Christmas In The Dust

As the 1930's wore on, the rain still refused to fall on parts of Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico. The dusters got worse, health deteriorated, and money grew scarce as crops withered and what would come to be known as the Great Depression tightened its grip on the country. Every-day life became a battle against nature and necessity.

And yet life itself did go on. School and church were still a part of weekly schedules. There were still chores to be done, meals to be prepared (no matter how meager), and friends and family to visit.

And there was still Christmas.

Photo Credit: Cardboard Christmas

It's easy to look back from our 21st century cushion, with our abundance and what some consider over-commercialization of the holiday, and wince at the poverty of a Depression-era Christmas. And while it's true nowadays we have more physical "stuff," the holidays of the 1930s were, in some ways, very similar-and perhaps even better--than our own.

While some families today begin decorating for Christmas in November (or-gasp!-September), most decorating back then was done on Christmas Eve. While the drought killed off many trees, a good deal of families were still able to secure one (remember--this was long before plastic Christmas trees came into style!). The decorations were homemade, with either paper or hand-carved wooden ornaments, as well as strings of lights (if you were fortunate enough to have electricity) or candles (if you weren't). Although some decorated with strings of popcorn or cranberries, most Dust Bowl families simply didn't have the food to spare for such extravagance, opting instead for paper or strips of fabric.

Presents focused more on necessity than whimsy, with most gifts being homemade or homegrown. Women would make dresses and aprons from old flour sacks or knit hats, gloves, and scarves. Washcloths could be made by sewing together several layers of gauze, then topped with a pretty bow. If families could afford store-bought gifts, they were stretched; a single bar of soap could be cut into 4-6 smaller pieces, wrapped carefully in decorative paper, and given to many different recipients.

Children's fancies were not completely ignored, however. Magazines carried instructions on how to make dolls or stuffed animals from extra cloth, with names like "Gingham Dog" or "Hattie the Red-Checked Elephant." Bicycles were often re-painted to appear new, or dolls given new clothes. Stockings contained small pieces of candy, nuts, or raisins, special treats not normally on the menu. The most treasured of these delicacies was an orange, the sweet fruit being too expensive to purchase at other times of the year due to its long journey from Florida in an era before interstates and refrigerated trucks.

Christmas dinner was modest by today's standards but still considered a feast. Chicken or turkey was the staple, if the birds could be found and/or afforded, and was rounded out by vegetables from the garden, like potatoes or cabbage. Many families also managed to scrape together a pie for dessert.

Despite these hardships, or perhaps because of them, Christmas was still a time for joy and celebration. Families gathered together to eat and open gifts, usually attending a church service in the morning or evening. There were still carolers and acts of charity, Christmas parades and tales woven around the fire about old Saint Nick and his reindeer. In fact, many Christmas traditions still in practice today were started during the "scant" holidays of the 1930's.

Photo Credit: Cardboard Christmas

In 1931, artist Haddon Sundblom created the "Coca-Cola Santa," an image that shaped our modern version of the jolly old elf. 1933 brought with it the premiere of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, starring the Rockettes. "Winter Wonderland" was written and released in 1934, while 1939 saw the first appearance of Rudolph, his red-nose shining out from a storybook given away as a promotional item for the Montgomery Ward Department Stores.

The most telling thing to emerge during the Depression, however, was the tradition of leaving milk and cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve. During this time of forced austerity and overwhelming want, it was a way to focus instead on the true meaning of Christmas: the blessing of giving over receiving and of gratitude for gifts, no matter how big or small.

Jennifer L. Wright grew up wanting to be a reporter, but it only took a few short months of working in journalism for her to abandon those aspirations for fiction writing instead. She loves to reimagine and explore forgotten eras in history, showcasing God's light amidst humanity's darkest days. Her books have won multiple awards, including Golden Scroll and Angel awards. She currently lives in New Mexico with her husband, two kids, a couple of hyperactive dachshunds, and an ever-growing herd of guinea pigs. 

 

Stockholm, Sweden: Casablanca of the North

Shortly after the United Kingdom declared war on Germany in September 1939, Sweden announced its neutrality, a stance they’d held since the Napoleonic wars. However, with its continued business relationships with Germany, the allowance troop transports through the country, and “less than friendly” policies toward Jews and refugees, scholars disagree as to whether the Sweden was truly neutral.

If you’ve watched the 1942 classic Warner Bros. movie “Casablanca,” you have a sense of what Stockholm, Sweden was like during the war, and more than a few sources refer to the city as “Casablanca of the North.” Every major intelligence service of the war was represented, some with agents, most with double agents. Germans, Americans, Britons, and Russians lived, worked, and played side by side. Official legations employees (both Axis and Allied) mingled with members of the Abwehr, Office of Strategic Services, and Special Operations Executive trying to ferret out information to aid their cause.

