Christmas Day 1776: Victory or Death
 Some people live at the crossroads of history -- They are born at a time that requires them to make a choice.
The early patriots lived at such a time. They could seek comfort, safety, and security in the status quo, or risk everything for the possibility of liberty.
The price was almost more than they could bear.
Abigail Adams, knowing future generations might not realize the magnitude of their sacrifice, said, "Posterity who are to reap the blessings will scarcely be able to conceive the hardships and sufferings of their ancestors.”
Led by the example of George Washington, a leader of exceptional character and courage, ordinary people made extraordinary sacrifices. And when defeat seemed inevitable, and the troops were strained beyond their limit, General Washington urged them on:
"The hour is fast approaching, on which the Honor and Success of this army, and the safety of our bleeding Country depend. Remember officers and Soldiers, that you are Freemen, fighting for the blessings of Liberty - that slavery will be your portion, and that of your posterity, if you do not acquit yourselves like men."
Many gave their lives. Others sacrificed their health and homes. All gave much they held dear.
And they were true.
They paid the price of freedom, and changed the course of history.
Today you and I are the recipients of the legacy forged in the furnace of their affliction.
It is our turn to be true that the legacy may live on!
 Independence Day is over, summer is winding down, and the first day of school is around the corner. Have you spent quality time talking to your kids about things that matter to you? Do they know your feelings about America? Have you introduced them to any of your favorite heroes? Do your children know they can make friends with the great heroes of America? George Washington is a wonderful one to start with! And Glenn Beck's book, Being George Washington, is a valuable resource. Understanding how Washington grew into the challenges he faced can help us, and our children, rise to the difficult challenges of our day. President Washington can become our hero and friend as we study his life and try to follow in his footsteps. Other wonderful books include: Here are some great free resources, activities, and ideas to get started... 1) Learn about Washington. Watch historical videos about President Washington's life. (These last about 12 minutes each.) George Washington - Part 1: The Early Years George Washington - Part 2: The Military Commander George Washington - Part 3: Guiding the New NationListen to David McCullough telling about Washington and the early patriots.Watch as Arnold Friberg shows how he painted the masterpiece "The Prayer at Valley Forge and tells what he learned about General Washington. 2) As a young man, George Washington worked as a surveyor and map maker. This experience helped him when he was a general fighting in unfamiliar territory. If you have young children, you might want to teach them some simple map skills. Or you could talk about the importance of learning geography and sing "Fifty Nifty United States." 3) Washington's work required that he be an excellent horseman. If you have access to horses, it might be fun to go horseback riding. You could also discuss how the talents and skills we learn as young people can help prepare us for our life's work. The Mapmaker of Mount Vernon explains how important Washington's experiences were to his success. 4) You could tell the story about how General Washington and his men crossed the Delaware River, and take your family on a boat ride. Or you could watch this video about what it was like to cross the icy Delaware river at night in a snow storm when many soldiers lacked coats, and even shoes. Discuss the great sacrifices George Washington and his men made. Talk about the sacrifices we can make today. 5) Washington was a competent marksman and a courageous leader. You could have a friendly target shooting activity with whatever toys you might have. Over the years we've used toy guns, BB guns, squirt guns, slingshots, bows and arrows, darts, horseshoes, balls of all shapes and sizes, etc. (Be sure to talk about any safety rules that apply.) You could tell the story of when George Washington was colonel of the Virginia Militia and fought in the French and Indian War. After one battle was over, it was discovered he had four bullet holes in his jacket. He later gratefully acknowledged: "By the all powerful dispensations of Providence, I have been protected beyond all human probability or expectation." You could tell times when you have felt God has protected or prepared you. 6) George Washington was a gentleman farmer. He loved his home life at Mount Vernon and he enjoyed cultivating the land. You could take a virtual tour of Mount Vernon. Or you could plant an indoor herb garden or prepare a small outdoor garden. 7) George Washington faced much adversity in his life. It strengthened his faith, helped him develop wisdom and endurance, and prepared him other ways. For example, when Washington was 19, he went with his brother Lawrence to the island of Barbados to help Lawrence recover from a serious case of tuberculosis. While there, George became very ill with smallpox. It must have been a trial at the time, and left George with unsightly scars on his face. But later, when he was General of the colonial army, George and his men were exposed to smallpox. Many became very sick and were unable to perform their duties. Due to his prior exposure, George was immune and was able to carry out his heavy responsibilities as usual. Talking about George Washington's trials could be an opportunity to talk about any difficult experiences your family may have had, and to discuss how trials can be blessings in disguise. 8) Explain to your children that George Washington was not always a great leader. He was once a kid, not too different from other kids. But he prepared himself, did his best when he was faced with new challenges and opportunities, and relied on God to help him. Remind your children that they can prepare themselves, do their best, and rely on God too. Have fun! I hope the friendship you cultivate with this wonderful patriot and hero lasts a lifetime!
