"Christmas day (1862) was celebrated in the camp; many boxes of good things from home received, and shared by the recipients with comrades less fortunate. Some of the boys were a little homesick, to be sure, but enough were sufficiently light of heart to drive dull care away. A large Christmas tree was erected in the center of the camp and peals of laughter and much merriment greeted the unique decorations, tin cups, hardtack, pieces of pork, and other odd articles being hung on the branches. At night the camp fire roared and blazed, the stars shone above the tall pines, and canteen passed around, and care banished for the hour."
Some Christians have the ability to make something good out of a bad situation. The soldiers of the 116th Pennsylvania regiment were determined to have a good Christmas in spite of the fact that they were separated from family and home. That's the kind of spirit that characterizes the true Christian hero. To continue to serve in the face of less than desirable circumstances is the mark of a mature Christian.
The question I have for you is, if all the decorations, gifts, and yuletide celebrations were stripped away from Christmas, could you still celebrate the birth of Christ with joy?
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