An intriguing aspect is the number of women who on the surface were singers, actresses, dancers, journalist, secretaries, and housekeepers, but in reality, were spies. Of the Allied female spies, many served to bring Germany to its knees or to make money while others were backed into it to save relatives left behind in an occupied country. The women observed, infiltrated, and reported their findings using any means necessary to obtain the information.

Another “piece of the pie” is the use of downed British and American airmen.

Crews from Allied planes that crashed in neutral Sweden were required to register, then interned in one of several areas within the city. However, these men had run of the city as long as they adhered to curfew and a host of other rules. A large percentage of them were given jobs with their legation that included administrative tasks and handling the logistics of tracking the hundreds (and eventually thousands) of airmen.

However, given their freedom of movement, more than a few of the crew members were recruited by the OSS and SOE to act as agents (which, of course went against the rules, but who said those in war played fair?). There is a reason Churchill’s SOE was called the Department of Ungentlemanly Warfare, and America’s OSS referred to as the Department of Dirty Tricks.

Rather than involve the airmen in sabotage, they were generally acted as messengers and observers who reported the comings and goings and conversations of the Germans. Liberty Lady is a well-written biographical account of author Pat DiGeorge’s father whose plane crashed in Sweden and ultimately found himself assigned to becoming friends with Swedish “businessman” John Lonnegren who was eventually arrested, then convicted of unlawful intelligence activities and sentenced to two years of hard labor.

____________________

Linda Shenton Matchett writes happily-ever-after historical Christian fiction about

second chances and women who overcome life’s challenges to be better versions of themselves. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, she was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry (of Star-Spangled Banner fame) and has lived in historical places all her life. She is a volunteer docent and archivist at the Wright Museum of WWII and a former trustee for her local public library. She now lives in central New Hampshire where she explores the history of this great state and immerses herself in the imaginary worlds created by other authors.

The American World War II Home Front in 29 Objects:

Unlike Europe the American mainland escaped physical devastation during World War II as it was not subjected to full-scale invasions. However, that didn’t mean the United States wasn’t impacted by the war. The ramifications of large economic, cultural, and societal changes forced Americans to reconsider entrenched beliefs and traditions.

Artifacts collected from across the nation tell the stories of the American people whose lives were shaped by this second “war to end all wars,” World War II.

Purchase link: https://books2read.com/u/47pLxR

Photo credits:

Map of Sweden: Encyclopedia Britannica

Georgia Rebel, first American plane to crash in Sweden: National Archives

John Lonnegren: National Archives

Sources:
https://wwv.yadvashem.org/odot_pdf/Microsoft%20Word%20-%206061.pdf
Liberty Lady, Pat DiGeorge, Beaver’s Spur Publishing, 2016
https://journals.openedition.org/diacronie/4709
https://www.sverigesradio.se/artikel/3230619
https://reveal.world/sv/story/german-counter-espionage-bureau-wwii

A WWII German Pilot's Surprising Act of Mercy

 By Mary Dodge Allen

On December 20, 1943, a few days before Christmas, the surviving American crewmen of a severely damaged B-17 bomber named "Ye Olde Pub" received an unexpected gift... their lives.

Crew of B-17, "Ye Olde Pub" 

L-R standing: Bertrund "Frenchy" Coulombe; Alex Yelesanko; Dick Pechout; Lloyd Jennings; Hugh Eckenrode; Sam "Blackie" Blackford

L-R kneeling: Charles Brown, pilot; Spencer Luke, co-pilot; Al "Doc" Sadok, navigator; Robert Andrews, bombardier (Public Domain)

B-17 Bomber Pilot Charles Brown:

It was only the second bombing mission for pilot Charles Brown, age 21, who grew up on a poor West Virginia farm. But it was the first mission for the rest of his B-17 crew, and it was a grueling one.

Lt. Charles Brown, B-17 Bomber Pilot (Public Domain)

The mission target: A Focke-Wulf 190 fighter aircraft plant near Bremen, Germany.

The aircraft plant was well-defended. Anti-aircraft guns filled the sky with exploding flak, while German fighter planes flew through the B-17 bomber formation, their machine guns firing.

Charles Brown's B-17, named "Ye Olde Pub," was hit several times on the bombing run. After releasing its bombs over the target, the B-17 sustained more damage from pursuing fighters. One engine was dead, causing the bomber's speed to drop. As it fell behind the formation, Charles Brown knew his B-17 was now a sitting duck.

Multiple fighters continued attacking, and Charles resorted to the daring move of flying directly at them to make his B-17 less of a target. One attack damaged the cockpit's oxygen system. Since they were flying at twenty-two thousand feet, an altitude with scarce oxygen, Charles and his co-pilot passed out. The bomber's wings tilted to the side as it went into a steep dive. 

