For too many that hasn't been possible the past several years as so many are so far from home facing danger in a foreign land each and every hour of each day, for us. We must count our blessings as we give thanks for their sacrifice and at the same time recognize just what that sacrifice entails. Think of the father who has yet to see his newborn son or daughter, the mother who inwardly weeps knowing she is missing another special time in her little one's life as they face dangers we here at home cannot really comprehend as we sit here taking our safety for granted which they have paid for by placing their own lives in danger.

This time of year we find so much joy in the excitement and laughter of our children, for truly this time of year is theirs. And not just because of presents and candy but because the promise of Christmas is for them. Not just the First Christmas but the sacrifices being made right now  in an  attempt to assure their future is a safe and secure one.

There is no joy for those so far from home. They live with cold hard reality each and every day. Loneliness and fear are  their constant companions for even heroes experience fear when surrounded by danger. They would be devoid of human emotion if it were otherwise. Yet, they endure. For us. Please say a special prayer this Christmas for all the sons and daughters, wives, husbands, mothers and fathers so far from home and those they love as we celebrate this holiday season. May they all return home safely and as expeditiously as possible.  And may God grant that be sooner, rather than later. For war is not ultimately the answer to anything.

But, for those who will never return home we must also remember to say a special prayer for their families as well. They have lost a loved one, and one far too young to be gone. Nothing can erase the pain they feel at times like this when families come together. Their last memory of their loved one is a flag draped coffin. A life given proudly but the loss is one where only time will hopefully dull the pain. War, man's most cruel response to those of divergent ideas or interests.

Benjamin Franklin, wrote  on July 27, 1783:  " I hope that Mankind will at length, as they call themselves reasonable creatures, have reason and sense enough to settle their differences without cutting throats, for in my opinion there never was a good war, or a  bad peace." 

And from another, schooled in warfare and a wise man as his words convey...Dwight David Eisenhower, President of the United States, General of the Army,  wrote in 1953: " Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired, signifies, in the final sense, theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed. The world in arms is not spending money alone. It is spending the sweat of its labourers, the genius of its scientists, the hopes of its children. This is not a way of life at all in any true sense. Under the clouds of war, it is humanity hanging on a cross of iron." 

I pray that our leaders who send our loved ones into battle find a way to a swift and timely end  to the insanity which leads  man to believe war is a solution. Until that day arrives, may God bless each and every one of those brave souls who are called to serve in such an unholy enterprise.