FOCUS ON VETERANS

CHRISTIAN AMERICAN VETERANS

"A man good enough to shed his blood for his country is good enough to receive a square deal afterwards..." Theodore Roosevelt  

       

 

OUR CHRISTMAS PAGE

I HOPE YOU WILL ENJOY THIS SPECIAL HOLIDAY EDITION. THIS PAGE WILL INCLUDE SOME OF THE THINGS THAT I HAVE COLLECTED OVER THE YEARS THAT REALLY TELL US WHAT THE CHRISTMAS SEASON IS ALL ABOUT!

 

THE CHRISTMAS STORY

LUKE 2:1-16

1   And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
2   (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3   And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4   And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5   To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6   And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7   And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8   And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9   And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10   And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11   For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12   And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13   And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14   Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15   And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16   And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
 

'Twas The Night Before Christmas

Written by a Marine on Okinawa

'Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,
in a one-bedroom house made of plaster and stone.
I had come down the chimney with presents to give,
and to see just who in this home did live.

I looked all about, a strange sight I did see,
no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stocking by mantle, just boots filled with sand,
on the wall hung pictures of far distant lands.

With medals and badges, awards of all kinds,
a sober thought came through my mind.
For this house was different, it was dark and dreary,
I found the home of a Marine, once I could see clearly.

The Marine lay sleeping, silent, alone,
curled up on the floor in this one bedroom home.
The face was so gentle, the room so unclean,
not how I pictured a United States Marine.

Was this the hero of whom I'd just read?
Curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed?
I realized the families that I saw this night,
owed their lives to these Marines, willing to fight.

Soon 'round the world, the children would play,
and grownups would celebrate a bright Christmas Day.
They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year,
because of the Marines, like the one lying here.

I couldn't help wonder how many lay lone,
on a cold Christmas Eve in a land far from home.
The very thought brought a tear to my eye,
I dropped to my knees and started to cry.

The Marine awakened and I heard a rough voice,
"Santa don't cry, this life is my choice;
I fight for freedom, I don't ask for more,
my life is my God, my country, my Corps."

The Marine rolled over and drifted to sleep,
I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.
I kept watch for hours, so silent and still
and we both shivered in the night's cold chill.

I didn't want to leave on that cold, dark night,
this guardian of honor so willing to fight.
Then the Marine rolled over, with a voice soft and pure,
whispered, "Carry on Santa, it's Christmas Day, all is secure."

One look at my watch, and I knew he was right.
"Merry Christmas my friend, and to all a good night."