lose out on the promise that was given us by the Christ by His sacrifice that ended Him human existence? It’s our choice and in addition to our offer to attain freedom from sin and eternal life by accepting Jesus as our Savior, we need to thank Mary and Joseph for the part they unselfishly played for God to make His story so real to all of us. It is a story for the ages.




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George Washington's Christmas, 1776

12/17/2020

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PictureGeneral Washington seeks Divine Guidance as he prepares for the march on Trenton.
It's that time of the year again when we all look forward to a great Christmas with family and friends, good food and seasonal cheer and, at the centerpost, the birth of Jesus Christ who, of course, is the the Real Reason for the Season.   It is important, however, that we remember those who carry and carried out difficult tasks on our behalf, both present and past.  None are more seriously impacted than our military men and women in harm's way around the world, missing their loved ones and counting on God's grace to keep them safe.   And General George Washington in late December of 1776 was no exception.

Things weren't going well for the Continental Army. Annual enlistments were about to run out, the Congress was threatening to cut funding and Washington's troops were in Eastern Pennsylvania in the cold, many with no winter clothes or shoes.  Washington knew that the Army would not survive much longer without a big victory.  They needed something to boost morale and garner the support they needed for supplies and equipment and to gain reenlistment by the troops. Nothing improves morale like victory, decent food and needed supplies.

The Army had been chased out out of New York decisively and came to Pennsylvania since Philadelphia was the seat of power and thus far remained secure.  But even Philadelphia and its surroundings couldn't last forever and all who had joined the Revolution would be dealt with violently by the British should Washington fail.  He decided to take a big risk as his last stroke, for if it succeeded it would breathe new life into the cause.  Failure would be the same fate he and his men would face if they did nothing, likely death and perhaps by torture.

On Christmas Eve, the troops were gathered and put on display, preparatory to movement.  Then they spent most of Christmas Day moving out toward the Delaware River where, when other supporting forces joined them at  a predetermined time, they would cross the Delaware by boat to New Jersey.  Their target would be the contingent of Hessian troops quartered in Trenton. Supported by one large group of British soldiers as well, the Trenton troops were well trained, well fed, well equipped and battle ready.

Contrast the two sides on the eve of the battle. The Hessians, under Colonel Rahl, were warm, well clothed and enjoying a Christmas night party, unaware of the fate awaiting them in the morning.  Washington's men, exhausted from their march and with chattering teeth and many with bloody feet, were now getting ready on the banks of the river to cross.  Washington himself was amazed at how well his men were standing up and he knew he needed to make sure their courage was awarded with a victory.

There were two very bad signs for Washington in these final hours on Christmas night. First, a significant number of his forces never made the rendezvous, meaning they would cross without them. And then, during the early stages of crossing, between eleven and midnight, a heavy storm with snow and sleet came down on them, rowing through the water which was running fast and was loaded with large chunks of ice.  The normally docile river was swollen to a width of nearly three football fields and over seven feet deep, meaning that any man overboard would die before he could be retrieved.

But Colonel Rahl's men had a disadvantage as well. Their haughty leader thought so lightly of Washington's forces that he disobeyed orders to fortify his lines and  disregarded a message delivered by a spy telling him the Continental Army was on the move.  Had he taken the Americans more seriously, his men could have been ready and Washington's Army of twenty four hundred could have been decimated by Rahl's smaller but highly trained and disciplined force of only fourteen hundred. Another factor, his lack of sufficient cannon power (he only had six of the lightest caliber cannon) would be no match for Washington's eighteen heavier cannon if only they could be properly deployed.  If they had been challenged early on, they would have never been properly placed to accomplish the outcome.

Safely making it to the Jersey shore, the Colonials maintained strict noise and light discipline and made the trek to the edge of Trenton in utter darkness.  Washington put his men in position, one group on the north end of town and and another other on the south and waited for dawn on this day after Christmas to attack. A third force would seal off the town from escape.  His cannon were now in position to cover the entire center of town where he knew the Hessians would accumulate.  And, at precisely the right moment, the assault commenced through the outer edges of town.

