Chaplain: We ask for healing of wounds unseen
Greetings from your Chaplain!
Winter seemed to sneak up on us. One day I’m taking a beautiful fall ride on my Harley trike, and the next day the shovels and snowblowers came out!
My post, Bloomington Post 550, was invited to help with bingo at the Minneapolis Veterans Home. I was asked to call the bingo games, which have changed since my last visit. The computer and mouse and large screens make it easier. The veterans really enjoyed the games and are looking forward to next month’s bingo.
The very next day I offered the prayer at the 84th annual Pheasent Luncheon at the Minneapolis Veterans Home. Thank you to all the districts and posts for making donations to purchase 582 pheasants for the pheasant luncheons around our great state. The following Saturday, I attended the Pearl Harbor Rally at the Buffalo Post 270. Thank you to the commander and kitchen staff for a tasty lunch.
Heavenly father, on this holy Christmas, we thank you for the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. We lift up our American Legion Family: our active-duty heroes far from home, their courageous families and cherished veterans. Watch over them and grant them comfort, healing, and strength. Help us as Legionnaires, to embody your love by serving our communities, remembering the fallen, and working for a world where all may know peace and freedom. Guide us, O Lord, in all we do, in your holy name. Amen.
The true meaning of Christmas centers on the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ as God’s son, fulfilling prophecy to bring salvation, hope and reconciliation to humanity through his life, sacrificial death and resurrection, culminating internal life, with the season celebrating this divine love and new beginning.
The events leading up to his birth involved prophecies, an Angel’s Annunciation to Mary, and a census leading Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born in humble conditions, heralded by angels to shepherds, and visited by wise men bearing gifts. After his birth, Jesus grew, taught, performed miracles, and ultimately died for our sins, making Christmas a Celebration of God’s profound love becoming human.
Heavenly father, as we enter the New Year, we ask you Lord for your divine protection of our veterans and their families. We would also like to include the healing of wounds that cannot be seen (like PTSD), strength for ongoing service, and comfort for families enduring separation or loss, filling their homes with your peace, hope and enduring love, guiding them in your light, and granting them courage and renewed purpose in you, now and always.
Jim Mead of Bloomington Post 550 is the chaplain for The American Legion Department of Minnesota.