A Time for Miracles
“A miracle is when the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. A miracle is when one plus one equals a thousand.” ―
TRUTH
Over 2,000 years ago a baby was born whose power and influence changed the fate of every soul to have ever lived in our world. Fulfilling his divine mission and destiny, Jesus Christ lived and died so that we might know who we are and whose we are and reach our own divine destiny. As the author of miracles, Christ is the giver of all good things and singularly has all power to bless our lives. He is our exemplar of love and compassion. He is our healer and friend. And miracles are always ours, when we believe in him. Glory be to the Savior of the world.
(My favorite Christmas song, "O Holy Night," speaks of the mercy and love of our dear Jesus born long ago. HERE is my favorite version.)
BEAUTY
Have you ever desired to be a miracle in another person's life? To comfort, lift, empower, inspire, or lead? And while hoping and exerting your best effort, you felt more unlikely and unqualified and unable to do or become the very thing you knew could bless others?
In this tender story, two trees and a town learn the true beauty of giving and the unequivocal impact of our efforts - despite our imperfectedness. Our lives offer great value to those in our path and those who simply observe.
GOODNESS
Christmas Eve 1944.
World War II.
A humble cottage in the Ardnennes (Germany).
A woman, her son, and American and German soldiers under one roof.
The miraculous story of the courage and fortitude and love of Elisabeth Vincken inspires us all to believe in the goodness of humanity.
Elisabeth was a German woman who had fled her bombed home and bakery months early to find refuge with her husband and son in a hunting cabin in the Ardennes region near the Germany-Belgium border. Her husband had been drafted into the German army, a recent counteroffensive in the Ardennes Forest had ensued, and she and her young son found themselves alone on Christmas Eve.
A knock at the door this evening revealed 3 American soldiers, one badly injured, who were seeking to return back to the U.S. line as the region was in the middle of attacks. Although risking the possibility of execution by Germany for harboring the enemy, Elisabeth welcomed them into her home and began tending to the injured soldier.
Another knock came shortly after the Americans had settled. The inquiring visitors were 4 German soldiers who were seeking shelter for the night as temperatures were dangerously low and they had lost their regiment.
Courageously, Elisabeth promised them a warm meal, informed them of her other guests, persisted that no shooting would take place on this Christmas Eve night, and insisted they leave their weapons outside of the cottage. She also gathered the American's weapons and placed them outside her home.
True to her word, grace was offered as tears filled the eyes of these young men (most of them teenagers) and dinner was shared. One of the young German soldiers who had medical training helped the American who had been shot and the following morning, the German corporal showed the Americans a map that would lead them back to their line. Although soon to be fighting enemies again, these young men parted their separate ways in peace on Christmas morning.
Elisabeth miraculously saved the lives of several young men that Christmas Eve night in more than one way. For more information on her story, look here.
EXCELLENCE
On a frigid Christmas night in 1776, a miraculous journey changed the course of a war that shaped all of our lives.
Following months of defeats and about a 90% reduction in its strength, the Continental Army, led by George Washington, found many of its soldiers sick and without supplies, blankets, or shoes. Patriotism was waning and the possibility of a victory against British troops seemed dismal.
Washington still believed the war could be won if he could turn around the string of recent defeats and procure food and supplies for his army. And he knew capturing the war supplies of the Hessian (German) troops fighting for the British in Trenton, NJ could provide exactly what he needed.
As troops assembled to cross the Delaware River around 4pm on Christmas night, a heavy rain began falling. Soon thereafter, freezing rain and snow and an icy river requiring blocks of ice to be chopped for boats to cross brought unexpected challenges. The soldiers pressed on and the last of Washington's men landed on the NJ shore around 3am, December 26th. Miraculously, all safely made the crossing.
After disembarking, a 9-mile walk to the Hessian stronghold in a snowstorm left bloody footprints along the path and wet gunpowder inhibited the firing of weapons. Nonetheless, the surprise attack on a resting group of German soldiers who never anticipated fighting in a snowstorm brought victory to the Continental Army.
Washington's example of courage, perseverance, and his belief in the cause of freedom turned the tide of the war and restored public opinion as well as the support of his troops.
A FINAL LOVE NOTE
Miracles are not reserved for only freedom fighters. Nor are they only available to your neighbor or the person who seems to be in more need than you.
You are worthy of miracles because you are a child of God.
During this Christmas season and always, may you believe in Him and reach to Him in faith and hope. He loves you and desires your joy, well-being, and highest potential. Always believe in miracles.
Merry Christmas,