As the Hessians came awake, hurriedly put on their boots and grabbed their muskets, they did just as Washington expected and were met with a hail of cannon right on the mark. The British dragoons attached to the foreign mercenaries just vacated the area, unwilling to fight and die with the Hessians.  Colonel Rahl was mortally wounded and in less than an hour, the battle was done.

Casualties were surprisingly light with the Americans losing four to injury with two men frozen to death.  For the Hessians, twenty were killed, one hundred wounded and one thousand captured. 

A striking feature of the Continental Army action is found in the names of men who participated.  They include the future President Washington, of course, as well as Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr, future presidents James Monroe and James Madison, as well as future Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, John Marshall.  Even though they would squabble over the specifics of the future new nation's organization, they were patriots all.

Washington got his much needed victory, the battle would go on for nearly five more years and Americans would eventually gain their freedom.  And I know way down deep in my heart that the prayer, depicted in the picture shown above, played a role in the outcome. For God works in mysterious ways, but he does answer prayers if they are said in earnestness and there is no doubt that Washington was serious.  Things don't always turn out the way we want exactly when we want them to, but with patience they were answered for the Colonials.

So, when you're enjoying Christmas and all that it represents, remember the hardships and bravery shown by these men who played an important role in the creation of America. We would likely not have the freedom and opportunity that we have today had they not acted resolutely way back then in 1776.  MERRY CHRISTMAS!



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COULD IT BE A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE?

12/16/2020

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PictureA father ready for war as his young son tries to imitate him.
The month leading up to Christmas is a period when most of us are high spirited and yes, maybe a bit stressed, but generally very happy as we anticipate the excitement and splendor of the big day ahead.  But what about those who face a sudden turn of events which causes great sadness and grief in the middle of the holiday.   This is a story about just such a circumstance.

Little Joey McCauley was a typical young boy in a small Scottish town just north of the English border.  He was in his early years of primary school in that late fall of 1917,  occasionally getting in minimal trouble at school for playing pranks while learning his school lessons easily and enjoying the games that little boys play.  He loved his mother dearly but missed his father terribly since his departure to France for service in the Great War.

Joey and his mom were surprised on the last day of November to learn that his dad would be home in three days for a five day furlough. It would be the first time in sixteen months that they had seen him and both were overjoyed. And since that meant he would not be home for Christmas, but in the opening days of the season,  they would have an early Christmas when he arrived.  There was much to do and it must be done quickly.

Mom finished her special sweater designed to help Joe, Sr. fend off the damp cold in the trenches.  And Joey was making a clay pony on a stand, something that Sergeant McCauley could keep with his possessions as a remembrance. The year 1917 was a tough one in the British Isles and presents were home made and simple, but they came from the heart.  And Mom did go over her budget for a special dinner, a large roast of beef which a farmer friend bartered with her for sewing. It would be a grand occasion.

And grand it was with friends visiting and the Sergeant spinning yarns about his trench mates, but always staying clear of the cold, hard truth. Joey and his father walked and talked a lot, each proud of the other for being a man in what they were tasked to do.  Senior for doing his duty and Junior for being the head of family in the interim.  Mother Katherine just smiled and hugged her man as often as she could, hating the fact that after five days of family bliss the old fears of an uncertain future would beckon again.

At the end of those glorious days they saw Sergeant McCauley off on the troop train, knowing that, hope and pray as they might, it could be the last time they would ever see him.  There had been many deaths of area men since British units wee manned from specific geographic areas, not by random selection, not at random at all and their hometown had received more than its share.  While it was great for camaraderie and morale, it was horrific if the unit found itself on the short end of a major battle.