B-17 Bomber in a dive (Adobe)

When the B-17 reached the oxygen-rich air at ten thousand feet, the pilots came to and took action. The damaged bomber shook violently as they pulled back on the controls with all their strength to stop the dive. Miraculously, the bomber's plunge gradually slowed. It finally leveled out close to the ground; so close it blew leaves from trees and roof shingles from houses.

The B-17 was now flying with only one good engine and two rough engines. They were 35 miles from the English Channel and would soon be flying over the heavily-defended German coastline. Because two of his crewmen were too badly injured to bail out, Charles decided to stay with the plane and try to make it back to England. He told the rest of his crew to bail out, but they all agreed to stay on the bomber with Charles.

German Fighter Pilot, Franz Stigler:

Lt. Ludwig Franz Stigler, ace German fighter pilot (Public Domain)

Franz Stigler, an ace fighter pilot, spotted the B-17 bomber flying slowly toward the English Channel. He began his attack run, knowing he only needed one more downed bomber to earn the coveted Knight's Cross.

 Knight's Cross Medal (Public Domain)

But as he focused through his gun sight, he realized something was wrong. He flew closer to the shot up B-17 and was amazed it was still flying, with the entire left half of its horizontal stabilizer gone, part of its nose blown away, and huge holes in the fuselage.

When he looked through the gaping holes, he saw the dead tail gunner and wounded crew members tending each other. At that moment, something happened inside him. Franz lifted his finger off the trigger and decided, "This will be no victory for me. I will not have this on my conscience for the rest of my life."

Franz knew, up ahead, the German coastal anti-aircraft gunners would be getting ready to shoot the wounded bomber down. He could be court-martialed for sparing the lives of the B-17's crew, but he was committed. He flew alongside and slightly above the bomber, gambling that the flak crews below would recognize the familiar shape of a Messerschmitt fighter plane and hold their fire. They did.

Painting "A Higher Call" by John D. Shaw

Inside the B-17 Bomber:

Charles Brown saw the English Channel up ahead, but then his heart sank when he saw the German fighter plane flying just above his right wingtip. It stayed in that position as they began flying over the Channel. Charles couldn't believe the fighter pilot hadn't shot his B-17 down.

German Messerschmitt bf 109 (Public Domain)

Charles turned toward the fighter, locked eyes with its pilot, and - to his surprise - the German pilot saluted him, before breaking off and flying back home. Charles wasn't able to hear his parting words, "Good luck, you're in God's hands."

The B-17 continued losing altitude as it flew over the English Channel, but somehow Charles Brown managed to keep it flying until it landed safely at an American airfield close to the English coastline.

Charles Brown couldn't shake the image of the enemy fighter pilot saluting him. He wondered who the pilot was, and why he had spared their lives.

After the War - Charles Brown:

In the late 1980's Charles was retired and living in Miami with his wife, Jackie. He had always remained curious about the German pilot, so he decided to search for him, realizing his chances of finding him were slim. Even if the German pilot had survived the war, he might not still be alive.

In 1989, Charles wrote a letter to the editor of the Jagerblatt (Fighter Journal), the official newsletter of the Association of German Fighter Pilots. He described his encounter with the German fighter plane, the date, and that he'd like to make contact with the German pilot. He included his Miami mailing address. (Charles left out specific details about the encounter, as a verification test for whoever might respond to his letter.)

After the War - Franz Stigler:

Franz moved to Vancouver, BC, Canada, where his first wife had family. He quickly learned English and worked as a diesel mechanic for logging companies until his retirement. He was now living a quiet life in Canada with his second wife. Over the years, Franz had also remained curious about the fate of the damaged B-17. He wondered if the pilot and crew had made it safely back to England.

In January 1990, his issue of Jagerblatt arrived. Franz was stunned when he read the letter Charles Brown had written. He immediately wrote a letter in response and mailed it to the Miami address.

The Phone Call:

Charles was excited to read Franz's letter. He dialed information, obtained Franz's Vancouver phone number and called him. At first, the phone call was awkward. Then Franz began accurately describing the details of the encounter.

"My God, it is you!" Charles said, as tears filled his eyes. After the call, he wrote Franz a letter. Here is a short excerpt:

"I have the distinct feeling that some power greater than that of our respective governments was looking out for most of us on Dec. 20, 1943. To say THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU on behalf of my surviving crew members and their families appears totally inadequate."

The Two Pilots Meet:

Charles and Franz first met in person in Seattle on June 21, 1990. The two former enemies hugged each other and cried. They spent the next few days touring Seattle and getting to know each other.

On September 13, 1990, they met again in Massachusetts, at a reunion of the 379th Bomb Group, where CBS News filmed a show about them. Two other surviving B-17 crew members were also there: Sam "Blackie" Blackford and Dick Pechout. Through hugs and tears, they thanked Franz for allowing them to live full lives, filled with children and grandchildren.

