Wishing You a Very “Snoopy” Christmas

Christmas

In 1967 the Royal Guardsmen released “Snoopy’s Christmas.” The song, which followed up their hit “Snoopy vs. the Red Baron,” is a favorite on many radio stations this time of year. In the song, Snoopy goes up against German ace fighter pilot “the Red Baron” on Christmas Eve during World War I. In the end, the Baron invites Snoopy to land with him; the pair exchange Christmas wishes, and part ways “each knowing they’d meet on some other day.”

The song echoes the wish for peace on earth and goodwill to man that so many talk about this time of year. What many people do not realize, however, is that in Christmas of 1914 Allied and German soldiers actually did pause from fighting to celebrate Christmas together.

The event has gone down in history as “The Christmas Truce of 1914.” Soldiers from both sides left their trenches and crossed the lines of battle unarmed. They sang songs together, exchanged food and small gifts, and played soccer. Against the backdrop of something so horrific as World War I, men still found it in their hearts to treat each other like men at least for one day.

“Snoopy’s Christmas” is a lighthearted retelling of that story, but the message is still there. At Family Council, we are so glad to have friends like you standing with us in the fight preserve, protect, and strengthen traditional family values. If you have not already done so, I hope you will make a generous, tax-deductible gift of $50 on our website to help us finish 2013 strong and begin 2014 with confidence. Click here to donate.

In the spirit of peace and goodwill this Christmas season, I hope you and your family have a very “Snoopy” Christmas.

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Words from Our Founders: Congressional Prayer Proclamation, 1780

Thanksgiving, Words From Our Founders,

Today we continue our Words From Our Founders series examining our Founding Fathers’ own words on religion, religious liberty, and morality.

In honor of Thanksgiving, below is a proclamation issued by the Continental Congress on October 18, 1780. The proclamation establishes December 7, 1780, as a day of “public thanksgiving and prayer.” The proclamation also makes a reference to Benedict Arnold’s treason, which was exposed before it could be fully executed.

Whereas it hath pleased Almighty God, the Father of all mercies, amidst the vicissitudes and calamities of war, to bestow blessings on the people of these states, which call for their devout and thankful acknowledgments, more especially in the late remarkable interposition of his watchful providence, in rescuing the person of our Commander in Chief and the army from imminent dangers, at the moment when treason was ripened for execution; in prospering the labours of the husbandmen, and causing the earth to yield its increase in plentiful harvests; and, above all, in continuing to us the enjoyment of the gospel of peace;

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Words From Our Founders: Congressional Prayer Proclamation, 1779

Thanksgiving, Words From Our Founders,

Today we continue our Words From Our Founders series examining our Founding Fathers’ own words on religion, religious liberty, and morality.

In honor of Thanksgiving, we have, below, a proclamation issued by the Continental Congress on October 20, 1779, calling on the different states to fix a day of thanksgiving and prayer.

Whereas it becomes us humbly to approach the throne of Almighty God, with gratitude and praise, for the wonders which his goodness has wrought in conducting our forefathers to this western world; for his protection to them and to their posterity, amidst difficulties and dangers; for raising us their children from deep distress, to be numbered among the nations of the earth; and for arming the hands of just and mighty Princes in our deliverance; and especially for that he hath been pleased to grant us the enjoyment of health and so to order the revolving seasons, that the earth hath produced her increase in abundance, blessing the labours of the husbandman, and spreading plenty through the land; that he hath prospered our arms and those of our ally, been a shield to our troops in the hour of danger, pointed their swords to victory, and led them in triumph over the bulwarks of the foe; that he hath gone with those who went out into the wilderness against the savage tribes; that he hath stayed the hand of the spoiler, and turned back his meditated destruction; that he hath prospered our commerce, and given success to those who sought the enemy on the face of the deep; and above all, that he hath diffused the glorious light of the gospel, whereby, through the merits of our gracious Redeemer, we may become the heirs of his eternal glory. Therefore,

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