The time leading up to the real Christmas ticked on, but Joey and his mom weren't very interested since they felt their Christmas was already over.  Joey was growing lethargic and while he maintained his schoolwork, his only real enjoyment now was visiting farmer John Campbell who raised sheep and Shetland ponies.  Mr. Campbell walked with a significant limp; he had been seriously injured in France in 1915, nearly died, but fully recovered except for the limp.  He really wanted to let Joey help him on the farm but was afraid he would be asked about his frailty. He would do nothing to concern the young boy about something which could very well happen to his father as well.  But he really could use help with the ponies who were a handful.

And then one day, about a week before Christmas, the bad news came.  The Minister from the village Church of Scotland congregation appeared at the door with an unopened telegram.  It had been given to him by the head of the local telegraph office, a distant cousin of Katherine McCauley, who thought having a man of the cloth deliver the notice would be best.  He knew that Katherine and Joey were congregants of the local church.

Joey had just returned from school and he and his mother were getting ready for an early supper when they saw the Reverend McIntyre coming to the door.  They knew what it was and, upon receiving the news, asked to just be left alone for a time.  Mother and son cried together, talked about their now departed husband and dad and then prayed. A church memorial service would be held later since the body was unrecoverable. And both knew they would have to go on with their life even though it would be tough.

When Mr. Campbell heard the news, he waited a few days and then made plans to visit the McCauleys, mother and son. He knew how much Joey wanted a Shetland pony and he thought that maybe now was the time to offer assistance.  After all, the McCauleys would be financially strapped and any money Joey could bring home would help.  Mr. Campbell wasn't a  wealthy man, but he lived quite comfortably raising sheep for wool and food while also raising and training Shetland ponies to pull carts. He had sufficient acreage to do both and he had excellent contacts with former British Army contracting officers who now were in the private sector. 

Mr. Campbell's planned visit took place one afternoon before Joey came home from school. He timed it so that he and Katherine McCauley could discuss what he wanted to do, with Joey's arrival to come right after their discussion was concluded.  Over afternoon tea, he told Mrs. McCauley what he would like to offer Joey.  Thinking it might be too gracious, she almost turned him down, but realizing what it could do for Joey's outlook and spirits, she said yes.  That settled, they continued chatting over tea until Joey walked in.

"Joey, Mr. Campbell has something he wants to talk with you about," his mother said upon his arrival. "It's your decision but if it is something you want to do, I am in full agreement."

And with that quick introduction, John Campbell explained in detail to Joey what he had in in mind.  He wanted the boy to come to his small horse farm after school each day and on Saturdays and carry out a routine of chores and tasks to help him.  He explained that with his bad leg he was having difficulty handling the energetic ponies by himself  and some chores and assorted tasks as well. Joey would receive a generous stipend for his work and Mr. Campbell would give him a Shetland pony that could stay on the farm. Joey could pay for feed and other upkeep from his wages.

What's more, he explained that if Joey liked it, he would teach him all he knew about the pony side of his business. He just didn't have the time or the physical wherewithal to keep it going the way he'd like. If Joey showed promise as he got older, the opportunity for him to take over that operation was certainly possible since Mr. Campbell, a lifelong bachelor, had no family to take over.

"That's my proposal, Joey," Mr. Campbell closed. "Does it sound like something you'd be interested in?"

Joey sat silent for a moment, trying to let it all soak in and then, suddenly, he broke into a broad grin and said, "Boy, do I ever, Sir.  When can I start?"

They agreed that Joey would start on the upcoming Saturday and it was the beginning of what turned into a business partnership between Mr. Campbell and Joey that would last for many years.  Joey quickly grasped his duties, learned all their was to know about Shetland ponies and became a carting trainer of area fame in later life. 

And three years after it all began, Katherine McCauley and John Campbell became husband and wife.  It made for a great family for all three of them and it lasted until death of Mr. Campbell some thirty years later.

Joey never forgot his natural father.  And on the gateway to the pony barn he placed a memorial plaque for Sergeant Joseph McCauley, Sr. honoring his service in the Great War. Joey would go on to serve in uniform like his dad in the Second Great War, but came home without serious injuries and continued working in his dream job, raising and training Shetlands.

