As I write this, the recent Presidential election is not settled. As you read this, one of two things has happened. The Constitution has withstood another challenge, and George W. Bush is President, or... a successful and tragic (for the Republic) court case has made Albert Gore the President

       In the interim, we celebrated a day set aside by some desperately grateful people who had left homelands and oppressive governments. This day of gratitude was directed to a "Divine Providence" that brought them to these distant shores, and protected them through privation and suffering. A day set aside, not for gluttonous excess, but a day of true gratitude to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who had sustained and protected them. Appropriately enough, it was called "Thanksgiving".

       Recently, many of you took the responsibilities of citizenship seriously enough to actually vote. You followed the mostly clear instructions on the ballots (or sought help) and made your voice heard. You may or may not agree with the outcome. However, you at least had the choice. Thank God for the privilege of participating in government!

        "gov / ern / ment" - the exercise of authority in a political unit; rule

        "... government of the people, for the people, by the people..." (Abraham Lincoln)

       Some may be unaware of some of the provisions of the Constitution of the United States. To wit...

       Section 1. All legislative powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress in the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and a House of Representatives.

       Section 1. (1) Executive power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America. He shall hold his office during the term of four years, and together with the Vice President, chosen for the same term, be elected as follows:

        (2) Each state shall appoint... a number of electors equal to the whole number of Senators and Representatives to which the state may be entitled in Congress...

       Section 1. The judicial power of the United States shall be vested in one Supreme Court, and in such inferior courts, as Congress may from time to time ordain and establish...

       Now cometh the day of an un-elected official. No Congress... no Supreme Court... no President... no electors... no lawyers... no precincts... no political parties. Let me put it this way. "... every tramping warrior's war boots, and all his armor in the battle tumult, and every garment rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire." (So much for the election process.)

       Many have begun to prepare to acknowledge this "non-elected" ruler. No votes, cast for or against this ruler, matter. The judicial branch and its learned pontifications cannot overthrow the mandate given this government. The laws cannot be questioned, challenged, or overturned. There are no amendments. There are no appeals to a higher court. The Constitution is articulated in a clear and forthright manner. While subjected to interpretations, He has the last word.

       Now cometh upon us the day set aside to mark the birth of this new government. A day celebrated by practically every human being. With or without knowledge of the name, essence, or particulars of this government, they pause to acknowledge its existence. Ignorance of the law is no excuse.

       Now cometh the "Un-elected Official"... For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and of peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David and over His Kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from the latter time forth, even forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of Hosts shall perform this. (Isaiah 9:5-7)

       All votes cancelled!

       Happy Election Day! Or said the right way... "MERRY CHRISTMAS!"