"Twas the night before Christmas
He lived all alone
In an 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 house 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 soldier,
Once I could see clearly.
The soldier lay sleeping,
Silent, alone,
Curled up on the floor
In this one bedroom home.
The face was so gentle,
The room in such disorder,
Not how I pictured
A United States soldier.
Was this the hero
Of whom I had 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 soldiers
Who were 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 soldiers
Like the one lying here.
I couldn't help wonder
How many lay alone,
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 soldier 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 soldier 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
From the cold night's chill.
I didn't want to leave
On that cold, dark night,
This guardian of honor,
so willing to fight.
Then the soldier 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
Friends, many of us have loved ones in uniform this Christmas that are deployed around the world, some of whom stand in harm's way. Now is not the time to argue whether or not they should have been deployed. Now is a time to pray for them, support them, and hope for a speedy and honorable return.
God Bless each of you, my friends, and give you peace and joy this Christmas.
Bill Beall
steel lovin' preacher
nuthin' sings like a steel
------------------
<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Bill Beall on 14 December 2004 at 12:37 PM.]</p></FONT>
Let's not forget
Moderator: Shoshanah Marohn
-
ray qualls
- Posts: 2980
- Joined: 6 Feb 1999 1:01 am
- Location: Baxter Springs, Kansas (deceased)
Very touching Bill and I thank you for it. I have two sons going to Iraq after Christmas, both in the same company. One is (40) years old and the other is (36) years old. If I wasn't to old (62) I would join them and go with them. I'm a veteran and I support all the troops in Iraq and all over the world. People don't realize how easy they have it here in America until they see in person how people all over the world have to live. Thank you and God bless you and Happy Holidays. Ray Qualls
Bill, Thank you for a tremendous piece about our soldiers. I have no family in Iraq or the military at the present time but have had in the past. It would be nice to lay all politics aside and pray for our men and women in the military. While I enjoy Christmas with my and children there will be so many who will not get the same priviledge. God bless all branches of our Armed Forces and God bless America.
-
Farris Currie
- Posts: 4261
- Joined: 26 Apr 2004 12:01 am
- Location: Ona, Florida, USA, R.I.P.