Christmas Eve of 1776

By Christmas Eve of 1776, the American Revolution was, in essence, over. The Americans had lost. George Washington was out of options. His army, now down to only a few thousand, had lost seven battles in a row and was freezing on the west bank of the Delaware River awaiting the end. The British, on the other hand had 33,000 soldiers, well over a hundred ships and were partying in New York City and preparing for the final surrender. Most of the American troops had resolve, but they had lost hope that England could ever be defeated.

Half of Washington’s army, 1,500 men, were quitting that week and going home because their enlistments were up. Washington decided on one final offensive. He gathered the same fishermen who had helped him retreat in August from New York and had his beleaguered troops ferried across the half frozen Delaware at midnight on Christmas Day. Just before they boarded the boats, the General had the American Crisis, the challenge by Thomas Paine, read to the men.

“These are the times that try men’s souls: the summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it now deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: ‘Tis dearness only that gives everything its value. Heaven knows how to set a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed, if so celestial an article as freedom should not be highly rated.”

Washington and his troops crossed the Delaware and routed the Hessian mercenaries with a victory that changed the course of history. Almost all of the American soldiers re-enlisted. France began to support the cause and hope reinvigorated the colonists.

Excerpts from Dr. Marshall Foster’s George Washington’s Christmas Miracle.

It is fitting at this time of the year to lay our fears aside and remember those who risked life and limb for all of the freedoms we now enjoy, including the freedom to worship as we please.  Have a safe and relaxing holiday with family and friends!
= = = = = = = = = = = = = 

Here's another excerpt from an article about the current govt. shutdown and how the authors feel it relates to the story I've shared above:

But Washington was not going to give up the American cause without a fight.  In an incredibly bold and risky maneuver, he decided to load his entire army ? men, horses and munitions ? into boats to cross the icy Delaware River on Christmas night.

To inspire his men, Washington ordered them to assemble for a public reading of Thomas Paine’s new pamphlet, “The American Crisis,” which had just been published on December 19: “These are the times that try men’s souls.  The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.”

On December 23 and 24, many boats were collected and secured with the help of experienced seamen.The crossing began at sundown December 25, and lasted all night amid horrendous weather:  rain, sleet, snow, ice, and winds that were called a hurricane.

It was daylight on December 26 when troops reassembled on the Jersey shore.  They marched 9 miles to Trenton where they surprised and defeated a contingent of British-allied Hessian troops, took them prisoner and captured their food, supplies and horses.

That was the early turning point in the American Revolution, thanks to the leadership of George Washington against all odds.  Trump displays the same kind of initiative needed to put our Nation back on the path sought by our Founders.

Amid the current Democrat-caused shutdown, Trump delivers to the People the best Christmas present a president can give:  leadership to Make America Great Again.