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October 10th, 1944 Auschwitz, Germany
The Jewish people weren't the only ones to suffer in Germany's death camps. On this day in history, approximately 800 Gypsy children were put to death at Aushwitz, partly as "punishment" for an earlier uprising by those held captive.
So, why were the Gypsies held captive in the first place? Well, in the words of Hitler, they were considered "carriers of disease" and "unreliable elements who cannot be put to useful work." Yes, a pitiful statement from a pitiful man.
Sadly, it seems such feelings didn't change even after the war. In 1950, while gypsies (along with other groups of people) tried to gain compensation for the sufferings of their people, the German government denied them the request. But the mere denial isn't the reason why I bring this up; it's what the 1950 Government said that's noteworthy: "Gypsies have been persecuted under the Nazis not for any racial reason but because of an asocial and criminal record."
What can be learned from this? Very little. All you can do is lower your head, thank God that we haven't endure 1/1,000,000 as much as some, and consider what we can do to protect the innocent.
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October 8th, 1918 Alvin York Becomes A Hero!
If you haven't seen the 1941 movie about Alvin York, you need to. For not only was he credited for single-handedly killing 25 German soldiers during World War I, he also captured 132. And all of this happened during the same battle!!!
Even more fascinating than his heroic deed is the fact that Alvin York asked for conscientious objector status when he was first drafted. (His reason for doing so was because his church opposed the war.) However, his request was denied and he reported for duty.
Joining the 82nd Infantry Division, York was shipped to Europe with his unit. There, they were ordered to seize a German rail-point, but found themselves lost behind enemy lines. Then, after that -- well, if you don't already know, then you really need to see the movie! It's just way too much.
What can be learned from Alvin York? Choices can be very confusing. Yes, Alvin wanted to stay out of the war because the Bible says not to kill. Yet, he also understood that some wars are just. He was left with a tough choice, and he chose to fight.
In the end, the survivors of his unit were thankful for the choice he made.
NOTE: After Alvin York became famous for his heroic deed, he raised money and opened a school for underprivileged children in Tennessee. He also opened a Bible school. |
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October 7th, 1871
On October 8th, 1871, the Great Chicago Fire erupted in Illinois, killing nearly 200 people, destroying 17,500 buildings, and leaving thousands homeless. Sadly, this tragic event is known by most Americans, but do you know what happened the day before?
Well, on October 7th, 1871, the most DEVASTATING fire in U.S. history began in Wisconsin (nearly 250 miles away from Chicago). Sometimes referred to as the Peshtigo Fire (a town named after a lumber and sawmill company), the fire rapidly spread out of control. Within a day, nearly 1,200 people lost their lives and BILLIONS of trees were burned.
What started the fire? Know one knows for sure, but when the "slash and burn" method for clearing farmland is coupled with one of the driest seasons on record, the risk of a disaster was high.
The village of Sugar Bush was the first to feel the wrath. Everyone was killed. Then, Peshtigo was next. When the swift-moving flames reached the town, they were over 200 feet high and temperatures had reached nearly 2,000 degrees! In one tavern, two hundred people died; in the river, several died from drowning; and INSIDE a water tank, three were boiled to death.
In the end, it was a disaster like no other. However, it was merely a footnote in most American newspapers due to the Great Chicago Fire that started the next day.
What can be learned from this tidbit of history? Well, a couple things come to mind. First, important events in life are sometimes overlooked by the masses. And second, life-changing events that don't become "big news" can still effect our lives -- whether it be physically (as in the case of the Peshtigo Fire) or spiritually (as in the case of people turning their lives to Christ on a daily basis). |
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OCTOBER 6th, 1973 The YOM KIPPUR WAR Begins
Yep, that's right. In 1973, the HOLIEST day on the Jewish calendar fell on October 6th. And what happened? Israel was attacked by the combined forces of Egypt and Syria.
Many Israeli soldiers were observing the holiday, so it isn't too surprising to see how Egypt and Syria made advances. But, once the Jewish troops were mobilized for a counter-offensive, Egypt and Syria were defeated (yet again!).
What can be learned from this? When the enemy thinks you'll be ill-prepared, they'll be most likely to strike! Sadly, this happens often. Whether it be war, in the schools, or in our own spiritual lives. |
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THIS DAY IN HISTORY... On December 9th, 1965, the cartoon "A Charlie Brown Christmas" premieres on television.
What's so special about that? Well, in this day where Jesus' birth is being taken from Christmas, old Charlie Brown has withstood the test of political correctness for yet another year. Walmart and many others no longer desire to wish anyone a MERRY CHRISTMAS because it may offend another. Instead, they opt for HAPPY HOLIDAYS. And sadly, many libraries and other public places are 'correcting' nativity scenes by taking Mary, Joseph, and Jesus from them, leaving but a few shepherds standing in a stable.
Truly, a battle rages.
However, on ABC a few days ago, I witnessed Charlie Brown asking if anyone knew the meaning of Christmas. Then, Linus stood upon a stage to tell the world the story of Christ Jesus.
"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.'
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.'"