Yes, it is a sad Christmas story but with a great ending. And it goes to show that bad things also open windows to better things when good people are kind to one another. Look what happened to Joey and his mother, while the love for the departed father stayed with them all of their lives, they realized that life was meant for the living. And all because a kind and generous man stepped into their lives and offered a helping hand.  How fitting that God shone his light on this family and brought them great joy out of sadness. We might even call it a Christmas miracle.


                                                                         ©James Dick,2017: Story rights reserved

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SUNDAY MORNING COMING DOWN: A Truly Good and Honest Man

11/29/2020

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Just like the sunshine, the faithful work of a truly good man brings glory too.
The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.                                       - Luke 6:45 (ESV)

What is the difference between a really good man and a man who is evil? Well, from God's perspective, the good man has  a heart that is open to God, hears what He tells him that is is right and wrong and through the use of his free will decides to opt for the good and his actions are adjudged to be worthy of God's love and grace.  As for the opposite kind of man, the one who opts for his selfish personal desires without concern whether they are right or wrong is focused on all the wrong things, substituting his wishes and desires for those that are chosen by God.  And I think it is worth pointing these out today since we see so many actions going on in the world around us that represent things that we know are not productive or good in the heavenly perspective. And it leads us as a people and society here in America to things that cause so much harm and acrimony in our lives.  And we find that the advent of an almost purely secular lifestyle among so many in our midst results with evil fills the void by putting selfishness, greed and wants not needs at center stage.  And many believe we are at the point where turning back is almost no longer in reach.

But every now and then we find a great leader rise to the occasion in his area of expertise. His heart is in tune with God and he knows how to follow His Way. He has had an excellent career, climbing to the pinnacle of success until he realizes there are things going on around him that clearly make no sense. So when he has the drive to find his way into a central position of advising the leader of the free world, he joins the leadership team only soon to find out that he has been set up, loses his position and faces serious charges even though he has done no wrong. Yet, in spite of it all, this good man remains true to his word, his family and his faith and he refuses to wilt under pressure of tyranny and now is a free man, once again able to speak up for himself and defend both his honor and the destiny of the land he so loves, and God smiles on him because of his faith and it gives him peace. That is the way things work in  a Christian life for a very good man.

So, now some of you might know if whom I write and others may not, but this good man is Michael T. Flynn, retired Army Lieutenant General  and a master of counterintelligence measures and evaluation. General Flynn would have been a great National Security Advisor had the Democrats and their Deep State compadres not been determined to remove him from office for they knew he had knowledge of all the things they were doing. He was unfairly charged, had to plead guilty to a process crime because he knew they were going to go after his son and, as a good father, he acted accordingly.  He was financially ruined and even his family was threatened, yet he labored on and, in the end when even a rogue judge refused to accept the prosecutor's withdrawal of charges (something not authorized for a judge), the President gave him a full pardon and he is now free to speak the truth to power and he has already started doing so today.

So, why do I write a blog of faith on such a political issue? I do so because this issue shows one of the best examples of evil I have ever seen in my life and I highlight Michael Flynn as the epitome of the good Christian man discussed in the Bible passage for this morning. He is a devout believer, a good family man and a patriot and I know that God's body armor has been shielding him all the way along, and now at long last, he will finally begin to see the light at the end of his long tunnel and find everlasting peace.  God bless you all, God bless Michael Flynn and God bless America which will stand free and true under God once again.

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THANKSGIVING 2020: The Importance of This Day

11/26/2020

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General Washington prays for success in the impending Battle of Trenton.
Today we celebrate Thanksgiving Day, a day which originated as a special day to thank God for the many gifts He gave us as Americans. Sadly, many of us today enjoy the great meal, the fellowship with family and friends and the pageantry of football games. But, and this is so often the case in an advanced secular society, we forget the central role that God has played in our nation's creation. I remember as a boy, one of the most important things we did on Thanksgiving morning was to attend a Thanksgiving morning worship of prayer and today that is so often out of vogue. Yet, when you read the words of George Washington, God is certainly the central point of what we must recognize today. And that is why the following words are so important on this day.

