Christmas Greetings to Polish Soldiers in Afghanistan

Freedom is a precious treasure that some people take for granted, believing that after having won it, freedom can never be lost again. Theirs is a perilous assumption that puts nations and the world at great risk. History keeps telling us the same stories - about freedoms lost and then restored, only to be lost once again; and of nations whose defenses were ill-prepared in the face of threats and invasion. Though we enjoy freedom in our own lands, the world is still a hostile place.

This Christmas as in every year, our hearts and minds are filled with the hopes of peace on earth, and good will towards all men. Every man, woman, and child wishes for peace. Peace-loving activists desperately want to believe that world peace is attainable. Hope is necessary because it provides sustenance for the soul and inspires us to reach higher goals for the common good.  In truth the best scenario that we can truly hope to attain in this world is a tenuous peace, or rather the state of non-war. That is just the way the world is, has been, and probably always will be. But freedom is always worth fighting for. We cannot consider the alternative.

We thank God for the soldier - for You. You put yourself in the line of danger every moment of every day with only one objective in mind - to do your Duty. There is nothing greater in this world than Honour and the willingness to defend your country - and the world. Your motto, " For Your Freedom and Ours"  still rings true. It holds that no nation can truly be free as long as other nations are held in chains. It compels strong nations to defend its neighbours against tyranny, because evil, when left unchecked is a danger to everyone around the world. You are true heroes each and we are humbled by your selfless commitment and courage. Our expression of thanks are small in comparison to the great sacrifices you are making, but these words come from the heart. Thank You.

Though you are far away from home, in a hostile land, do not despair, for the eyes of the world are upon you, and our prayers and thoughts are with you always. We pray for your safety as you carry out your duties. We pray that the Lord grant you strength and perseverance and guidance. We pray that your missions are successful.. And we pray that you will soon return safely to your loving family and friends.

May The Lord bless you and keep you.

May the Lord make His face to shine upon you,
and be gracious to you.

May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
and give you peace. 
Abba

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Wesołych Świąt i Szczęśliwego Nowego Roku
Joyeux Noel et Bonne Annee
Buon Natale e Felice Anno Nuovo
Veselé Vianoce a šťastný Nový Rok
Prettige Kerstdagen en Gelukkig Nieuwjaar
Καλά Χριστούγεννα και Ευτυχισμένο το Νέο Έτος
Frohe Weihnachten und ein Glückliches Neues Jahr 
С Рождеством Христовым и Новым Годом 

I found an inspiring poem on the internet written by LCpl James M. Schmidt, USMC, 1986.  He urged everyone who reads this poem to send it to as many people as possible. It is a tribute to all soldiers and expresses our deepest gratitude for their sacrifices.

I have reprinted the entire poem on this blog with very minute changes. The original version can be found at http://mrmom.amaonline.com/asoldierschristmas.htm


 

"THE SOLDIERS NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS"

 Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,

In a one bedroom house made of plaster & stone.

I had come down the chimney, with presents to give

and to see just who in this home did live

As I looked all about, a strange sight I did see,

no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.

No stocking by the fire, just boots filled with sand.

On the wall hung pictures of a far distant land.

With medals and badges, awards of all kinds,

a sobering thought soon came to my mind.

For this house was different, unlike any I'd seen.

This was the home of a soldier just barely nineteen.

I'd heard stories about them, I had to see more,

so I walked down the hall and pushed open the door.

And there he lay sleeping, silent, alone,

Curled up on the floor in his one-bedroom home.

He seemed so gentle, his face so serene,

I could never have pictured him as a Marine

Was this the hero, of whom I’d just read?

Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed?

His head was clean-shaven, his weathered face tan.

I soon understood, this was more than a man.

For I realized the families that I saw that night,

owed their lives to these men, who were willing to fight.

Soon around the Nation, the children would play,

And grown-ups would celebrate on a bright Christmas day.

They all enjoyed freedom, each month and all year,

because of soldiers like this one lying here.

I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone,

on a cold Christmas Eve, in a land far from home.

Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye.

I dropped to my knees and I started to cry.

He must have awoken, for I heard a rough voice,

"Santa, don't cry, this life is my choice

I fight for freedom, I don't ask for more.

My life is my God, my Country, my Corps."

With that he rolled over, drifted off into sleep,

I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.

I watched him for hours, so silent and still.

I noticed he shivered from the cold night's chill.

So I took off my jacket, the one made of red,

and covered this soldier from his toes to his head.

Then I put on his T-shirt of scarlet and gold,

with an eagle, globe and anchor emblazoned so bold.

And although it barely fit me, I began to swell with pride,

and for one shining moment, I was a soldier deep inside.

I didn't want to leave him so quiet in the night,

this Guardian of Honor so willing to fight.

But half asleep he rolled over, and in a voice clean and pure,

said "Carry on, Santa, it's Christmas Day, all secure."

One look at my watch and I knew he was right,

Merry Christmas my friend, Semper Fi and goodnight.

I have assembled a selection of music videos featuring the most beloved Polish

Christmas Carols. I do hope you enjoy them!  Merry Christmas!

Anna Maria Jopek  -  Jezus Malusienki (Koleda z wysokosci)





Czerwone Gitary-Jest Taki Dzien





Cala Noc padal snieg - Beata Rybotycka

Bog sie Rodzi - Filharmonia Narodowa





Koncert Koled i Pastoralek Wsrod Nocnej Ciszy - Golec uOrkiestra






Cicha Noc Swieta Noc





Bozena Makowiecka & Lech Makowiecki (Zayazd)





Christmas in Poland




Poznan Nightingales - Halleluia




Swieta - Winter Wonderland (in Polish)




Warsaw Boy`s Choir - Polish Christmas Carols 4




Polish Christmas - Epiphany - Gdy sie, Chrystos Rodzi & Medrcy Swiata

 

Suggested Link:

http://polishgreatness.com