Chaldean Christmas

American armies thru the centuries have fought wars during the Christmas season. Perhaps it was George Washington and the Crossing of the Delaware on Christmas Day in 1776 that set the standard. Today young men just out of High School still love the Christmas season even while in uniform. Our armies in Iraq are no exception in spite of the conditions they may be placed under, the troops still celebrate "this most wonderous season". The following excerpt from Chaplain Lewis currently serving with the Army in Mosul from Training For Eternity exemplifies the Christmas Spirit within the United States Army:

Christmas is unrelenting. Last night we held a Christmas Eve service in celebration of the birth of Jesus. In that service, I came to realize that the American soldier is indeed a unique and awesome individual. Despite the roar of mortars in the background, smiling faces sang, Silent Night. Despite the complete lack of greenery for miles, men of all ranks shook hands and sang, Deck the Halls. And despite being away from friends and family, our battle-hardened brothers joyfully sang, We Wish You a Merry Christmas. Men who look like they'd just as soon break you in half as speak to you, smiled at one another and hugged one another as wishes of "Merry Christmas" echoed throughout our little chapel. After the service we gathered in a small trailer converted into something of a theatre to watch a Christmas movie or two and laugh together. Believe it or not, gifts were exchanged via Secret Santa's and we laughed as men hollered, "Thanks, it's just what I always wanted!" upon unwrapping a bar of deodorant, or a ball cap, or whatever else could be found at the Post Exchange. Today has been no different. With each soldier I passed a hand was quickly extended in greeting as "Merry Christmas" hit me like a freight train. I think I've been patted on the back one million times today.

With men like this in the American Armed Forces then miracles can happen in such a dark place like Iraq.