Razorbuck
23rd December 2005, 02:58 PM
Dec. 24, 2005
Northern Iraq…
A U.S. Marine spends his twenty-second Christmas Eve behind a pile of sandbags not quite high enough to offer effective shelter against the chill, wind-driven rain that soaks into his fatigues, adding to the burden of 65 pounds of body armor, grenades and ammunition he carries. His watchful gaze seeks out signs of impending danger even as he smiles to himself in remembrance of Christmas Eves now past, times of warmth, comfort, and the love of family members gathered near. He will not allow himself to feel self-pity in his present situation. In his mind is stamped the image of those loved ones whose memory now tugs at his heart…in his spirit lives the unyielding conviction that it is for love of those kindred dear he now sacrifices whatever may be required. He now allows his vigilance to drop just long enough to bow his head, and offer thanks for the privilege of service to the One who strengthens him…
Outside Nyala, Sudan…
A twelve year old girl lies on a grass mat in a makeshift hut, stabbing pains piercing her abdomen from lack of nourishment. Born in a land torn by death, disease and civil war for more than a decade, she knows no other life. She was conceived when her mother was raped by a band of thugs who swept through her village far to the south, members of the “ruling” party bent on the extermination and demoralization of their Christian critics.
Her mind turns to her Saviour, the one her mother told her about , just before she went to be with Him last year. She herself will be one of the estimated 250 children in this country the angels will speed to His arms this very night…
Northwest Arkansas, USA…
A well-fed, middle aged American man of European descent sits at a computer, struggling to find words to express his gratitude to the King of Glory for the innumerable blessings he has known throughout his life. His children slumber peacefully in warm, quiet rooms nearby as the beautiful help-meet God has given him makes coffee in their cozy kitchen. Though his 41 years has been visited occasionally by grief and pain, in it all he can see his King’s tender, merciful hand. Tears stream down his face as he considers how unworthy he is of the miraculous gift of everlasting life secured by his Master’s matchless Grace, and the temporal blessings he enjoys even now. All because…
In a barn in the City of David, Judea- approximately 4 B.C….
Amidst the sight, smells and sounds of farm animals feeding the King of Kings, the Everlasting Father, the Mighty God of all creation enters the world of man, that man may enter the heaven of God. And it is there in that glorious place, that the brave soldier, the neglected child, and the unworthy man shall know just how alike they were all along, and with joy unspeakable sing the praises of their Abba forever!
Merry Christmas to all.
Razorbuck
Northern Iraq…
A U.S. Marine spends his twenty-second Christmas Eve behind a pile of sandbags not quite high enough to offer effective shelter against the chill, wind-driven rain that soaks into his fatigues, adding to the burden of 65 pounds of body armor, grenades and ammunition he carries. His watchful gaze seeks out signs of impending danger even as he smiles to himself in remembrance of Christmas Eves now past, times of warmth, comfort, and the love of family members gathered near. He will not allow himself to feel self-pity in his present situation. In his mind is stamped the image of those loved ones whose memory now tugs at his heart…in his spirit lives the unyielding conviction that it is for love of those kindred dear he now sacrifices whatever may be required. He now allows his vigilance to drop just long enough to bow his head, and offer thanks for the privilege of service to the One who strengthens him…
Outside Nyala, Sudan…
A twelve year old girl lies on a grass mat in a makeshift hut, stabbing pains piercing her abdomen from lack of nourishment. Born in a land torn by death, disease and civil war for more than a decade, she knows no other life. She was conceived when her mother was raped by a band of thugs who swept through her village far to the south, members of the “ruling” party bent on the extermination and demoralization of their Christian critics.
Her mind turns to her Saviour, the one her mother told her about , just before she went to be with Him last year. She herself will be one of the estimated 250 children in this country the angels will speed to His arms this very night…
Northwest Arkansas, USA…
A well-fed, middle aged American man of European descent sits at a computer, struggling to find words to express his gratitude to the King of Glory for the innumerable blessings he has known throughout his life. His children slumber peacefully in warm, quiet rooms nearby as the beautiful help-meet God has given him makes coffee in their cozy kitchen. Though his 41 years has been visited occasionally by grief and pain, in it all he can see his King’s tender, merciful hand. Tears stream down his face as he considers how unworthy he is of the miraculous gift of everlasting life secured by his Master’s matchless Grace, and the temporal blessings he enjoys even now. All because…
In a barn in the City of David, Judea- approximately 4 B.C….
Amidst the sight, smells and sounds of farm animals feeding the King of Kings, the Everlasting Father, the Mighty God of all creation enters the world of man, that man may enter the heaven of God. And it is there in that glorious place, that the brave soldier, the neglected child, and the unworthy man shall know just how alike they were all along, and with joy unspeakable sing the praises of their Abba forever!
Merry Christmas to all.
Razorbuck