But Franz also felt grateful. He never received the Knight's Cross, but he felt he got something better. He wrote this note to Charles:

"In 1940, I lost my only brother as a night fighter. On the 20th of December (1943), four days before Christmas, I had the chance to save a B-17 from destruction, a plane so badly damaged it was a wonder that she was still flying. The pilot, Charlie Brown, is for me, as precious as my brother was.

"Thanks Charlie.

"Your Brother,

Franz"

Franz Stigler, (left), and Charles Brown on one of their many get-togethers 

Source, the novel: A Higher Call 

The two men traveled across America, speaking at air museums, civic clubs and military gatherings. Their message: Enemies are better off as friends.

Franz Stigler passed away in March 2008, and Charles Brown passed away a few months later, in November 2008.

You can read the detailed story of their lives and their fateful encounter in the excellent book, A Higher Call, written by Adam Makos.

Book Graphic, Amazon.com

___________________________

Mary Dodge Allen is currently finishing her sequel to Hunt for a Hometown Killer. She's won a Christian Indie Award, an Angel Book Award, and two Royal Palm Literary Awards (Florida Writer's Association). She and her husband live in Central Florida. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Faith Hope and Love Christian Writers. 

Website: www.marydodgeallen.com

Recent release, anthology devotional: El Jireh, The God Who Provides

Mary's story, entitled: A Mother's Desperate Prayer, describes her struggle with guilt and despair after her young son is badly burned in a kitchen accident. When we are at the end of all we have, El Jireh provides what we need. 

Click the link below to purchase on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/El-Jireh-God-Who-Provides/dp/1963611608

Mary's novel: Hunt for a Hometown Killer won the 2022 Christian Indie Award, First Place - Mystery/Suspense; and the 2022 Angel Book Award - Mystery/Suspense.

Click the link below to buy Hunt for a Hometown Killer at Amazon.com:

Hunt For A Hometown Killer: A Novel: Allen, Mary Dodge: 9781952369704: Amazon.com: Books

Link to Mary's Spotlight Interview:   Mary Dodge Allen Author Spotlight EA Books

How Two Universities Came Together to Form One of the Premier Universities in the Nation

By Donna Wichelman

In past blog posts, I've talked about the immigrants who came to the Colorado Rocky Mountains, seeking to better their lives. Many came from across the globe. But many already had established lives in the Midwest and on the East Coast, with ancestry dating back to the early days of the United States. They moved West to earn their fortunes in business and prospecting, to escape the constraints of the past, or to advance their fortunes for future growth.

When I plotted my novel, Rhythms of the Heart, Book Two in the Singing Silver Mine Series, I wanted the characters to have been born, raised, and educated in the east but to have come west to escape unfortunate circumstances. I'd received my undergraduate degree from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, and knew it had an interesting history dating back to the early establishment of the Western Reserve of Connecticut in the late 1790s. It seemed fitting for my main character to have been educated in Music and English Literature at Western Reserve College in Hudson, Ohio--the original hometown of my alma mater.

Haydn Hall - Case Western Reserve University - Cleveland OH. Cleveland, OH USA - July 19, 2017: The Haven Music Hall (Haydn Hall) is a multi-use space and public lounge for Department of Music students at Case Western Reserve. ID 348198652 © Sandra Foyt Dreamstime.com

But to understand how Case Western Reserve University ended up in Cleveland, we have to go back to those early days in 1799 when David Hudson founded Hudson, Ohio. Hudson believed it was imperative to establish an institution of higher learning in the region to educate young people and to train qualified clergy for the Congregational Church, the dominate church in the area.

ID 41671504 | Hudson Ohio © Kenneth A Sponsler | Dreamstime.com

Hudson, Ohio Today

Though David Hudson was granted a charter to establish the Erie Literary Society in Burton after Ohio became a state in 1803, it took another fifteen years before the American Education Society formed a chapter in Hudson, and David Hudson and Caleb Pitkin began collecting funds with the intent to apply for a charter. 

Various communities in the region vied for the site of the new college--Aurora, Cleveland, Euclid, Hudson, and Tallmadge--but they had to meet the standards required. Tallmadge was deemed too far south, and Euclid was too far north. Aurora and Cleveland had problems with malaria, and besides, Cleveland had a seaport with the "immoral" influence of sailors. Hudson met all the qualifications, including the financial backing of David Hudson. Thus, the college charter was approved and signed by the state on February 7, 1826. The first class of nineteen students met in the fall of 1827.

"Lake Erie and Wheeling Bridge, Cleveland, Ohio" The New York Public Library Digital Collections. 1908 - 1909.

