Merry Christmas, December 25th, 2019. It’s the silent time before the storm. All the gifts are wrapped up and waiting. Most of the food is already prepared and waiting. Soon the people will arrive and the celebration will begin. This is my favorite tradition. Did you know that 352 is the 1st date Christmas was celebrated on Dec 25th? In 1223 St Francis of Assisi assembled the 1st Nativity scene in Greccio, Italy. In 1621 Governor William Bradford of Plymouth Colony forbid games playing on Christmas. At least he didn’t forbid drinking. Christmas Day in 1776 George Washington crosses Delaware, surprises and defeats 1,400 Hessians. In 1831, Louisiana & Arkansas are the first states to observe Christmas as holiday. On this day in 1868 Despite bitter opposition, US President Andrew Johnson grants unconditional pardon to all persons involved in Southern rebellion (Civil War). Remember, every person who fought for or helped the Confederates was guilty of treason. In 1914 the Legendary “Christmas Truce” takes place on the battlefields of WWI between British and German troops. Instead of fighting, soldiers exchange gifts and play football. Then they went back to killing each other. On this day, selected as the birth date of Jesus Christ (nobody knows for sure), it’s appropriate to give you this quote attributed to Jesus: “All the commandments: You shall not commit adultery, you shall not kill, you shall not steal, you shall not covet, and so on, are summed up in this single command: You must love your neighbor as yourself.” On this day, enjoy your family and friends and the love that you share. Abide
