When one thinks of Christmas and the history of our country, George Washington’s crossing the Delaware on Christmas night, 1776, most likely comes to mind, and rightly so. This aggressive and highly risky military maneuver during which two Patriots froze to death and a few more were killed, nevertheless culminated in a great victory over the stunned and completely surprised Hessian mercenary forces in Trenton New Jersey. They could not believe anyone could or would march during a blinding snow storm and freezing temperatures.

However, the following Christmastide, in 1777, also marks an iconic moment (actually, moments) in our history. It was during this winter that Washington made camp in Valley Forge, after an ignominious defeat by the British. His troops needed a place to recuperate. However, the place was now barren, having been razed by the British. The men built their own cabins in freezing conditions. About twelve thousand people came to Valley Forge, and about one thousand died from cold and hunger. This was another “starving time” in American history, akin to the Pilgrims’ first winter the previous century, where half their company died.

As numerous accounts — soldiers’ journals; letters to wives; later recollections — attest, during this dark time General Washington would go to a “dark, natural bower of ancient oaks”, and kneel and pray. Washington was a private man, however, he was seen in prayer on numerous occasions during that terrible Christmas season and winter. 

As you study or read about those years, you are either confronted by incredible “coincidences” which worked to deliver Washington’s forces from certain encirclement or annihilation, including impenetrable fogs which enabled him to hastily deliver 8,000 men from Brooklyn across the enshrouded East River. When the fog lifted, the British were astonished to see the entire Continental army had vanished. 

Incredible coincidences, or perhaps we should use the terminology used by the soldiers and other contemporaries, including Washington: “Providential occurrences”.

I write the above this Christmastide simply to encourage us to not neglect our duty and our privilege to pray this wonderful season. 

May you enjoy a wonderful Christmas season and may you and yours prosper in 2025.