The college grew over the years, gaining a reputation for promoting science and innovation, and people began to call Western Reserve College the "Yale of the West." One of its earliest achievements included the construction of the Loomis Observatory in 1838, making it one of the oldest observatories in the United States.

In addition, the school became known for supporting the abolitionist movement, Western Reserve College being the first college west of the Appalachians to graduate an African American student, John Sykes. The Reverend Sykes became a Presbyterian minister. Also in 1854, Frederick Douglas gave the commencement speech.

The Reverend John Sykes, Wikipedia

Western Reserve College's Medical School was also known for being the first medical school in the United States to graduate a woman, Nancy Talbot Clark. Five more women had the honor of graduating over the next four years, giving Western Reserve the distinction of graduating six of the first eight female physicians in the United States.

Nancy Talbot Clark, Wikipedia

Postcard, Loomis Observatory. Hudson Library & Historical Society photograph collection (P.04.00.01418)

If my protagonist had stayed in Hudson, she would have witnessed her alma mater change with the times, as a more urban environment attracted the attention of professors who also saw the promise of a larger endowment from Clevelander, Amasa Stone. Western Reserve College moved from Hudson to Cleveland in 1882, taking space along Euclid Avenue, and changing its name to Adelbert College of Western Reserve University. Adelbert was Amasa's son.

"Main Building, Adelbert College, Cleveland, Ohio" The New York Public Library Digital Collections.

Little did anyone know that in 1877, philanthropist Leonard Case, Jr., began donating large pieces of real estate to a trust to endow a polytechnical school in Cleveland. The endowment was kept secret until his death in 1880. In March 1880, articles of incorporation were filed, and by 1881, classes began.

Initially, classes were held in the Cases' downtown home, but four years later, due to a provision in Stone's gift to relocate Western Reserve College, the school purchased land in University Circle adjacent to Case School of Applied Science.

Over the years, Case School of Applied Science expanded to include broader subjects and, in 1947, became Case Institute of Technology. Western Reserve College and Case School of Applied Science officially merged in 1967.

Today, Case Western Reserve University retains its reputation as the Yale of the West, with strong programs in engineering, medicine, and biomedical research. They are also ranked high in nursing, law, dentistry, social work, and business management. The early music program is highly distinguished for its Historical Performance Practice degree programs and works in close partnership with the Cleveland Institute of Music.

Peter B. Lewis Building, Weatherhead School of Management, 2017 ID 348198639 © Sandra Foyt | Dreamstime.com Donna is an Angel-award-winning author of Historical fiction for A Song of Deliverance. Weaving history and faith into stories of intrigue and redemption grew out of Donna's love of travel, history, and literature as a young adult while attending an international college in Wales, U.K. She enjoys developing plots that show how God's love abounds even in the profoundly difficult circumstances of our lives. Her stories reflect the hunger in all of us for love, belonging, and forgiveness. Donna was a communications professional before becoming a full-time writer. Her short stories and articles have appeared in inspirational publications. She has two indie-published romantic suspense novels, Light Out of Darkness and Undaunted Valor, in her Waldensian Series.  Donna and her husband of forty-one years participate in ministry at their local church in Colorado. They love spending time with their grandchildren and bike, kayak, and travel whenever possible.

Jólabókaflóð - What Is It?

Sears Catalogs. JCPenney Catalogs. Does anyone remember those bulky books landing in the mailbox and the ensuing page turning while dog-earing the toy section? Dating myself with that admission, but I do remember those seasons.

If we take a trip back even further, in years and location, the youngsters in Iceland in the year 1944 flipped through the Bókatíðindi, or book catalog to choose titles for their Christmas gifts. Why books and not toys? Shortages of every sort resulted from WWII. While Iceland gained their independence from Denmark in 1944, even in their newly free existence, they did not have abundant resources. At the time, paper as an unrationed commodity allowed Iceland to produce books. The Icelandic book trade published the Bókatíðindi and sent it to each and every household in November, coinciding with the Reykjavik Book Fair. To this day, both the catalog and the book fair delight readers and fuel a tradition known as Jólabókaflóð, or Christmas Book Flood.

In researching this piece, I found varying opinions as to the validity of the history of this tradition. The consensus boils down to an opportunity for the publishing world to promote its products and consumers to embrace them while enjoying related holiday festivities. Think Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer – developed by a clever employee of Montgomery Ward Department Store. Now a household staple. Most who place a young buck with crimson nose on their tree, table, or Christmas sweater are not familiar with his origin. And yet, they embrace the nostalgia of a commercialized tradition. Or consider Elf on the Shelf – a social media phenomenon where the stakes are high for parents to live up to their children’s expectations of elf antics. This rather new tradition multiplied out of the book penned by Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell in 2005. Each of these examples display creativity and now beloved holiday activities derived from marketing.

