Even though that music touches my heart, I found something else that truly touched my heart.
Please click on the link for this YouTube video entitled, A Soldier's Silent Night: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8D-OL-KQOt4.
If you'd like to read the poem that was used on the video, please click on the link by scrapbook.com: https://www.scrapbook.com/poems/doc/17889.html.
If you weren't able to click to read the poem, here is some of what was stated (I copied/pasted):
The poem was recorded by Father Ted Berndt of Wisconsin as a tribute. Berndt is also a former Marine and World War II Veteran and is a recipient of the Purple Heart.
The original poem was actually written by a former Marine Corporal James M. Schmidt. Schmidt was stationed in Washington, D.C. in 1987 when he wrote the poem originally titled "Merry Christmas, My Friend."
Although I wasn't able to share it with you, before CHRISTmas, I decided to share it with you, now.
Hopefully, you watched and listened to the video. If you couldn't, I would feel badly for not listening and watching the video while the poem was stated, for it truly touched my heart.
Even so, here is what was shared on the poem link (I copied/pasted):
Transcription of "A Soldier's Silent Night":
‘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 dwelling did live.
As I looked all around, a strange sight to see,
no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stocking on the mantle, just boots filled with sand.
On the wall hung pictures of far distant lands.
Medals and badges, awards of every kind,
a sobering thought came alive in my mind.
This house was different, it was dark, it was dreary.
I had found the home of a soldier, I could see that most clearly.
The soldier lay sleeping silent, alone.
Curled up on the floor in his one-bedroom home.
His face was so gentle, room in such disorder,
Not at all how I pictured a U.S. soldier.
Was this the hero, of whom I’d just read?
Curled up on a poncho, a floor for a bed?
Then I realized the other families that I saw this night
Out there lies the soldiers who are willing to fight.
In the morning around the world, children would play
Grown-ups would celebrate a bright Christmas day
But they all enjoyed freedom, each month through the year,
because of soldiers like the one lying here.
I couldn’t help but wonder how many lay alone,
on a cold Christmas Eve, in lands far from home.
The very thought brought a tear to my eye.
and I dropped to my knees and I started to cry.
The soldier awakened, I heard his 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, and I continued to weep.
I kept watch for hours, so silent and still.
as both of us shivered from the cold night’s chill.
I didn’t want to leave him on that cold, dark night.
This guardian of honor, so willing to fight.
Then the soldier rolled over with a voice soft and pure.
He whispered, “Carry on Santa, it’s Christmas Day, all secure.”
One look at my watch and I knew he was right,
Merry Christmas my friend,
May God bless you this night.
How amazing!
As I said before, it truly touched my heart.
Why?
Well, life isn't easy. Some people spend time alone on special days, like on CHRISTmas.
Alone, at home. In hospitals. While away from home. Being unloved or uncared for by family and/or friends. Or, while being a military person. And, may feel hurt and lonely.
Of course, military people need to put on armour. But, so do other people. Even though the armour isn't the same.
Thinking of that, made me think of Ephesians 6:11-17, "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:".
Amen! Amen! Amen!
We need to put on the whole armour of God, so that we can stand against the devil, and withstand the evil day. We need to gain righteousness and take the shield of faith, so we can deal with the fiery darts of the wicked. Plus, we need to take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
How can this happen? Do what was stated.
Gain salvation and everlasting life, by trusting in/believing upon our Lord, Jesus Christ. Read God's Word, the Bible... so you can learn how to stand against sinfulness, evilness and the devil... Satan.
I've done this.
Please understand that even though life isn't easy... God is good.
Hallelujah!
Thank You, Lord!
Until next time...
If you would like to comment, please e-mail: lifewithlynnie@gmail.com