Yes, forty years have now passed since this testimony premiered in the form of a cartoon. And, after forty years, it is still being aired to the world. As we approach the day when we celebrate the birth of Jesus, let's remember the true meaning of Christmas and not fall prey to the attempts of the world to make us forget!
HISTORY NOTE: The December 9th, 1965 broadcast of "A Charlie Brown Christmas" was seen in more than 15 million homes, capturing nearly half of the possible audience.
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THIS DAY IN HISTORY On December 8th, 1949, Chinese Nationalists move their capital to Taiwan. As communist forces were proving successful in China, many Chinese citizens opposed to it withdrew to the small island of Taiwan--a region of China. Since this date, the small island has been a focal point for strife where the mainland forces claim the island to be theirs and those on the island claim to be independent of Communist rule. Initially, many were relieved that the two forces separated. However, even that proved to be a problem. The Chinese Nationalists at Taiwan didnt want the communist government on the mainland to be diplomatically recognized, and the communist government claimed the island of Taiwan as its land--calling the citizens of Taiwan "renegades!" Thus, more years of debate and strife continued. Even today, theres fear of the communist government of mainland China trying to take Taiwan by force!
NOTE: TAIWAN IS THE SMALL ISLAND IN THE LOWER RIGHT CORNER As we greet this day, lets not forget that there are still some democracies in the world living under the threat of having their freedoms stripped away. Keep them in your prayers and be thankful that we can bounce along knowing we don't live under any immediate threats. |
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THIS DAY IN HISTORY: DECEMBER 7th, 1941... Few days speak for themselves; this is one of them. As most are aware, on this date in 1941, the United States was attacked by Japan at Pearl Harbor. Following is President Roosevelt's message speaking of the event. ---------- Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, members of the Senate and the House of Representatives: Yesterday, December 7, 1941 - a date which will live in infamy - the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan. The United States was at peace with that nation, and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its government and its Emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific. Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American island of Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to our Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. And, while this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or of armed attack. It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time the Japanese Government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace. The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu. Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong. And this morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island. Japan has therefore undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation. As Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense, that always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us. No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people, in their righteous might, will win through to absolute victory. I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us. With confidence in our armed forces, with the un-bounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph. So help us God. I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire. ---------- As we remember this day, let's not forget Roosevelt's words: "So help us God." God is in control. If we expect to triumph at anything, we should keep our Creator in the forefront -- even when we think we flounder. ----------
USS UTAH
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ON DECEMBER 6th, 1865, the 13th Amendment is ratified, thus abolishing slavery.
Even before our nation existed, slavery was in the world. In Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, in one form or another, certain peoples have unwillingly been at the mercy of another. And, in as many lands, there have been both those who have approved of the act and those opposed it.
In the United States, slavery was one cause for the American Civil War. With the free states in control of the outcome, the time for its abolishment was near. However, in order to do so, it had to be enacted into law. December 6th, 1865 was that date.
------------------------- The Thirteenth Amendment Section 1: Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction. Section 2: Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation." ------------------------- As Christians, we can appreciate when freedom is given to those held in bondage. At one time, we too were held captive to the master of sin. We were enslaved at birth. But, by the grace of God, we have been set free by the loving act of Jesus on the hill of Calvary. As we continue through the day, let's not forget the freedom we have.
------------------- Click JayInCleveland to read about the history of the NATIVITY! It's a very informative piece.
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On December 5th, 1945, five U.S. Navy torped-bombers leave Florida on a three-hour training mission in what was to become known as the Bermuda Triangle. They never return.
After reporting that both compasses had failed, the leader of the squadron is dismayed that the other aircrafts were also experiencing similar problems. With their positions unknown, radio facilities on land tried to find the 'lost' squandron and lead them to land... But they failed. A rescue plane was sent to locate the planes, but it too never returned.
Later, ships and more planes went in search of the lost planes. However, nothing was found.
Mechanical failures? Ran out of gas? A combination of the two factors? Something else? No one knows for sure, but the fact that no remains were ever found of the crews or aircrafts helped to thrust the Bermuda Triangle into the spotlight of American folklore.
As we remember this day, let's not forget that our plans may not turn out the way we expect or plan. Certainly, none of the doomed men expected their training mission to turn into disaster. But, it did, nonetheless. And, with that in mind, let us not forget to place God first in our lives. To keep our eyes fixed on him and not be surprised of unforeseen circumstances on the horizon. Yes, being Christian will not prevent us from experiencing this world's twists and turns, but the outcome of those who place their faith in God is already certain... Eternity with the Father. |
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On December 3rd, 1775, the GRAND UNION flag was raised for the first time aboard the ALFRED by John Paul Jones. A few months later, on July 4th, 1776 (Independence Day), the same styled banner would represent our forefathers as they went to war against Britain.
When thinking of this date, lets remember the courage it takes to do something different. As Christians, we sometimes have to stand up for what we consider right. When someone asks us to lie for them, we must resist. When someone shows us a new way to cheat, we must deny the urge and raise the banner of Jesus in our lives. Yes, battles between right and wrong will exist in our lives. So, is your banner ready? Do you have the courage to raise it aloft for all to see? Are you prepared to do spiritual battle against the temptations of the Devil? If so, then continue the good fight and keep your banner high! |