So what exactly is Jólabókaflóð? According to Jolabokaflod.org, this encompasses the season of new book launches through the time when readers delve into the pages at Christmas. The volume of books notates a flood. Icelanders open gifts on December 24th by and large. Some partake in hot chocolate or Christmas ale (non-alcoholic). Many give and receive books as gifts. Hence, the tradition.

Multiple online sources exclaim the bookaholics abound in Iceland. According to statistics, nearly half the people read at least eight books per year. Curiosity reigned and a cursory web search yielded that conversely the median number of books read by each American is four per year. Though this number is skewed by bibliophiles or avid readers who devour gobs of books each year and the flip side of Americans who do not partake in pages at all. Perhaps Americans could join in on this tradition and up the ante?

Last year our youngest son and I decided to celebrate Jólabókaflóð after we both discovered social media posts extolling the event. We discussed, divided and conquered so to speak. Unbeknownst to my husband and our oldest son, we did a bit of recon to determine what types of books they each enjoy. Some research and a few carefully considered purchases later, we were on our way to our first book flood. Ah, and of course, the required accompanying chocolate hopped into our carts. Be still my heart. Seeking titles that our family members might like allowed us to draw closer and garner deeper understanding of our respective lives at the time. This was helpful as our children are grown and live miles apart. We all loved this new exchange and collectively agreed to continue in 2025. Half the fun is the hunt. Let the games begin. What shall they read this year?

So, dear readers, I share this Icelandic festivity with you so you might consider imparting with your friends or family. Search for a book you think they’ll fancy. Wrap it however you see fit. Attach a treat, chocolate perhaps. And spend some quality reading time with loved ones this Yule.

Gleðileg bókajól (Merry Christmas from the book world or Merry Bookmas)!

As a child, Rebecca loved to write. She nurtured this skill as an educator and later as an editor for an online magazine. Rebecca then joined the Cru Ministry - NBS2GO/Neighbor Bible Studies, at its inception. She serves as the YouVersion Content Creator, with over 135 Plans, in 45 languages on the Bible.com app.

Rebecca lives near the mountains with her husband and a rescued dog named Ranger. She is a proud mom of an American soldier and an Aerospace grad student. If it were up to Rebecca, she would be traveling - right now. First up, trips to see their two grown sons. As a member of ACFW and FHLCW, she tackles the craft of fiction while learning from a host of generous writers.

Connect with Rebecca: Facebook Goodreads Instagram Pinterest X/Twitter

If you would like to read more, here are a few sources:

Jolabokaflod Christmas Book Flood • Reading for Pleasure

Jolabokaflod: A Cozy, Book-Filled Icelandic Holiday

Jólabókaflóð: The Christmas flood of books

Caesarea Maritima — Of Harbors and Hippodromes

 Guest post by Linda Dindzans

As a reader, I have never met a period of history that didn’t fascinate me. As an author, the stories that find me seem always to rise from the perilous, vibrant world of the Bible.

In 2019, my husband and I traveled to Israel, where we visited Caesarea Maritima along the Mediterranean shore. This ancient city—famed for its deep-water harbor and sweeping hippodrome—remains the largest Roman ruin in Israel today.

Herod’s Grand Vision: A Harbor in the Sea

Herod the Great took a modest Phoenician anchorage known as Strato’s Tower and transformed it into one of the marvels of the ancient world. Using volcanic ash called pozzolana, which hardens underwater into Roman cement, his engineers constructed a massive artificial harbor between 22 and 10 BCE. He named this harbor Sebastos—the Greek equivalent of “Augustus”—and it quickly became a major Roman port.

At the time, Sebastos was the largest man-made harbor ever built in open sea. Surrounding it, Herod constructed a magnificent city complete with a palace, theater, aqueducts, and a gleaming temple to Augustus.

The Hippodrome: Sport, Spectacle, and Survival

Caesarea’s hippodrome—stretching along the shoreline—held a prominent place in the city’s history. Here, crowds gathered for chariot races, athletic games, gladiatorial contests, and public executions.

As in Rome’s Circus Maximus, chariot racing in Caesarea was a war on wheels. Highly trained slave-drivers—aurigas—raced two-horse chariots (bigae) or four-horse chariots (quadrigae). They were assisted by an outrider on horseback and a man on foot who helped the charioteer manage treacherous tight turns and maneuver so rival teams would falter or crash. The dangers were many, often fatal. The rewards, if a driver survived long enough, included wealth, adoration, and—rarely—freedom.

As a biblical fiction author, I could not resist this setting of the hippodrome at Caesarea. Book Two of A Certain Future Series, A Certain Mercy, Scrivenings Press features several scenes in Caesarea including a life and death chariot race.

