Sarah Sundin's Blog, page 495

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Dec. 12, 1941: Japanese make small-scale landings at Legaspi, Luzon in the Philippines.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Dec. 11, 1941: Germany and Italy declare war on US; US reciprocates. US east and west coasts placed on Category of Defense "C": attacks to be expected. Isolationist "America First" committee disbanded.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Dec. 10, 1941: British enter Tobruk, Libya, relieving 242-day German siege. First US bombing mission of war, as B-17s of the 19th Bomb Group attack Japanese ships off Luzon in the Philippines. British Prince of Wales and Repulse sunk off Malaya by Japanese aircraft; 730 killed—first time in history that battleships are sunk by planes.

The Advent Wreath - While Shepherds Watched...

One of my family's favorite Christmas traditions is the Advent wreath. On each of the four Sundays in Advent (the four weeks before Christmas), our family gathers around the wreath with cookies and eggnog and hot chocolate. Not only is this cozy family time, but it focuses us with joyful anticipation on the birth of Jesus.

This Sunday, December 11, is the third Sunday in Advent, but it's never too late to participate. If you'd like to join the Sundin family in this tradition, here are some family friendly, kid-tested ideas. Adjust these to the ages of any children present to create a meaningful time for your family.

Advent Week Three - The Shepherds' Candle

Candles:
Light two purple candles (the Prophets' Candle and the Bethlehem Candle), and the pink candle (the Shepherd's Candle). The pink symbolizes joy. Traditionally, the mother lights the candles.

Story:
Explain how the shepherds watched their flocks, heard the news that the Messiah had born, and went to see the Baby Jesus in the manger - and how they reacted with great joy.

Scriptures:
Isaiah 9:6-7 (Isaiah's prophecy of how the Messiah would be born as a child, of David's line, the Mighty God)
Luke 2:8-20 (how the shepherds heard the news and visited Jesus)
John 10:1-18 (Jesus as the Good Shepherd)
Philippians 2:1-11 (Jesus' attitude of humility, shedding his majesty to come to earth as a baby)

Songs:
"The First Noel"
"While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night"
"Joy to the World"

How can your family celebrate the joy of Jesus this Christmas?

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Dec. 9, 1941: Soviets retake Tikhvin, Russia, allowing easier supplying of Leningrad. Japanese invade Gilbert Islands, landing on Tarawa and Makin. Japanese occupy Bangkok, Thailand.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Dec. 8, 1941: President Roosevelt makes "a date which will live in infamy" speech to Congress about the Pearl Harbor attack. US declares war on Japan. Japanese forces land in Thailand and Malaya. San Francisco has first air raid alert and blackout.

70th Anniversary - Remember Pearl Harbor!

Seventy years ago, on December 6, 1941, twelve B-17 Flying Fortresses left Hamilton Field, north of San Francisco, bound for their new station on Mindanao in the Philippines. My great-uncle, Roderick M. Stewart, served as a second lieutenant on one of the crews.

The first leg of their journey would take them to Hickam Field in Honolulu. Weighted down by gasoline for the thirteen-hour flight, they were unable to carry ammunition. But why would they need it? The United States of America was at peace.

When the B-17s neared Hawaii the next morning, they were pleased to see fighter planes approach - to escort them to the landing field, they assumed. Imagine their shock when the fighters opened fire on them! When the fighters careened past and the Americans saw the red circles on the planes! Japanese Mitsubishi Zeros. The United States of America was no longer at peace.

The twelve unarmed bombers dodged both enemy bullets and friendly antiaircraft shells and landed where they could on fields cratered by bombs. Eight landed at Hickam Field, two at Haleiwa Field, one at Bellows Field, and one put down on Kahuku Golf Course. One of the planes was destroyed, and three were damaged. Six men were wounded, and one man was killed.

Lt. Rod Stewart emerged unscathed, served illustriously in the Army Air Force, and lived a long life. However, over 2400 Americans lost their lives that day.

The horrific results of the "Date That Will Live in Infamy" still shock us, as they should. The cost of unpreparedness must never be forgotten. We commemorate those who gave their lives for their country, not even knowing that country was at war, and give thanks for the millions who fought to end that war.

Never take freedom for granted.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Dec. 7, 1941: Japanese attack Pearl Harbor, 2403 killed. Hitler orders "Nacht und Nebel Erlass"—dissenters to disappear into "Night and Fog." In California, military guards are placed on the Golden Gate Bridge and at aircraft factories.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Dec. 6, 1941: Soviet Gen. Georgi Zhukov launches a counter-offensive north of Moscow against Germans.

If Only They'd Listened

On December 7, 1941, two Army Air Force radar operators on Oahu reported a blip on their screen, which looked like dozens of planes approaching Pearl Harbor. They reported it to Lt. Kermit Tyler, who had been on the job only two days. Tyler knew a squadron of twelve B-17 Flying Fortresses was due to arrive from San Francisco and land at Hickam Field at 8:00 am. He told the operators, "Don't worry about it." (http://articles.latimes.com/2010/feb/24/local/la-me-kermit-tyler25-2010feb25).

Radar was in its infancy, American planes were expected, and Tyler hadn't been adequately trained, but we still wonder what would have happened if he'd heeded the warning. The damage at Pearl Harbor would have been less if the sailors and antiaircraft gunners had been prepared and fighter planes had been dispatched. If more ships had survived, would the Japanese conquests around the Pacific have been slowed or stopped? We'll never know.

While Lieutenant Tyler had legitimate excuses, King Jehoiakim of Judah did not. In 605 B.C., King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon and his mighty army pressed his attack on Jerusalem. The Lord told Jeremiah to write down the description of the destruction that would come if they continued in their ungodly ways—and that if they repented, the Lord would forgive them. When the scroll was read to King Jehoiakim, he used his knife to cut up the scroll, strip by strip, and burned it.

He—and all of Judah—paid the price for his contemptuous dismissal.

God gives us warnings in Scripture for our own good. His warnings have two promises—continue in your sin and something bad will happen, or repent and be forgiven. He always offers hope and redemption, but only if we choose it. Rejoice in His love always, but never dismiss His warning. Unlike 1941-era radar, God's word is reliable.

"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" 2 Peter 3:9.