INTRODUCTION (Book Preview)
I.C.E. was raised in a large Christian family and the Holy Bible was the source of information about life’s problems that he and his family faced. The way people turn to their computers for information, they turned to the Bible. For his family, the Bible was their friend, counselor, policeman, lawyer, and doctor. Celebrating holidays was an important part of their family life based on the Biblical values on which our Nation was founded.
In his new book In Honor of God, Country, and Family: Poems Celebrating Our Holidays and Heritage, I.C.E. covers every season and most holidays of the year. The emphasis and focus of these poems is love and reverence for Almighty God, family, and country. Included in these poems are some that honor presidents and civil rights leaders, as well as the men and women who have served our country, both now and in past generations. I.C.E. honors God, family heritage, and our great country by his moving poetic portrayals of each holiday included in the book.
Dr. Mark Chapman, co-author and editor, has added informative introductory information regarding the history pertinent to each holiday, which sheds light on the reasons for the holiday and reveals its time-honored significance.
Whenever a family, church, or civic organization seeks a celebratory reading for use on any of these holidays, they need look no further – the poems included here will move the hearts of all in attendance.
New Year’s Day
The first day of the Gregorian calendar year, A time of celebration and a sort of “closet cleaning day” When we go through the habits, occupations, and Accomplishments of the old year, keep what was of worth and Usefulness, and discard the rest, replacing it with new plans and renewed resolve to fulfill those plans.
New Year’s Day (January 1) Celebrations are in order For a new year has arrived Looking forward to this New Year With its promise, let us thrive
The old year is gone It is time to look ahead Unfulfilled dreams behind us, New ones now in their stead!
A new chance to realize A dream, the year gone by Opportunity now before us, Let’s release a thankful sigh.
As the years come and go With another we are blessed As each year passes by, There is new hope for success.
When a new year has arrived, Let’s be at our very best Let us improve ourselves And settle for no less.
Greetings unto all Happy New Year, I must say! Be blessed in this New Year, Also on this special day
Being blessed to see another, Let’s thank God for this New Year, May He lead and guide us With our hearts to Him sincere.
Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday
Observed on the third Monday in January to honor this great man who promoted non-violence, protest racial discrimination and advance civil rights for all. Dr. King first did this from his pulpit at Ebenezer Baptist Church. He painstakingly hand-wrote every word of every sermon. This is historical and transformational reading. Readers may imagine hearing His booming voice resonating through the Span of years as if it was yesterday.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday (3rd Monday in January)
A humble man was chosen Who fought for unity and love! Equality and peace on earth He believed were from above.
Within him was a vision Of a world of blended colors Combined to form a masterpiece of respect for one another.
This soldier of peace and tolerance Wanted all men to believe That working together as one Greater things could be achieved.
By the efforts of this man Wheels of unity began to turn With hearts burning within For harmony we did yearn.
He shared his dream throughout The entire world and its great lands Believing that one day All God’s children would join hands.
Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday
Observed on February 12, Lincoln was our 16th president. He led the country through the American Civil War which helped preserve the Union and eradicate slavery by signing the Emancipation Proclamation document. His gaunt bearded face and simple homespun bits of wisdom are emblazoned in the minds of most Americans. For many he is as much an icon of American life as apple pie!
Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday (February 12th)
His life began as a farmer’s son; In a simple log cabin he was raised Where he learned the true values of life Embracing honorable ways
His path led him to Illinois Where a respectable lawyer he became, Fighting for the rights of all men! This contributed to his great fame.
As our nation’s 16th president He brought slavery to an end Proclaiming that it should be That freedom was for all men
The prayers of many were answered Because of this great man They put their trust in God And placed their lives in his hands!
So on this special holiday With all due respect Upon our sixteenth president With honor let’s reflect.
George Washington’s Birthday
Was first declared a federal holiday by an act of Congress in 1879. Although many people now refer to the third Monday in February as “President’s Day”, no federal act or declaration ever changed the name of the holiday from Washington’s Birthday (Although the official date was changed by the Uniform Holidays Act of 1968 to the third Monday in February). Though many other presidents left legacies worthy of celebration, Washington’s Birthday stands alone to commemorate the birth date of a man who was both a General in the war which birthed our nation, and the first President of our nation. And of course, everyone has heard about young Washington’s legendary exploit with a cherry tree.
George Washington’s Birthday (February 22 –celebrated on 3rd Monday in February) From the president’s childhood A lesson can be learned And quite easily discerned
When George was very young, Walking his family’s farm With hatchet in his hand He caused reason for alarm!
With a few short chops of his hatchet A cherry tree lay at his feet His father stood before him – Little George could not retreat!
George thought for a moment, Hatchet hid behind his back – Should he lie about the matter! And deny his wrongful act?
Our young future president Knew what he had to do; With tears in his eyes He told his dad the truth.
He may have faced harsh punishment (Our history does not say) But the character he displayed Was truth and honor that day!
Let us teach our children honesty And help them understand That truth is always best To preserve and bless this land!
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