Rome Takes Control

By A.D. 6, Rome had annexed the region, placing it under the rule of governors or prefects. During the ministry of Jesus, the prefect was Pontius Pilate (26–36 CE), who resided in Caesarea—the Roman administrative and military headquarters. This relatively new capital bustled with Greeks, Jews, Romans, and travelers from across the Mediterranean.

In contrast, Jerusalem was ancient, holy, and volatile. Pilate traveled there only when politically necessary—during feast days or times of unrest.

The Pilate Stone: A Name Set in Stone

Before 1961, there was no physical evidence outside ancient texts that Pontius Pilate ever existed. That changed when archaeologists unearthed the now-famous “Pilate Stone.” Carved into this reused building block was a fragment of a dedication to Emperor Tiberius by Pontius Pilate, Prefect of Judea.

Found embedded in a staircase near the Herodian theater, the inscription remains the only contemporary physical artifact bearing Pilate’s name. Until its discovery, he was known solely from literary sources: the New Testament, apocryphal writings, Josephus, Philo, and Tacitus.

Caesarea in the Book of Acts

Linda's book features this beautiful setting.
Click on the cover to check it out.

The city appears repeatedly in the early Christian writings:

• Cornelius and the Gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 10): Here Peter preached to the Roman centurion Cornelius and witnessed the Holy Spirit fall on Gentiles for the first time.

• The Death of Agrippa I (Acts 12:19–23): Herod the Great’s grandson died in Caesarea after accepting worship during games held—likely—in the hippodrome.

• Paul’s Travels: Paul sailed to and from Caesarea many times (Acts 9, 18, 27).

• Paul’s Imprisonment: Paul spent two years under house arrest in Caesarea, facing Felix, Festus, and Agrippa II before appealing to Caesar (Acts 23–27). Luke, traveling with Paul, would have had freedom to gather eyewitness accounts that shaped his Gospel and the early chapters of Acts.

• The First Jewish Revolt: The revolt ignited in Caesarea in 66 A.D. After Jerusalem fell in 70 A.D., Titus forced 2,500 Jewish prisoners to fight to the death in Caesarea’s stadium as part of his victory celebrations. The spoils of this war likely funded construction of the Colosseum in Rome.

A Launching Point for the Gospel

Caesarea’s strategic position as a major port city—and the place where Peter first preached to Gentiles—made it one of the most effective launching points for spreading the gospel to the wider Roman world.

About Linda

Linda Dindzans, M.D. is a writer with the heart of a healer who offers readers stories of redemption and restoration. Though her compelling characters inhabit the treacherous times of the Bible, Linda believes the struggles of her characters still speak to hearts today. Her debut novel A Certain Man was released in August 2024. Her  next novel A Certain Mercy (December 2025) features several scenes  set in Caesarea.

References:

1. Israel's Most Impressive Roman Ruin- Street Gems
   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PUBzVup4nc&t=53s
2. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/historical-notes-pontius-pilate-a-name-set-in-stone-1084786.html
3. https://cbnisrael.org/2020/12/01/caesarea/ Biblical Israel: Caesarea by Marc Turnage 
4. https://cbnisrael.org/2025/07/01/caesarea-where-the-gospel-penetrated-the-gentile-world5.
5. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Israel_9-08_134_(2909864855).jpg photo of Pilate stone
6. https://jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/3887-caesarea#0
7. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caesarea_Maritima: Bibliography see below
8. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caesarea_Maritima#cite_note-Menachery87-25

• 24.Votruba, G. 2007. "Imported Building Materials of Sebastos Harbour, Israel." International Journal of Nautical Archaeology 36:325-335.
• 23.George Menachery, 1987 in Kodungallur, City of St. Thomas, Azhikode, 1987, Chapter II note 19 quotes the National Geographic article: Robert L. Hohlfelder, "Caesarea Maritima, Herod the Great's City on the Sea". The National Geographic, 171/2, February 1987, pp. 260-79.
• 21. Hohlfelder, R. 2007. "Constructing the Harbour of Caesarea Palaestina, Israel: New Evidence from ROMACONS Field Campaign of October 2005". International Journal of Nautical Archaeology 36:409-415.

Echoes of the Ancient New Testament Cities: Antioch of Syria

 Matthew James Elliott

Over the past several months, these articles have focused a lot on the darker side of history. With the holiday season upon us, I thought it would be a great opportunity to focus on some cities that have more of a positive history. Why? Well, because why not? We all need a little light in our lives this holiday season, don’t we? I know I sure could use some. 

Antioch of Syria was a more pleasant city to research as I was preparing for this one, and it is also one of my favorite cities in scripture. Where many other places were deep in the midst of struggle and persecution, Antioch served as an image of hope and light. It was a beacon in the darkness, not too dissimilar to the idea behind my publishing entity, Lanterns of Light PenWorks. 

