GIG LINE
By Marsha M. Brown
At this writing we are only weeks away from the remembrance and celebration of Christmas Day – the day our precious Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was born.
For believers and even for the ‘nay sayers’, atheists and others who question the event, it is a day that undeniably changed our world forever. It’s obvious…we’re doing one of two things this time of year…we’re either embracing and loving the precious Christmas miracle – or we’re trying to find ways to convince the faithful that it was impossible, not so, misinterpreted or a lie.
For those of us who believe…who accept that a miracle was preformed by God himself which resulted in the birth of a little baby boy born in a humble setting who grew up showing love, compassion, hope and help to the masses…we are happy; we’re content; we’re secure and we’re confident. Even amidst the heartaches and sorrows of today, we find comfort and peace in God’s love, his forgiveness and his mercy. We anticipate this time of year with joy and excitement because no matter what…it is a day that that exemplifies the meaning of love. The spirit of Christmas brings cheer and happiness and calm and it sets the pace for a new outlook and optimism for a new year.
Historically Christmas Day has been one of the most recognized, celebrated days Americans have anxiously awaited from year to year. Just the thought of it gives us a boost of energy; we anticipate the family and friends we’ll likely see; the Christmas plays, functions and parties we’ll attend; we’ll mark our paper and digital calendars so as not to forget the places to go, people to see and things to do; we’ll make our shopping lists for yummy foods both sweet and tart; we’ll decorate our homes and businesses to reflect the season and resonate the wonderful holiday and we’ll write cards, address envelopes, seal and stamp messages of love and hope along with wishes for good health and happiness to send to those we cherish.
Be mindful that while the majority of us who are going about our festive routines of trimming trees and baking goodies, many of our soldiers, seamen and airmen who put their lives on the line for us every single day will celebrate from tents, mess halls, rehab centers, combat zones and secret places. They will miss sitting in front of a warm fireplace, hear the laughter of family and friends recalling days ‘back when’ of playing angels or singing in church Christmas programs; writing to Santa as children asking their hearts desires and all of the fragrant holiday scents and comforts of home. Many are far away in harms way defending our right to worship and live our American life to its fullest. Remember them. Consider purchasing a box of blank cards & envelopes and hand write a short note to express your appreciation of a veteran’s service and love of country; keep them in your car to hand out to our veterans that you see at the mall, restaurants and holiday events. You don’t have to have their specific name…they all have the same one…”Hero”, “Blessing”, “Defender”, “Protector”, “Guardian” or “Courageous”…any of those should do.
Special Invitation: If you’re a Member of the American Legion Post 26 or Outer Banks V.F.W. Post 10950, please consider joining the two outstanding veteran support groups (with a guest) for a delicious dinner gathering on Thursday, December 10th at the Almost Eleven Restaurant, 2706 S. Croatan Hwy., Nags Head, N.C. 27959 but
p-l-e-a-se R.S.V.P. no later than Tuesday, December 8th by 12:00 noon to (252) 473-1006. The menu will include chicken pasta with mushroom sauce; salad, dessert and non-alcoholic beverages for $20 per person which also includes the gratuity. Open bar is from 6:00 pm – 6:30 pm with dinner to follow. The food will be great and the company will be outstanding! We hope to see you there!
If you’re a local resident vet and you have not acquired your Dare County Veteran I.D. Card enabling you to receive discounts at nearly 60 local business establishments, please contact me at (252) 202-2058 and we will make arrangements to meet you and issue ‘your’ Card. Remember you will need a local Driver’s License and your DD-214 showing Honorable Discharge (for review purposes only – no copies are made of either).
Until next time, be happy, be safe and be proud…of our country and our veterans! Pray for our men and women who are deployed and for their families at home who miss them deeply. If you’d like, please write to me at editor@giglineheroes.com Remember the reason for the season…the r-e-a-l reason for the season. Be thankful for our blessings which are many! As always, God bless you and stay tuned!