The days before Christmas

Jeff · December 19, 2001, 12:40:23 PM

In 1944 as a young Army Air corpman listened to the wind whistling past the bullet holes in the B17 that now punctuated its right side, he remembered his promise of several days earlier. On a similar flight he had promised God that if returned safely to his young family, that he would follow any path in which the lord would lead, and for the next 50 years he did so without fail.

Christmas was a special time for the corpman and his family, celebrating each one with his wife and 3 young daughters and then eventually at the age of 40 a son and another daughter. One of the traditions the corpman had was to relate to his family what he called "God's version" of the Night before Christmas. Eventually the son would continue to share the story with his family and friends.

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem because he was of the house and lineage of David To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

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 came upon them, and the glory 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 Saviour, 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.

I love you Dad and I miss you.
Merry Christmas everyone.

timberbeast · December 19, 2001, 01:59:48 PM

Poignant, and touching..............

DanG · December 19, 2001, 03:04:57 PM

What a wonderful story, Jeff, and Thank you for sharing it with us.

Merry Christmas

Jeff · December 24, 2002, 07:31:37 PM

I wanted to bring this up where it belongs. Merry Christmas folks!

Tom · December 24, 2002, 07:39:19 PM

Merry Christmas, Tiny Tim!

Paul_H · December 24, 2002, 08:18:57 PM

Merry Christmas all.

whitepe · December 24, 2002, 08:33:30 PM

And to all a good night!

RavioliKid · December 25, 2002, 04:15:40 PM

God bless us, everyone!

:D

Jeff · December 20, 2004, 01:17:25 PM

I wanted to bring this up for my Dad.

Fla._Deadheader · December 20, 2004, 01:54:21 PM

I'd say ya done just fine, Boss.

:D Merry Christmas to one and all.

Patty · December 20, 2004, 02:01:16 PM

Nice story Jeff...thank you for sharing.

EZ · December 20, 2004, 03:20:50 PM

Thank you, Jeff and Merry Christmas to you and your family.

My dad was tuff on me in my earlier years but I love him and miss him also.
EZ

WoodSmith · December 20, 2004, 03:34:06 PM

Thanks for posting that for all to share in, its a blessing

The Bible says that we are to honor or Father and Mother.
You bring much honor to the Brokaw name. (seriously)

Merry Christmas to you and your family Jeff

And Happy Birthday Jesus

fstedy · December 20, 2004, 04:10:38 PM

Family traditions are wonderful, they bind the generations together. To all MERRY CHRISTMAS.

Grawulf · December 20, 2004, 04:18:16 PM

You're the man Jeff - God's blessings on you and your household. I'm prayin' that He touches your shoulder in a way that amazes you. A very merry Christmas to you and to each one on this forum! May He come close!
Devan

sandmar · December 20, 2004, 06:25:00 PM

Thanks for sharing Jeff,
What a great tribute to your Dad! Also a glimpse of what makes you the man you are today. Tis true the fruit doesn't fall far from the tree.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Sandmar

UNCLEBUCK · December 20, 2004, 06:35:34 PM

Merry Christmas Jeff . Thanks for not turning me into a pumpkin and I promise to never tangle with the boys in the kiln drying section again !

Percy · December 20, 2004, 07:47:22 PM

Heya Jeff,
Thanks for the story. The true meaning of Christmas can easily get lost these days. The guy in the B17 was your dad?? ???

Merry Christmas everyone.....

DanG · December 20, 2004, 08:04:24 PM

Thanks for bringing this back to the top again, Big Guy. It's becoming a ForestryForum tradition, too.

Merry Christmas, all!

Woodcarver · December 20, 2004, 08:49:35 PM

Thanks, Jeff. I lost my dad, who was also a WWII, vet in the spring of this year. He is gone, but still with us this holiday season.

Merry Christmas everyone and God Bless......

TN_man · December 21, 2004, 02:04:50 AM

I too am thankful for my Dad and the Christain hertiage and legacy that he left for us kids. In our home Christmas never became about us but was always about what God did for us.
I can only hope that my kids look back at their memories of Christmas as a magical time where family and God were really important to me.
Thanks for sharing the story, Jeff
Merry Christmas to all my FF brothers and sisters 8)

SwampDonkey · December 21, 2004, 04:29:14 AM

Brought even a tear to the SwampDonkey. I used to read that at the christmas concert in church, as a young whipper snapper. Merry Christams all.

redpowerd · December 21, 2004, 05:25:01 AM

kinda puts santa in his place, eh?

