By Newt Gingrich
On Christmas Day, 1776, nearly all thought the Revolution was lost, except for a valiant few who still believed in "The Cause." We owe our liberty today to those valiant few.
Led by George Washington, most of his army, dressed in rags and barefoot, faced a winter gale of rain, sleet, ice and snow. This band of patriots braved a midnight river crossing and a nine mile march over frozen roads to win a spectacular victory at Trenton, New Jersey, the following morning. Those were indeed times, as Thomas Paine would write, that "try men's souls."
In a season that has become too commercialized and -- worse yet -- had much of its religious meaning driven from the public square, Washington's Christmas crossing is a story that should be remembered and celebrated, this Christmas and every Christmas.
Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of Christ, to be with family and friends, and, I would add, to give thanks to God for those who endured so much on that Christmas night, 232 years ago.
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3 comments:
People have NO idea how lucky we are to be in this free country. I too agree that Christmas is too materialized. Makes me sad. Thanks for this great post today...and MERRY CHRISTMAS to my favorite Arizona family. :)
A GREAT pause for thought. I was pouting about feeling cold up in my room (away from the toasty fire) while I was wrapping for HOURS tonight... It's good to remember that wrapping too many gifts is not one of those times that qualify for 'trying mens souls.' Merry Christmas ChefTom!!
You're so good about remembering those things we need to remember. Thanks for the thought. That was a cold, lonely night for sure. Thanks for rekindling your friendship. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
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