Have you ever intentionally given an extra special gift that you knew would last for years to come? Have you had the joy of using your best talents and energy to create or preserve a lasting legacy? Arnold Friberg has. His masterful painting, “The Prayer at Valley Forge” was created as a tribute to George Washington, and as a gift for us to better understand the incredible suffering the early patriots were willing to endure as they were famished and exhausted in the bitter cold of winter. In the movie below, Friberg explains how the light had almost gone out for the American army. Everyone had failed them. There was no where to turn. Only by their steadfast reliance on God, that “all wise and powerful being on whom alone our success depends,” were they able to overcome the insurmountable challenges they faced. Arnold Friberg tells the moving story of the winter at Valley Forge, and his own personal journey as he paid the price to create this wonderful masterpiece. What a treat to hear him describe the symbolism and significance of key details of the painting. This is a great movie to watch with your kids. You might talk about: - What gifts, talents, and opportunities has God given us?
- How can we use our gifts and opportunities to make a difference for America?
- What new talents could we develop for the benefit of America?
- The early patriots pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor for the cause of liberty. What sacrifices can we make to further the cause of liberty?
Often we hear the stories of the Revolutionary War in July when we are celebrating Independence Day. Valley Forge doesn’t sound too bad when you’re in the middle of a heat wave. But the early patriots passed through the coldest of winters without adequate food, shelter, clothing, or shoes. You might want to spend a little time outdoors (maybe around a campfire) as you talk about what it must have been like at Valley Forge. Be sure to express your feelings about the great gift of liberty and our responsibility to preserve it and pass it on. Take some pictures, then come in for some nice hot chocolate or warm spiced cider as a fun finish to a memorable evening!
"I consider it an indispensable duty to close this last solemn act of my Official life, by commanding the Interests of our dearest Country to the protection of Almighty God, and those Who have the superintendence of them, to his holy keeping." George Washington
Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me to "recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:"
Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.
And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.
Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the 3d day of October, A.D. 1789.
G. Washington
In the winter of 1776, winning the Revolutionary War seemed hopeless for the Americans.
They had lost major battles.
They were starving, didn’t have adequate shelter or supplies, and morale was almost gone.
“If every nerve is not strained to recruit the New Army with all possible expedition…I think the game is pretty near up”, wrote General Washington to his brother Samuel.
But God raised up help for our young nation through the power of the pen. Thomas Paine wrote these inspiring words that gave the troops renewed courage and determination:
“These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Let it be told to the future world, that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive, that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet and to repulse it.”
General Washington knew this was his last chance to act. He formed a courageous, nearly impossible plan. He would cross the Delaware river with almost half of his army, about 2400 men, and surprise the enemy soldiers on the day after Christmas.
They began crossing the Delaware at six in the evening on Christmas day. A remarkable troop of fishermen from Massachusetts worked for nine long hours, rowing boatload after boatload of men, cannons, and ammunition across the ice-choked river through a punishing gale of sleet and snow. The last soldier reached shore at three o’ clock in the morning.
Then, the exhausted soldiers marched nine miles to Trenton through freezing wind and hail. A member of General Washington’s staff wrote, “It will be a terrible night for soldiers who have no shoes. Some of them have tied old rags around their feet, others are barefoot, but I have not heard a man complain.” Bloody footprints marked the path of these brave men.
The British Commander, Colonel Rall spent the night drinking and playing cards. When a local farmer tried to warn him that the Americans were coming, the servant who answered the door refused to interrupt the party to tell the Commander. So, the loyalist farmer scribbled a warning note to Colonel Rall. But Rall only stuffed it into his pocket—unread—which saved the weary American troops from disaster. Washington’s men were exhausted, freezing cold, and hungry. They would have been an easy target for the strong enemy army.
With the help of God, the Americans won the fight in about two hours. The enemy troops were totally unprepared for battle. Of the 1,000 enemy troops, many were injured, and 948 were taken captive. Only four Americans were wounded in battle, and none were killed—although two froze to death. It was an incredible victory—nothing short of a miracle—especially since it provided our soldiers with much needed food, clothing, bedding, and ammunition.
As word of the victory spread, confidence in the Revolution and in General George Washington was revived. This Christmas victory marked an important turning point in the War for Independence.
I am grateful for the courage and sacrifices of the great men and women who have given us a noble heritage of liberty and pray that we will do our part to preserve this wonderful heritage.
Over the years many have asked, “How is it that such an amazing array of extraordinary leaders was brought together at just the right time and place to lay the foundation of America?” It was indeed a miracle! Our founders were men of great character, courage, intellect, and talent.
In the words of Edmund S. Morgan:
“What was extraordinary about the Revolution was the talent it generated, the number of men of genius who stepped out of farmyards and plantations, out of countinghouses and courtrooms, to play a leading role in winning the war and then in building a national government.
"People noticed this from the beginning. Already in the summer of 1775 members of the Continental Congress were observing that ‘Times like these call up Genius, which slept before and stimulate it in action to a degree, that eclipses what might before have been fixed as a Standard.’
