D-DAY AND CHRISTMAS DAY
Turning slowly, the stranger faced me as we stood at the drinking fountain. I thanked him through dewy eyes. As he wiped his tears, I knew he appreciated my gratitude. We embraced and departed, never to see one another again.
This memorable encounter happened in a theater, where I was watching Saving Private Ryan, which dramatized the events of June 6, 1944, D-Day, the beginning of the end of Hitler’s tyranny. A total of two hundred thousand Allied troops perished in the Battle of Normandy, which began that stormy morning. I shudder, imagining the darkness we might live in today if those courageous soldiers hadn’t stormed the beaches in northern France.
During the film, I was overcome with gratitude for their sacrifice. I silently promised God, “I’m going to thank the next vet I meet who fought on D-Day.” At the film’s end, I exited behind an older man. I overheard him tell an usher, “I fought there at Omaha Beach, in Normandy.”
I immediately sensed God’s Spirit reminding me of my promise. “Not now, Lord. I’m an emotional wreck. I’ll thank the next D-Day vet I meet.”
He impressed on my heart, “You made a promise.”
I’ve learned I don’t win these arguments with the Lord, so I approached the man at the water fountain. I started to thank him, but the words caught in my throat. Eventually, I squeaked out my gratitude. The vet began to cry, thanked me, and we hugged. Even as I pen these words, my eyes fill with tears, recalling the moment.
Let’s think about another D-Day: December 25, in AD 1—the traditional (although unlikely) date of Christ’s birth. In the most daring undercover operation in history, God entered our world disguised as an infant. He sneaked in behind enemy lines to deliver the human race from the prince of darkness. The enemy’s opposition was fierce. Rome’s census, a perilous journey to Bethlehem, no room at the inn, and later, Herod’s slaughter of innocent children—Satan’s greatest efforts couldn’t hinder God’s battle plan. The Lord prevailed. Colossians 2:15 states, “He disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them” (NLT).
C.S. Lewis wrote, “Enemy-operated territory—that’s what this world is … The rightful king has landed … in disguise.” (Mere Christianity, New York: McMillan, 1952, 51)
If Jesus hadn’t been born, we’d be doomed for eternity. Thank God he sent his Son, born to sacrifice his life and ultimately defeat mankind’s spiritual enemy so we could experience freedom for now and all eternity.
Principle: Because of the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus, we’ve been delivered from bondage for all eternity.
Ponder:
As we are touched by the soldiers’ sacrifice on D-Day, how have you been touched by understanding the sacrifice Jesus made for you?
In what ways can you show your gratitude to Jesus for his deliverance?
Pursue: For a deeper dive, study Colossians 2:9-15.
Dear Jesus, as grateful as we are for those who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom, we are overwhelmingly more grateful for your sacrifice in coming into our world to free us for eternity.
Taken from The Perfect Gift, Copyright © 2024 by Barney Cargile. Used by permission of Our Daily Bread Publishing®, P.O Box 3566, Grand Rapids, MI 49501. All rights reserved. Further distribution is prohibited without written permission from Our Daily Bread Publishing at permissionsdept@odb.org
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