Those who have been reading this blog for the last two years knows that I am a Peanuts fan. During this Christmastide I am reminded of a cartoon in which Charlie Brown is reading the Christmas story: "In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled."
Charlie Brown pauses and turns to Marcie to explain, "Caesar Augustus was the Emperor of Rome and the most powerful person on earth! One night in the little town of Bethlehem, a child was born, but no one paid any attention...After all, he was born in a common stable. Who would have thought that this child one day would be revered by millions while Caesar Augustus would be almost forgotten?"
Peppermint Patti interrupts and says, "No one paid any attention when I was born either, but now everyone loves me, and I'm gonna get so many presents for Christmas, it'll make your head swim!"
Charlie Brown turns to leave, Bible closed, and Peppermint Patti says, "Hey! Aren't you gonna finish the story?" Charlie Brown replies, "I think you [already] finished it."
Marcie may have had no idea about the deeper implications of the Christmas story, but she knew she was loved. That is the greatest gift of all.
There is the voice calling to us, "Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight." If we do, we, too, can have our best Christmas ever.
A voice cries out: "In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. (Isaiah 40:3)
Monday, December 24, 2007
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Devotion for the Second Week of Advent
It was December 14, 1862, just 11 days before Christmas. However, Christmas was far from the thoughts of almost 200,000 Union and Confederate soldiers facing each other across a battle-line near Fredericksburg, Virginia. The past few days had been gruesome with more than 12,000 soldiers killed.
Sergeant Richard Kirkland, a teenager, had seen enough. The story states that Kirkland went to see Confederate General Joseph Kershaw. "General," he said, "I can't stand this!" He startled his commanding officer. "All night and all day I hear those poor Federal people calling for water," he said, "and I can't stand it any longer. I ask permission to go and give them water."
General Kershaw replied, "Sergeant, you'd get a bullet through your head the moment you stepped over the stone wall onto the plain."
"Yes, sir," answered Kirkland, "I know that, but if you let me, I'm willing to try it."
The General responded, "The sentiment which prompts you is so noble that I will not refuse your request. God protect you. You may go."
Quickly the South Carolinian nineteen year old jump over the wall, giving every Yankee sharpshooter in that section an easy target. Kirkland walked calmly toward the Union lines until he reached the nearest wounded soldier. Kneeling, he took off his canteen and gently lifted the enemy soldier's head to give him a long, deep drink of refreshing cold water. Then he placed a knapsack under the head of his enemy and moved on to the next.
Racing against nightfall, he returned again and again to the lines where comrades handed him full canteens. Troops on both sides who had watched this unselfish act paid young Kirkland the supreme tribute - not a standing ovation, but respectful awed silence.
To repent means to change our attitudes toward other people from one of suspicion or hatred to one of love.
Repent therefore, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out. (Acts 3:19)
Sergeant Richard Kirkland, a teenager, had seen enough. The story states that Kirkland went to see Confederate General Joseph Kershaw. "General," he said, "I can't stand this!" He startled his commanding officer. "All night and all day I hear those poor Federal people calling for water," he said, "and I can't stand it any longer. I ask permission to go and give them water."
General Kershaw replied, "Sergeant, you'd get a bullet through your head the moment you stepped over the stone wall onto the plain."
"Yes, sir," answered Kirkland, "I know that, but if you let me, I'm willing to try it."
The General responded, "The sentiment which prompts you is so noble that I will not refuse your request. God protect you. You may go."
Quickly the South Carolinian nineteen year old jump over the wall, giving every Yankee sharpshooter in that section an easy target. Kirkland walked calmly toward the Union lines until he reached the nearest wounded soldier. Kneeling, he took off his canteen and gently lifted the enemy soldier's head to give him a long, deep drink of refreshing cold water. Then he placed a knapsack under the head of his enemy and moved on to the next.
Racing against nightfall, he returned again and again to the lines where comrades handed him full canteens. Troops on both sides who had watched this unselfish act paid young Kirkland the supreme tribute - not a standing ovation, but respectful awed silence.
To repent means to change our attitudes toward other people from one of suspicion or hatred to one of love.
Repent therefore, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out. (Acts 3:19)
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