The Thanksgiving tradition is claimed as its starting point to be the Massachusetts Colony following a long and brutal winter with the grace of God. As a native Virginian, I instead celebrate its beginning with the Jamestown Colony, founded before Massachusetts and like her northern Colonial brethren, has a similar story about the land on the banks of the River James a number of years previous to the Massachusetts experience. but that isn’t really what’s important.  Oh, both groups of settlers were aided by local Indians in surviving those early harsh winters, but they knew that the ultimate reason for their survival was due to the guidance of Divine Providence, God, from above. In the ensuing years as the colonies grew and prospered, their will for freedom from taxation without representation by the oppressive Crown led them to initiate the push for independence and a bloody war ensued. Again with the guiding hand of God, they survived against the preeminent military of the world at that time and gained independence, yet even then there were problems in formulating a government that would show the world that reasoned men and freedom could join together in the greatest experiment in self-governance in the world, the United States of America. It was with this in mind that the first President, George Washington, the Commander of the successful Continental Army against the British, penned and presented a Declaration of Thanksgiving with the approval of Congress as well.  While the official national holiday didn’t become official until it was directed by President Abraham Lincoln, it became a tradition toward the end of the harvest season as a way of thanking God for the bounty he provided.  Like the Declaration of Independence earlier, it made it clear that this new nation, this United States of America was a Nation of God and was always indebted to his love and grace for making this land possible. We should all read and ponder the following words of Washington, words which were eloquent and clear in their message.  God bless the United States of America on this Thanksgiving Day and may she ever be free. 


Issued by President George Washington, at the request of Congress, on October 3, 1789

By the President of the United States of America, a Proclamation.

Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and—Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me “to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:”

Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favor, able interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted; for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.

And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations, and beseech Him to pardon our national and other trangressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally, to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.

Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.

Go. Washington

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The Season of Planes, Trains and Automobiles Begins in Earnest

11/25/2020

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I'm sure that most of you remember the funny 1987 hit "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" where the high-strung marketing executive (played by Steve Martin) and the annoying but lovable shower curtain ring salesman (John Candy) link up under strange circumstances as they both attempt to get to their destination for Thanksgiving under the most trying of circumstances.  And I mention it this morning to exemplify the possible issues that holiday travelers face.  With the added stress caused by the Corona virus, it creates many more issues yet the will to be with family is understandable. Frankly, I understand why people are traveling if they have none of the major contributing factors because a society can't close down and such major holidays are a part of being an American.

Now I know that all of us have had some horrible experiences traveling at this time. I've had them both by air and auto but not by train.  Like my first year at the University of Arizona when I was set to come home for Christmas.  I finished the final day of classes with a night class and didn't sleep for my flight via Chicago was scheduled for dawn.  Well, I got to Chicago okay and then I found myself grounded for twenty-four hours by snow. By the time I got home I had been up for about forty hours and then wasted the first day sleeping. Then there was the time we were flying from Jacksonville to Norfolk to visit for Thanksgiving.  There were special offers available and it was a last minute decision and we were ready to go. Arriving at the airport early, I found that the one change flight wasn't in Charlotte, but Detroit. And the flight up took about two more hours than expected, and since it was an early Thanksgiving Day flight, we almost missed the turkey dinner. And on the flight back, we were delayed in Detroit by snow, arriving home at 3 in the morning. And there have been many more from Army days and career moves but we have all had those.

So, I am glad at this stage of life I no longer have to travel for holidays. And I wish the best of travel mercies to all who are on their way. May God protect them and safely get them to their destinations safely and allow them to return home later, too. And if you are not traveling and have some time on your hands. Perhaps watching that very funny movie will make you glad you are where you are this year.  Warm Thanksgiving wishes are offered to all of you.

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    ABOUT ME

    Hi, I'm James, a writer who studies nature,  animals and all things created by God. I also write from time to time about what I think God expects of us.  I would love to hear your thoughts on these subjects. I hope you enjoy my comments.

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