"Fourteen years later, looking back on the crowded events that had followed, David Ramsay of South Carolina reflected that the Revolution had ‘not only required, but created talents.’...And indeed if one were to make a list of the great men of American history, by whatever standards one chooses to measure greatness, an astonishingly large proportion would be found whose careers began or culminated in the Revolution. It would be hard to find in all the rest of American history more than two or three men to rank with Washington, Franklin, Jefferson, Hamilton, Madison, or John Adams.
"To say this does not bring us any closer to an explanation of why the Revolution created such an array of talent. If we knew what the conditions were for generating talent of this kind, we ought all to be busy trying to reproduce them, for we certainly need it now. Unfortunately I do not know how the Revolution generated talent.” (Morgan, Genius of George Washington, 3-4.)
Perhaps George Washington suggests one explanation in a letter he wrote to his wife, Martha (whom he affectionately refers to as “Patsy.”) Dated June 19, 1775, the letter tells Patsy his feelings about being appointed commander-in-chief of the Continental Army:
 “You may believe me, my dear Patsy, when I assure you, in the most solemn manner that, so far from seeking this appointment, I have used every endeavor in my power to avoid it, not only from my unwillingness to part with you and the family, but from a consciousness of its being a trust too great for my capacity.... "But as it has been a kind of destiny, that has thrown me upon this service, I shall hope that my undertaking is designed to answer some good purpose....I shall rely, therefore confidently on the Providence, which has heretofore preserved and been bountiful to me, not doubting but that I shall return safe to you.” The example of the Father of Our Country offers a powerful prescription for our time: - George Washington prepared well.
- Then, even though he felt inadequate, he went forward in faith and relied confidently on the providence of God to make him equal to his challenges and opportunities.
- He sacrificed his own comfort and desires for a cause greater than himself.
- When his abilities were not enough, he exercised faith in God, and relied on Him to make up the difference.
- And he always humbly attributed his success to God: “To that superintending Power alone is our retraction from the brink of ruin to be attributed.” (Gaustad, Faith of Our Fathers, 77.)
Great leaders were not an accident of history. Children were born into ordinary homes. Mothers and fathers sacrificed to give their children the best education they could. As these children grew, they recognized and rose up to meet the extraordinary challenges of their day. They chose to pay the price of liberty. They struggled, and sometimes staggered, under the burden. But they had faith in God, pled for His help, and He made them equal to the challenge. Our Founding Fathers and Mothers, famous and forgotten, were valiant in the great cause of liberty. Together they created a heritage that has blessed countless millions with unprecedented freedom, peace, and prosperity. Their character, courage, and sacrifice are a powerful example for us. We owe it to them, to our children, and to our God, to recognize and rise up to the challenges of our day. And, with the help of God, we will pass on the great legacy of liberty.
“It should be the highest ambition of every American to extend his views beyond himself, and to bear in mind that his conduct will not only affect himself, his country, and his immediate posterity; but that its influence may be co-extensive with the world, and stamp political happiness or misery on ages yet unborn.” George Washington
Amid the daily routine and struggles, it can be hard to believe, or even imagine, that our conduct can affect more than ourselves, and maybe our kids.
Have you ever considered the possibility that your influence can be "co-extensive with the world?" Do you believe you can make a difference for our country, and even "stamp political happiness" on "ages yet unborn?" Is it your "highest ambition" to "extend [your] views beyond [yourself] " and "bear in mind" the immense influence your conduct may have?
George Washington's life is an eloquent, even unbelievable, example of the power in his counsel. Who could have imagined the influence this rural farmer from Virginia would have on countless millions over the years? What was his secret?
I believe he shares the source of his influence in a letter he wrote to his wife, Martha (whom he affectionately refers to as “Patsy.”) Dated June 19, 1775, the letter tells Patsy his feelings about being appointed as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army:
“You may believe me, my dear Patsy, when I assure you, in the most solemn manner that, so far from seeking this appointment, I have used every endeavor in my power to avoid it, not only from my unwillingness to part with you and the family, but from a consciousness of its being a trust too great for my capacity....
“But as it has been a kind of destiny, that has thrown me upon this service, I shall hope that my undertaking is designed to answer some good purpose....I shall rely, therefore confidently on the Providence, which has heretofore preserved and been bountiful to me, not doubting but that I shall return safe to you.”
Although he felt inadequate, George Washington relied confidently on the providence of God to make him equal to his challenges and opportunities.
What a powerful example for us as we face the challenges of our day!
I always look forward to the time between Memorial Day and Independence Day. During that month our family sets aside time to study our heritage as Americans. We are coming to know the founding fathers as heroes and friends.
In this video David McCullough explains that the founding fathers were ordinary men who rose to an extraordinary challenge. They exercised unusual courage and perseverance in the face of impossible odds. And because of the incredible price they paid, millions have experienced the blessings of freedom in this great land.
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