Away from home at Christmas

Week of December 23

My first Christmas away from my home was courtesy of the U.S. Army. I was stationed in the Panama Canal Zone back when we had a troop presence there.

It was hot and plastic santas and cardboard snowmen didn't cut it for me who was use to a celebrating Christmas in New England. I was having a real pity party for myself. I even scoffed at some enterpizing soldiers who had parked a tank behind eight jeeps  harnessed together by a string of ammo belts. There was even a stuffed santa waving from the tank turret. Bar Humbug. This was a far cry from the Currier and Ives scenes of snow,sleighs and evergreens.

Despite my sullen mood I did attend a service in thebase chapel Christmas Eve. It was cool inside and the reading of familiar scripture and the singing of traditional carols was comforting. When I exited the chapel it was dark and overhead the stars were bright. Then it hit me. The first Christmas was held in a desert.

I don't recall what the sermon was that evening but for me the message was strikingly clear.

"Behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which will be to all the people. For there is born to you this day  in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:11)