Christmas
[December 25]
The Christmas Season lasts for 12 days, until the Epiphany of January 6
GOD, who makest us glad with the yearly remembrance of the birth of thine only Son Jesus Christ; Grant that as we joyfully receive him for our Redeemer, so we may with sure confidence behold him when he shall come to be our Judge, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.
Hebrews
i. 1 & St. Luke ii. 1
Homily
Titus ii. 11
THE grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.
St. Luke ii. 1
AND it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David :) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men
Compatriots, as we gather with friends and family this season, may we remember the words of the angel: "Glory to God
in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men".
If we have no other thought as we remember the first coming of Christ - his Nativity in Bethlehem - it should be to glorify
and give thanks to Almighty God for his great gift to the world - his Son Jesus Christ. And next to our thanks and praise
rendered to God the Father, we are called to follow Christ's example in extending God's Peace and goodwill to all men in
the world - regardless of race, creed, origin, occupation, or age, both male and female. This is the essence of our Lord’s
Summary of the Law, to love God with every fiber of our souls and bodies, and to love our neighbors as ourselves.
The illustration above of a soldier reading a letter from home on Christmas Eve, thinking of his family, along side that of
his wife kneeling at the foot of the bed of their sleeping children and gazing out into the cold night on Christmas Eve, is
prophetic. It represents the prayers of the men and their families during the War Between the States, and in every war,
including our War Against Terrorism. It symbolizes our deep longing for reunion and peace.
This Christmas season our camps have members deployed in combat zones and serving to
defend our country against terrorism. Let our prayers be with them and their families, and for Peace in the World.
Jesus said to his apostles, Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto
you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. [John 14:27] I bid you be bold
to share this good news with all you encounter. Salute them with a hardy "Merry Christmas", and if you have the chance,
tell them the message that Titus so well summarizes in the love of Christ and his salvation for the world. Let no man
despise you, and may the Peace of God which passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
This Christmas season I commend these sites to all compatriots
Pax Christi, The Reverend Mark Carroll, Colonel Ben Caudill Camp, SCV
Peace on Earth
See more Thomas Nast Christmas illustrations
Confederate Christmas, Mort Kunstler
Note the Christmas tree on the caisson
The Spirit of Christmas Past, a Chirstmas at the Confederate
Whitehouse, etc.
Our ladies should especially enjoy the stories centering on Mrs. Davis, Miss Andrews, and Miss Polk, see
the image of the beautiful Christmas Wedding, with General "Fighting Bishop" Polk presiding. Share this with a loved
one
