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)