I know what it is like to be thousands of miles away from home on Christmas during a war.   I missed two Christmases with family while serving in Vietnam.   One Christmas, I was at sea en route to Vietnam, and the other was in Vietnam.  I can identify with the loneliness that is felt by those serving in a time of war.  It is not something I would wish on anyone.   I was not gone as long as many in World War II, but I can relate to the Christmas Song’s sentiment, “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.” 

I have attempted to research the history and story behind the song, released by Bing Crosby around the Christmas Season in 1943.   It was written from the perspective of a soldier serving overseas in that war.  The song’s last line reveals that being home for Christmas was not quite a reality for the moment, but the treasures and memories of home were in his dreams.

I discovered a story that touched my heart regarding this song, and I wish to share it with you.  Somewhere around Christmas in 1943, the chaplain on the Battleship North Carolina knew that the crew was feeling incredibly homesick.   They knew they would not be going home for Christmas, still fighting overseas for freedom.  He came up with the idea of collecting $5 from each crew member with children back home. 

The chaplain made a list of everyone who had given him money for their children at home, and he sent the money, along with the sailors’ home addresses, to Macy’s department store.  The request was for Macy’s to purchase gifts with the funds provided for the crew’s families and have them mailed to their homes for Christmas.

The crew gathered for their annual Christmas show aboard the ship.   A celebration involved songs, skits, and various forms of entertainment for the troops.   At the end of the celebration, the chaplain revealed his surprise for the men aboard.   

When Macy’s received the money and the list of addresses, they decided that, in addition to giving gifts to these military families, they should also give a one-of-a-kind gift to the soldiers.  Since they had the sailors’ home addresses, they reached out to each family member and asked whether they wanted to come to Macy’s and send a special message to their loved one who would not be home for Christmas.

The surprised men on the Battleship North Carolina sat there, watching their wives, children, and loved ones appear on screen as Macy’s videoed each one giving their Christmas greeting to their beloved serving in the war.  The sailors watched, wept, and rejoiced.  They were not home for Christmas, but that gift lifted a heavy burden as Macy’s demonstrated the spirit of Christmas, making December 25, 1943, a special day for the Battleship North Carolina’s crew. 

The song was written by Walter Kent and James Kimball Gannon.   The song touched the hearts of millions of Americans and is still a favorite of mine to this day.   In fact, in December 1965, having just completed the first U.S. space rendezvous and set a record for the longest flight in the U.S. space program, the astronauts Frank Borman and James Lovell hurtled back to Earth aboard Gemini 7.   They were asked by NASA communications personnel if they wanted any particular music piped up to them.   Their request,“I’ll Be Home For Christmas” by Bing Crosby. 

Little things that prove to be anything but little sometimes touch hearts in such a lasting way that time virtually stands still at that moment. 

• As I reflect on Christmases past, I think of my childhood, and although we had little in the way of material things, we had love. 
• As I think about my Christmases during the Vietnam War, I think of my fellow combatants and how the camaraderie we felt was unique, but the emptiness in each person’s eyes will never be forgotten. 
• As I think of my Christmases since becoming a Christian and I hear that song, I think of the ultimate homecoming and homecoming we will experience at the end of life. 

Yes, I think of heaven, and although I want to remain here with family as long as possible and do what God has purposed for my life, I have a sense of homesickness for a place I have never seen – Heaven.

On this day, Christmas 2024, I pray that you are home with family and loved ones; if you are not, I pray that the comfort of the Holy Spirit be with you and give you peace beyond the world’s comprehension.  May the true spirit of Christmas rise up in your heart, and the peace of God encompass your entire heart and mind.  Regardless of your situation, I ask that you remember the reason for the season and rejoice in God’s gift to man, Jesus Christ!

May the rich and bountiful blessings of the LORD be yours on this Christmas Day and every day of your life.  MERRY CHRISTMAS to one and all.