Christmas Day Message 2023

As we approach Christmas day with a realization that our anticipated expectations have still been left unfulfilled, let us take a moment to consider the good things that have come to us over this last year.  I personally thank God that I am still standing, free, breathing-in-and-out, much to the consternation of those who seek to silence me. His (God’s) protection has been miraculously present with me on a daily basis. While others, like Ken Cromar, Ammon Bundy, the January 6ers, President Donald J. Trump, and countless others, have sacrificed their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor, in this great cause of liberty and justice for all.

Sacrifice is defined as “the act of giving up something valued for the sake of something else more important or worthy.” Sacrifice can come in many forms and most often it is less than convenient. I have often been reminded that our covenant with the Lord to sacrifice and surrender our will to His, along with the dedication of our lives to the building up His kingdom, and serving His children can only result in a sacrifice that brings forth the blessings of heaven. – Thus, a life of sacrifice is worth living.

Jill Jackson-Miller, who had been suicidal after the failure of her marriage to screenwriter Felix Jackson, in 1955 Jill with her husband, Sy Miller, wrote “Let There Be Peace On Earth” after discovering what Jill called the “life-saving joy of God’s peace and unconditional love.”

Their song is performed worldwide throughout the year, and particularly during the Christmas season, which has led to it being considered a Christmas song. It is included in the hymnals of a variety of Christian denominations, and is used in worship services all across the world.  -  I leave this message with you as a reminder of our obligation to one another in this holiday message.

Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me.
Let there be peace on earth
The peace that was meant to be.
With God as our father
Brothers all are we.
Let me walk with my brother
In perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me
Let this be the moment now.
With ev’ry step I take
Let this be my solemn vow.
To take each moment
And live each moment
With peace eternally.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a most prosperous new year. Victory is closer than you think (wink).

Tom Fairbanks
Intelligence Support Activity (ISA)
Community Health Advocate
Community Support Foundation