I am spending the week of Christmas in New England with the Grandkids.

I'll be out of touch some of the time while traveling.
I just wanted to leave my friends with these thoughts.
It is going to be a sad Christmas season for many. The financial situation and unemployment threat will affect us all in the coming year. America will be undergoing a serious change that will negatively impact us all. It will, for many, be desparate and joy will be dear.

But we will get through it, as our nation always does. Despair is not an option.

I was reminded the other day, of a man many years ago who lost his wife one Christmas in a tragic fire. He too suffered injuries from the fire and the following year, along with the lonesomeness that comes after a personal loss, on the Holidays, he received news that his son was critically wounded in the ongoing terrible war. His Christmas, cold and lonely, gave him little to be joyful for and it seemed God had died. Or at the very least, abandoned him.

He sat down to write his thoughts and came up with this poem. Whether you are a believer or not these words can't help but lift our spirit, a little.

I heard the bells on Chritmas day,
Their old familiar carols play
And wild and sweet
the words repeat,
of Peace on Earth
Good Will to Men.

I thought, as now this day had come,
The belfries of all Christiandom.
Had rung so long
the unbroken song
Of peace on Earth good Will to Men.

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.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Thanks Glenn Beck, for the perspective.

Shalom my friends. Merry Christmas
franc

 

Great poem!
Where are you staying in New England? Lots of members spread around here.
Watch out for the falling snow as there is an abundance of it around here lately.
Merry Christmas and may your travels be safe and uneventful.

 

In Norwich CT. Technicaly not New England but close enough.

And Snowy enough. 12" here by the kids house.

Trip here Saturday was uneventful but 20 hours long. Had a nice weather window with a storm in front and one closing in behind. Minivan was full of presents. I am one tired reindeer today.

Thanks for the well wishes and the same to all.


roadster with a stick

 

Merry Christmas Franc, and I just found a deal on a roadster just like mine in TX at a steal, my friend...Let me know if you are interested, it is Christmas you know...maybe Santa will bring it to you...your friend the "Happy Holliday"....

 

Franc,
Wishing you all a happy holiday with family and a safe trip back home to Missouri.
PS...what a wonderful post yor started this with.

Gary

 

Hey Franc, Nightrider lives in Norwich. Maybe Rick ( Nightrider) and you can meet and discuss some more politics and Xfires.

 

Franc, Robby's idea is a good one!
You guys would be naturals together at a bar....
....talkin' politics
and cars.......

Regardless, have a very Merry Christmas & a downright Happy New Year!
Make it back to MO in one piece please.