Roxie · December 21, 2004, 06:01:04 AM

God Bless
Merry Christmas

Timber_Framer · December 21, 2004, 08:19:48 AM

Thanks for the story Jeff.
My Grandfather was in a German POW camp for one Christmas and the only thing he ever shared about that experience was singing "Oh Tannenbaum" along with his captors that Christmas eve. Every year before we opened presents we sang Oh Christmas Tree in English followed by the German version. He could never finish the song without a flood of tears. He died in 82 but we still sing both versions of the song each year, now I can't hold back the flood of tears.
Merry Christmas all!

2bearslumber · December 21, 2004, 04:28:32 PM

Very nice story Jeff. Thanks for sharing it.
Merry Christmas to you too...
Merry Christmas all!

Captain · December 23, 2004, 03:58:05 AM

AMEN

Thanks for the Christmas present, Jeff

Captain

Jeff · December 01, 2005, 11:40:46 AM

I try to bring this up most every year for Christmas and to help Remember my Dad. (You all would have liked him). This year I thought of it a little earlier because of the Christmas tree vrs holiday tree thread here:
https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?topic=15621.0;all

Saki · December 01, 2005, 01:19:25 PM

Very timely thread. Merry Christmas to all. I think it very important to remember our folks in uniform like Jeffs dad, particularly at this time of the year. We have someone very dear to us who should be out of Iraq to Kuwait and then home. His supervisors say he will be home not later than Dec18 and I can't wait until his boots are on American soil. Best wishes to all.

Texas Ranger · December 01, 2005, 02:20:03 PM

Tom, Jeff B got a gimp now? ;D

Ernie · December 01, 2005, 05:05:21 PM

Thanks for sharing with us Jeff.

Merry Christmas to you all.

sawman · December 01, 2005, 07:56:51 PM

MERRY CHRISTMAS to every one here at The Forestry Forum

Den Socling · December 01, 2005, 08:09:16 PM

Jeff,

We are all better off because of your hard work. You are a hell of a guy. Merry Christmas, my friend.

And best wishes to all at the great Forestry Forum.
Den

Jeff · December 20, 2014, 06:23:35 PM

It has been quite sometime since this was first posted. I would like to bring it back up to wish everyone a Merry Christmas like my Dad would have.

Jeff · December 20, 2014, 07:47:27 PM

I some how locked this topic when I posted on it via my phone. sure didn't mean to do that!

POSTON WIDEHEAD · December 20, 2014, 07:58:32 PM

What a refresher of what Christmas is all about.
I can tell your Dad was a special man to you. I'll bet he was a blessing to everyone that came in contact with him.
Very good post Brother. Merry Christmas.

sandhills · December 20, 2014, 09:01:42 PM

Merry Christmas Jeff, that was very nice, thank you for bringing that back up.

ellmoe · December 20, 2014, 09:23:24 PM

Merry Christmas to all of my Forestry Forum friends! Thanks for the story, Jeff.
Mark

Magicman · December 20, 2014, 09:50:20 PM

Thanks Jeff. This one was "hidden" and I do not remember ever seeing it. Yes, we remember and carry on for those who have gone on before us. We remember them in our heart, but it is also good to share.

DanG · December 20, 2014, 10:22:44 PM

Thanks for bringing this back, Jeff. It not only is a wonderful reminder of the real Christmas spirit, it also brings back wonderful memories of Forumites who have moved on out of our lives, for whatever reason. I see some names in the first year of this thread that were key in formulating the Forestry Forum creed of generosity and human love. That is something that has become very rare in this world, and I thank you for keeping it alive. Merry Christmas to all of my Forestry Forum friends!

Qweaver · December 20, 2014, 10:47:13 PM

Thanks for posting this, Jeff. Reverend Sarah always reads this to us as well. Merry Christmas.

Quinton

slider · December 21, 2014, 02:50:49 AM

Great story Jeff Merry Christmas .

Chuck White · December 21, 2014, 08:47:52 AM

Like Lynn, I haven't seen this thread before either.

Great story Jeff, thanks for posting.

Read throught it just now and there were words and names that brought a tear to this ole guys eye!