Amid everything else that was going on in the world of the Early Church, Antioch served as both a physical and a spiritual refuge for those who followed “The Way”. It was in Antioch that the term “Christian” was first used, and it played a pivotal role in determining the identity of the early church as well as the mission‌ (Acts 11:26). After the stoning of Stephen and the resulting persecution, I spoke to when this series toured Jerusalem, believers were scattered in every direction. Many of them found a new beginning in Antioch. 

The Legacy that was built upon the hearts and minds of those who found themselves in Antioch during this season of the Early Church is nothing short of an overwhelming voice of hope in the midst of sheer terror. When people began to associate Christians with Antioch, it gave them a distinct identity that was not tied to the empire, but to Christ himself.  The city became that beacon of light, and remained that for centuries, so much so that the leaders of the church in Jerusalem sent people like Barnabas and, at the time, Saul, to figure out what was going on. 

Antioch of Syria (Not Pisidia)

Antioch’s church was filled with prophets and teachers like the two I just mentioned above. It didn’t stop there either. The book of Acts is very clear on the Influence several other leaders of the church had on the missionary journeys of Paul and his companions all throughout this period in history.  People like Simeon Niger (some believe could be Simon of Cyrene), Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen, and even Luke, were all associated with the city at one time.  Their impact pushed the ministry of the early church out into the world, and their light burned brightly.

As more people began to flock to this ‘city upon a hill’, things only started shining even brighter.  When the believers who fled Jerusalem found themselves in Antioch, they preached to a community of multiple ethnicities, and the Growth in the city became more than physical (Acts 11:19-30). It became a spiritual haven filled with discipleship that flourished in a diverse setting of people from all different shapes and paths in life. The gospel thrived in more ways than one. 

Disputes that led to the council of Jerusalem in 50 AD, which opened the door to the gentile ministry of Paul, and others, became a testing ground for fostering unity and peace (Acts 15:1-35). Later on, when Paul confronted Peter in Antioch for withdrawing from the very people they were now ministering to, it opened hearts and minds in unexpected ways (Galatians 2:11-21). Harmony found life, and even amid deep personal conflicts, the power of faith was revealed. People found reconciliation, and it changed the world. 

Image of Antioch from Learn Religions

In the end, those who left the city in search of ministering to the lost in cities like Philippi, which is our next stop, always found their way back to the city of Antioch to share the stories of Testimony and grace that they experienced along the way.  Upon reporting all that happened, the good and the bad, people found strength and faith. Doors were opened, not from the Walls of Rome or the Harbors of Caesarea, but from the streets of Antioch. A light that was not dimmed by persecution but lifted high, lighting the way for the generation of believers to come. 

The L.I.G.H.T. Antioch cultivated throughout the history of the Early Church Era changed the game. It opened the way forward for many and became a testimony of grace and compassion. I believe that in the world we live in today, that same light is needed again. Where that light comes from is up to all of us. Each of us can be that light if we choose to be. So that's the challenge: how can you be a light this holiday season?

Let me know in the comments below. 

See you in the pages,

M.J.E.

(PS, our next stop, as mentioned in the article you just read, is Philippi. It was the first Grecian city Paul preached in, and likely where Luke gained more of a prominent role as the beloved physician.)

 ~ Biography ~

Matthew James Elliott (M.J. Elliott) is a passionate writer who loves to encourage and inspire others. He served in various ministry roles for over 15 years, which gave him a unique perspective on people and Biblical History. Matthew holds a degree in Biblical Studies from Oklahoma Wesleyan University, with a focus on Pastoral Care, Christian Education, and Worship.

Matthew is married and has three wonderful children who bring him immense joy and inspiration. One of his favorite things to do with them is to share stories they can someday learn from. When writing a story, he aspires to minister to others with love, equip them with encouragement, and use the gift God has given him as a writer to help readers experience God in a real and meaningful way.

Find Matthew on Amazon, Goodreads, Facebook, BookBub, and His Website. He has written Devotionals, An Episodic Series, Novellas, and even Commentaries for The Gospel Daily.

~ Highlighted Release ~

My Newest Biblical Fiction Novel, The Hope of Inheritance, came out on Father's Day and has received a ChristLit Book Award for excellence in Christian Literature. Grab it via Amazon. If you enjoy it, please let me know by posting a review.

One Story Still Untold. Four Unlikely Authors.

Together, their Message will speak to Many.

The city of Rome was a vast and beautiful place-- on the surface. That is, until a great fire burned and destroyed most of it. Deep in a world hidden from those who would strike against them, four unlikely men work together to share a message of truth. This truth was spoken by those who were cut down because of the calling to go forth and preach. 

The message has always been clear: The hope of our inheritance is Christ living within each of us. In the echoes of persecution, sorrow, and even death, this message still reigns supreme, but will the people listen? Only time will tell, but before anything, these four men must come together and unite a church separated by fear and suffering.