Saturday, December 24, 2005
Well, it's Christmas time and some of the headline news coming out of Iraq these days is the death of a young soldier from Pennsylvania, ten days from being discharged and about to be married to his childhood sweetheart. Immediately the chorus of "When Will This Cruel War Be Over" begins to rise from the bleeding hearts and most people assume we who supported the war are heartlessly chuckling over the rising costs and untouched by the tragedy of it all. I would like to take this opportunity to correct this misunderstanding. I have supported the war and I still support the war but that does not mean I glory in casualties. My heart aches for the family and fiancee of this young hero. I too look forward to a time when wars cease and our young men and women can grow to fulfill their great potential in a time of peace. The unfortunate thing, and the cause for real sorrow (not crocodile tears shed for political purpose), is that this world is not a peaceful place. There are evil men at work here, and men like this young soldier who stand for the triumph of justice and righteousness, and like you and me and everyone, must stand to correct it. It is an awful, awful thing when even just one soldier dies and no one should make light of this. Instead, we need to be thankful this Christmas that there are those willing to follow the example of the Baby in the Manger and lay down their lives for their friends and for innocent people anywhere. Our prayers should be looking forward to a time when the whole world shall be brought under the rule of He who was called the Prince of Peace.
I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play
And wild and sweet, the words repeat:
"Peace on earth, good will to men."
And thought how, as the day had come,
The bellfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along the unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.
Then from each black, accursed mouth
The cannon rumbled in the south,
And with its sound, the carol drowned
Of peace on earth, good will to men.
It was as if an earthquake rent,
The hearthstone of a continent
And made forlorn the households born
Of peace on earth, good will to men!
Then in despair, I bowed my head.
"There is no peace on earth," I said,
"For hate is strong and mocks the song
"Of peace on earth, good will to men."
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep!
"The wrong shall fail, the right prevail
"With peace on earth, good will to men!"
// posted by The Pendragon @ 2:36 PM 
