Optional Scripture: Isaiah 7:10-16 (lectionary text)

I am certain that I am in the majority when I count myself as among those who find themselves closest to God when the hour of greatest need arrives.  For those of us who have made a career in the Combat Arms, that vocation has placed us in needful circumstances all too often.  When you are in mortal danger with no succor in sight, tired beyond description, hungry, parched, and filthy, with the support of your loved ones thousands of miles away, I can testify from personal experience that your most desperate wish is for God and his Son to be your companions. I testify that he answered my calls.  Many of the finest warriors I have known are dedicated Christians.  Combat soldiers aren’t joking when they say there are no atheists in foxholes — and it is not called the Service by accident.  In sum, I believe that we must embrace our tribulations with thanksgiving letting our light shine before others as we celebrate the presence of the Holy Spirit who is always with us in our hour of need.