Merry Christmas to all.

coxy · December 21, 2014, 05:11:50 PM

I to never came a crossed this post and thanks jeff for doing such a great job MARRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERY ONE from cox logging

Josef · December 21, 2014, 08:49:09 PM

Wonderful thread Jeff, family has always been a central point in our lives, being of old Czech lineage we have been celebrating our elders for generations. My grandfather brought his family to this wonderful country in the midst of WWII and we were raised with an appreciation and pride for our heritage. I'm sure he was much like your father with character to aspire to. His greatest lessons to us were to be self reliant, try to be honorable, and that devotion to family was not negotiable.

I miss him, miss that I could always rely on his honesty, though sometimes as a youngster it took a bit (sometimes years) to understand his wisdom. No matter what it always came back to family.

From our family to all of yours, may the blessings that have been so richly bestowed upon ours be shared with yours. Merry Christmas All

Joe

SawyerBrown · December 21, 2014, 10:31:26 PM

Jeff, thanks for putting "Christ" back in "Christmas".

Me thinks your dad would be very proud. What an awesome Christmas tradition to pass on.

Merry Christmas to you and yours, and to all the good people on the Forestry Forum.

sandsawmill14 · December 22, 2014, 12:06:54 AM

thanks jeff for that wonderful story. I read through all the comments and not one negative remark!!! that means this is the forum where the good people hang out 8) 8) smiley_clapping :christmas: everyone

Wisconsintimber · December 23, 2014, 05:08:12 PM

Thanks for revisiting this Jeff. Nice read.
Merry Chrismas everyone, Christ is born!

pine · December 23, 2014, 05:16:34 PM

Nice post Jeff

Jeff · December 22, 2017, 01:21:35 PM

It has been a few years since bringing this up. Merry Christmas everyone.

barbender · December 22, 2017, 01:38:50 PM

Very nice, Jeff, and a fine tradition and heritage your dad gave you all👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

Bert · December 22, 2017, 01:39:51 PM

Thank you for the story! Merry Christmas!

51cub · December 22, 2017, 02:30:57 PM

I love that story. It's one I never get tired of. Thanks for bringing it up!

Carson-saws · December 22, 2017, 02:51:03 PM

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL and a SAFE New Year...

TimGA · December 27, 2017, 10:18:07 PM

Very nice, timeless, thanks Jeff.

Jeff · December 24, 2021, 01:45:25 PM

Quote from: Jeff on December 19, 2001, 12:40:23 PM
In 1944 as a young Army Air corpman listened to the wind whistling past the bullet holes in the B17 that now punctuated its right side, he remembered his promise of several days earlier. On a similar flight he had promised God that if returned safely to his young family, that he would follow any path in which the lord would lead, and for the next 50 years he did so without fail.

Christmas was a special time for the corpman and his family, celebrating each one with his wife and 3 young daughters and then eventually at the age of 40 a son and another daughter. One of the traditions the corpman had was to relate to his family what he called "God's version" of the Night before Christmas. Eventually the son would continue to share the story with his family and friends.

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem because he was of the house and lineage of David To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

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 came upon them, and the glory 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 Saviour, 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.

I love you Dad and I miss you.
Merry Christmas everyone.

Merry Christmas everyone. I Got exactly what I wanted for Christmas. My daughter out of The I.C.U. and back in her home after a battle with a Complex plural effusion. Some scary times right up until last night when things really started going the right direction. She will have a visiting nurse for a few days but shes home!
Merry Christmas everyone

Special thanks to @doc henderson and @doctorb for all the personal support the last couple weeks.

thecfarm · December 24, 2021, 01:51:53 PM

Now that's a Christmas present!!!!!

Peter Drouin · December 24, 2021, 02:20:26 PM

:christmas:

SwampDonkey · December 24, 2021, 02:26:33 PM

Merry Christmas Stacey

, Jeremy, Jeff and Tammy. Have a safe and healthy time.

Magicman · December 24, 2021, 02:41:28 PM

Yes, the Best Christmas Prayers answered. Thank You Jeff for the picture and to Stacy for the Smile.

MVDeerxing · December 24, 2021, 03:04:10 PM

I just read the whole post, very touching and heart felt family history. Thank you for sharing it.

What a great day for you and the rest of your family.

From My Family to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and may everyone enjoy a healthy and safe New Year.

There are Miracles on earth as in Heaven, enjoy the moment.