Humbugs

Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. – Ephesians 4:15 (NLT)

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us.
The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called:
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:6 (NLT)

Then God put him in the place of honor at his right hand as Prince and Savior. He did this so the people of Israel would repent of their sins and be forgiven. – Acts 5:31 (NLT)

I was being careful to steady my hands on my steering wheel. Throngs of cars ran past me from different directions. Behind me. From the right lanes. From the left. Some, suddenly merging and had cut me off only to suddenly braked. Their red lights cautioning me to step on my own and  I slowed down even more.

I didn’t want to get angry anymore. I knew many drivers out there were crazy enough to do wrong turns or suicidal speeds way above the norm. Then…

I saw the military convoy. Different kinds of trucks with some cannon-like appearance. Obscured by a green tarp that seemed to hide it in secrecy. Trying to maintain their speed in order to keep their trucks in unity. I could tell the faster ones dared not to do so to allow the slower, heavier trucks to keep up with the first one’s speed. I saw him. A young man whose head was covered with greenish helmet. Browsing through many cars that passed the truck where he was. The plastic cover on the back all neatly rolled up as he sat there facing the traffic behind the truck. His head scanning until…

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I saw him looking at me… From a brief, careful glance, I felt his stare. As his truck and my car passed by where there were Christmas trees being sold off the side of the freeway. I wanted to thank him. I felt no one was acknowledging him. I knew I had the opportunity to make him aware how thankful I was. How grateful I was. Of his service and sacrifice. And that of others’. I found myself praying as I steadied my eyes on the road. Avoiding mishap but wouldn’t let go of that opportunity to thank him and make him aware of what this season also was about.

I waved…For mere seconds and put my right hand again on the wheel...

I looked really fast to where he was and he kept his composure. Then, I saw him raised his right arm. And waved back at me as a big smile appeared on his young face. I smiled back and continued driving as I passed his truck up until I couldn’t see the convoy anymore on my rear view mirror. The sun slowly setting on the western horizon.

I saw the parallel. Of how humanity has been raging war against Christmas. Against Christianity. Many choose to ignore this war because of tolerance. Instead of saying “Merry Christmas”, many opt for “Happy Holidays.” The word “God” being censored and other Christianity-related beliefs while everything else had been making its way into festive celebrations. All for the sake of not being able to offend. So others said…

But there would always be one truth...

That true soldiers of Christ should honor this special time of the year. Christ’s soldiers could repeal all the “humbugs” from many Ebenezer while waving His truth in love.