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Throughout my life I have always experienced the joys of Christmas. But once, many years ago, in order to keep that string of joyous Christmases intact, there had to be a miracle. Throughout my life I have always experienced the joys of Christmas. No Dickensesque Christmas replete with coals in my stocking for me. They’ve all been Christmases of familial congeniality, caroling, and midnight Mass. But once, many years ago, in order to keep that string of joyous Christmases intact, there had to be a miracle. It was 1958 and I was twelve years old. My brother, Jim, was four...

The holidays mark a time to celebrate and take delight in the company of family and old friends. It is also a fitting time to take note of the peace we enjoy together, and those who have secured it for us. Most Americans are celebrating the holidays in comfort at home. From that perspective, the world seems safe, and so it should. We must remember, though, that this peace is earned by the brave men and women of our Armed Forces , many of whom are overseas defending our homeland against America's enemies. They are sons and daughters, fathers and...