1 John 4:19

 

1 John 4:19 We love because he first loved us.

 Christmas lights shine brighter when we remember the courage and love of those who serve — and the families who keep the home fires glowing.

The following video clip is an excerpt from the movie “The Genesis Code.”  The song starts at 42 seconds.  It’s performed by C J Lewis and is SO beautiful.

A Soldier's King

Some are born to greatness, some are born to fall

Some are bound to be forgotten like they never lived at all

But we're all born to know him and stand before his light

Like the soldier who found his king tonight

Frybread from frozen dough

Remove loaf of frozen bread from the freezer and cut it into desired shapes (e.g., slices, cubes). Do not thaw the bread.  Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 375°F (190°C). Use a deep-fry thermometer to ensure accurate temperature.  Carefully drop the frozen bread pieces into the hot oil. Avoid overcrowding the pan.  Fry the bread for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.  Adjust frying time depending on the thickness of the bread.

Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried bread from the oil and drain it on paper towels. Season with salt and pepper to taste.  Serve immediately

Supporting our troops and military families is especially important during Christmas.  It is a powerful gesture of gratitude and empathy. Soldiers, separated from their families and friends, often find themselves in desolate and dangerous situations. During Christmas their sacrifices are even more pronounced. Where do they find faith, peace, or charity?  They feel it in the messages of love and support they receive during this time.  Every soldier needs a reminder that their efforts and sacrifices are acknowledged and appreciated by those they serve and protect. Military families are the silent heroes of the holiday season.  They are a tangible reminder that heroes walk among us.  We should pray for them and plead for the protection of heaven to be upon them that they may return to their loved ones in safety. If possible, send them and their families a message in whatever format you can.  Remember them, support them and show them the love and respect they deserve.  ~~ Marilee

Christmas Day 1776

Gen. George Washington's Continental Army had a rough start to the winter of 1776. They had been driven from New York and New Jersey into Pennsylvania and had suffered numerous setbacks in the early months of the American Revolution. Morale was low among the troops. Washington chose to surprise the British-hired German Soldiers known as the Hessians, who were based in Trenton, New Jersey, in order to restore confidence in the fight for independence. Since a horrible winter storm was approaching, he reasoned that if he did this after the enemy had celebrated Christmas, they would be sleepy and would be caught off-guard for battle.

Christmas Day 1896

John Philip Sousa, who grew up during the Civil War, was a talented musician who became a long-time director of the U.S. Marine Band. Known as the "March King," he was a rock star of his time, eventually starting his own band in 1892. On Christmas Day 1896, while crossing the Atlantic on his way home from a European vacation, Sousa's lasting legacy came to him. He said the notes for "Stars and Stripes Forever" were born out of homesickness and fond memories of his time as the Marine Band's leader.

The iconic song officially became America's national march in 1987.

The Christmas Carol

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - When World War I erupted in 1914 launching the first great European war of the 20th century, soldiers on both sides were assured they would be home by Christmas to celebrate victory. That prediction proved to be false.

The men on the fronts did not get home for Christmas as the war dragged on for four years. During that time 8.5 million men were killed, with hundreds of thousands more injured. The "war to end all wars" took a horrific human toll and transformed Europe.  However, on Christmas Eve in December 1914 one of the most unusual events in military history took place on the Western front.

On the night of Dec. 24, the weather abruptly became cold, freezing the water and slush of the trenches in which the men bunkered. On the German side, soldiers began lighting candles. British sentries reported to commanding officers there seemed to be small lights raised on poles or bayonets.

Although these lanterns clearly illuminated German troops, making them vulnerable to being shot, the British held their fire. Even more amazing, British officers saw through their binoculars that some enemy troops were holding Christmas trees over their heads with lighted candles in their branches. The message was clear: Germans, who celebrated Christmas on the eve of Dec. 24, were extending holiday greetings to their enemies.

Within moments of that sighting, the British began hearing a few German soldiers singing a Christmas carol. It was soon picked up all along the German line as other soldiers joined in harmonizing.

The words heard were these: "Stille nacht, heilige nacht." British troops immediately recognized the melody as "Silent Night" quickly neutralized all hostilities on both sides. One by one, British and German soldiers began laying down their weapons to venture into no- man's-land, a small patch of bombed-out earth between the two sides.

So many soldiers on both sides ventured out that superior officers were prevented from objecting. There was an undeclared truce, and peace had broken out.

Frank Richards was an eyewitness of this unofficial truce. In his wartime diary he wrote: "We stuck up a board with 'Merry Christmas' on it. The enemy stuck up a similar one. Two of our men threw off their equipment and jumped on the parapet with their hands above their heads as two of the Germans did the same, our two going to meet them.

"They shook hands and then we all got out of the trench and so did the Germans," Richards said.  Richards also explained that some German soldiers spoke perfect English with one saying how fed up he was with the war and how he would be glad when it was all over. His British counterpart agreed.

That night, former enemy soldiers sat around a common campfire. They exchanged small gifts from their meager belongings - chocolate bars, buttons, badges and small tins of processed beef. Men who only hours earlier had been shooting to kill were now sharing Christmas festivities and showing each other family snapshots. The truce ended just as it had begun, by mutual agreement.

Captain C.I. Stockwell of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers recalled how, after a truly "Silent Night," he fired three shots into the air at 8:30 a.m. December 26 and then stepped up onto the trench bank. A German officer who had exchanged gifts with Captain Stockwell the previous night also appeared on a trench bank. They bowed, saluted and climbed back into their trenches. A few minutes later, Captain Stockwell heard the German officer fire two shots into the air.

The war was on again.