A Pastoral Word. . . Christmas Petitions
Pastor Kevin Freeman
December 19, 2024
Eighty years ago, the allied forces of World War II were in a tight spot in Europe. They were desperately trying to maintain their tenuous position during what became known as the Battle of the Bulge. That “bulge” was a fifty-mile by thirty-mile dent in the allied lines created by a German offensive in Ardennes. Weeks of continuously foul weather had prevented both the resupply of critical items and air support against German incursion.
General George Patton’s Third Army was ordered to aid the 101st Airborne, whose dwindling supplies and casualty rate of nearly 300 per day left them in danger of being overwhelmed by the enemy onslaught. Hope may have been placed on Patton’s army, but Patton’s hope was placed elsewhere. Days earlier, recognizing the key factor the weather played in the outcome of both the battle and the war, Patton had approached Chaplain James O’Neill, asking him to draft a prayer for good weather.
O’Neill’s prayer read, “Almighty and most merciful Father, we humbly beseech Thee, of Thy great goodness, to restrain these immoderate rains with which we have to contend. Grant us fair weather for battle. Graciously hearken to us as soldiers who call upon Thee that armed with Thy power, we may advance from victory to victory, and crush the oppression and the wickedness of our enemies, and establish Thy justice among men and nations. Amen.”
Patton ordered 250,000 prayer cards to be distributed to the soldiers, adding his own note to the reverse. On December 23, shortly after the cards were distributed, the weather suddenly cleared. Air support resumed. Then, on December 26, a star appeared. It was emblazoned on the first of many Sherman tanks arriving from Patton’s army. The German offensive was stopped, and Patton awarded O’Neill the Bronze Star for his prayer.
A different spiritual battle played out on that first Christmas, as God’s Son entered hostile territory. Similar spiritual battles rage today, too. Our need for “air support” is just as great, yet we often fight our battles by our own strength. Christmas approaches, and the enemy would love for you to give in to fatigue, weariness, emptiness, and isolation. Take a cue from the Battle of the Bulge and pray.
God’s Word reminds us to pray. Through Jeremiah, God said, “Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you” (Jeremiah 29:12). And in Ephesians we are instructed to be “praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints” (Ephesians 6:18).
Let your petitions rise before the Lord as Christmas approaches. Turn your heart even now to God, our infinite Supplier and Protector.
Your Partner in Ministry,
Kevin Freeman
General George Patton’s Third Army was ordered to aid the 101st Airborne, whose dwindling supplies and casualty rate of nearly 300 per day left them in danger of being overwhelmed by the enemy onslaught. Hope may have been placed on Patton’s army, but Patton’s hope was placed elsewhere. Days earlier, recognizing the key factor the weather played in the outcome of both the battle and the war, Patton had approached Chaplain James O’Neill, asking him to draft a prayer for good weather.
O’Neill’s prayer read, “Almighty and most merciful Father, we humbly beseech Thee, of Thy great goodness, to restrain these immoderate rains with which we have to contend. Grant us fair weather for battle. Graciously hearken to us as soldiers who call upon Thee that armed with Thy power, we may advance from victory to victory, and crush the oppression and the wickedness of our enemies, and establish Thy justice among men and nations. Amen.”
Patton ordered 250,000 prayer cards to be distributed to the soldiers, adding his own note to the reverse. On December 23, shortly after the cards were distributed, the weather suddenly cleared. Air support resumed. Then, on December 26, a star appeared. It was emblazoned on the first of many Sherman tanks arriving from Patton’s army. The German offensive was stopped, and Patton awarded O’Neill the Bronze Star for his prayer.
A different spiritual battle played out on that first Christmas, as God’s Son entered hostile territory. Similar spiritual battles rage today, too. Our need for “air support” is just as great, yet we often fight our battles by our own strength. Christmas approaches, and the enemy would love for you to give in to fatigue, weariness, emptiness, and isolation. Take a cue from the Battle of the Bulge and pray.
God’s Word reminds us to pray. Through Jeremiah, God said, “Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you” (Jeremiah 29:12). And in Ephesians we are instructed to be “praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints” (Ephesians 6:18).
Let your petitions rise before the Lord as Christmas approaches. Turn your heart even now to God, our infinite Supplier and Protector.
Your Partner in Ministry,
Kevin Freeman
Source: https://www.westernjournal.com/gen-patton-called-entire-army-pray-80-years-ago-just-crucial-battle-unfolded/
Image: https://x.com/WWIIpix/status/944314201979457536/photo/2
Image: https://x.com/WWIIpix/status/944314201979457536/photo/2
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