MOVIE & BOOK CORNER

In my quest to fill my queue on my Netflix page, I stumbled upon a gem of a film called, Silent Night. It’s a WWII film based on a true story, which is the best kind after all.

This is not your typical war story though, so if you’re looking for action you’re looking in the wrong place. This is the heartwarming retelling of an actual event on Christmas Eve of 1944 as a young German mother, Elisabeth Vinken, and her young son, Fritz face invasion of their rural cabin by both American and German troops.

Three American soldiers show up first, seeking refuge from the battlefield. Just as they begin to bond, a group of Nazi soldiers arrive, dismayed by the treasonous situation they find. Against all odds, the mother and son persuade both sides to temporarily call a truce so that they may all join together and break bread in the spirit of Christmas.

Like I said, it’s not a typical war story and when you consider the time it took place it becomes even more incredible. I believe that no act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. Elisabeth Vinken proved it that night. It’s a great family movie and will be added to my personal library.

The next film isn’t a Christmas film but it is so strong in family values I have to mention it here. Uncle Nino slipped under the critic’s radar when it was released which is a shame for it’s a great one.

An elderly Italian peasant who barely speaks English, Uncle Nino travels to America to reconnect with nephew Robert and his family. Trouble is, nobody communicates because they're too busy leading hectic, disconnected lives. It's up to wise Uncle Nino to bring them together and teach them what's important in life: each other.

There are not enough stars to rate this movie. Joe Mantegna's character, Robert, forgot what "family" meant until Uncle Nino saved him from himself. Get your family together with a lot of popcorn and when it's over be sure to look at the interview on the DVD's extras. You won't be disappointed.

Honour thy father and [thy] mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Matthew 19:19

I know that the month of December can be hectic but do your best to slow down and enjoy life. It's not only the scenery you miss by going too fast; you also miss the sense of where you are going and why.

IT’S A BOY!

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6

In these days of high technology, we not only can tell the sex of a child before it is born but most people want to know and get the ultrasound results as soon as possible. But, what must it have been like for Mary?

Before Jesus was born, Mary was told that her child would be a boy. This was not the result of an ultrasound; it was part of God’s eternal plan. An angel told Mary, “You will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call His name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High”. (Luke 1:31-32)

It’s a boy! No surprise. This is the Son of the Most High, entering a world of sinful people so that we sinners might receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life. The birth of Jesus, God’s own Son, is the birth that gives life and joy to all of us. In the birth of Jesus, Mighty God came to us to rescue and redeem us, and Jesus, the Prince of Peace came to be our peace. In the birth of Jesus, love and grace came to be with us. That’s why the day we celebrate His birth is such a joyful day for all who believe and trust in Him.

Have a joyful and merry Christmas!

A Christmas prayer from Col. Stegman, Battalion Chaplain as given on Christmas Day, 1970 on FSB Sherman, Vietnam;

Send, O God, into the darkness of this troubled world, the Light of Thy Son. Let the star of Thy hope touch the minds of all men with the bright beams of Thy mercy and truth; and so direct our steps that we may ever walk in the way revealed to us, as the shepherds of Bethlehem walked with joy to the manger where He dwelt Who now and ever reigns in our hearts, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


A Tree from Home	Yeah, that was me.