Remember our troops.  Around the world, men and women in uniform will celebrate Christmas in whatever way they can.  They will do so with those that are closest to them—for our deployed troops, that may be the soldiers next to them.

For some, it will merely be the continuation of an annual tradition that will remind them of friends and family.  For military Christians, it will be the celebration of the birth of their Savior.  Some will sing Christmas songs and sit in Christmas services; some will have no ability to mark the occasion other than a private thought between tactical maneuvers. Many will celebrate Christmas while in uniform, on base, or on maneuvers, unashamed of their Savior’s humble estate and well within the bounds of military regulations.

There may be controversies—over Nativity scenes in front of military chapels, the religiosity of base lighting ceremonies for Christmas or “holiday” trees (even in Iraq and Afghanistan), or Chaplains who tell the true Christmas story outside of the walls of their chapel.  Nevertheless, military Christians can be assured that they have the freedom to celebrate their faith, even as they serve their country around the world.

Also remember those who will be celebrating Hannakuh, which will overlap Christmas this year and begin on 21 December.