Jesus wasn’t the only Christmas miracle.
There’s also The United States of America.
On Christmas, 1776, George Washington found himself in a situation not unlike going to
Target to shop for presents on December 23rd.
George had little choice, but had to do something, anything, fast.
England sent 30,000 troops to the colonies.
Although Washington started with just as many, after constant defeat in New York and retreat
across New Jersey, he found himself in Pennsylvania with 2,500 volunteer men - most of whom were
contracted to leave on New Years Eve.
The British in pursuit were feeling pretty good and bed-up.
Why fight in Winter?
Especially when New Jerseyians were given them enough trouble attacking their foraging
parties that they had to spread their garrisons across the state.
Washington saw this as an opportunity.
He would make one final push back into New Jersey, focused completely on the 1,500 Hessians
troops stationed in Trenton.
The Hessians, hired German soldiers, would be celebrating Christmas - as Germans are
REALLY good at.
But make no mistake, these were PROFESSIONAL soldiers trained by the famous Frederick the
Great and probably the best fighters the British had.
To explain just how crazy this plan was, lets bring up the most famous painting in American
history, “Washington Crossing the Delaware”, created by a German American IMMIGRANT Emanuel
Gottlieb Leutze in 1851, when germany was in revolution, and the rest of the world was
in turmoil.
It was at this point that Washington and all he did was gaining real international legend.
But that painting, oh man, it… has some problems.
The winter of 1776 was hellish, but there was some thaw a few days before, which made
the crossing possible.
But, on Christmas, a massive Nor’easter entered the area.
That night it was snowing, hailing, and sleeting.
And yes, Washington decided to use the cover of night to cross.
So lets fix that.
It is also worth noting that when they enlisted, these men were given one uniform, two pairs
of socks, and shoes.
By this time… no one had shoes.
Some people say there were bloody footprints going to Trenton.
But, they probably all had other things on their mind, because in the 18th century, few
people could swim, to the dismay of avid swimmer Ben Franklin.
The real boats were large flat-bottomed durham boats, which while they did allow for standing,
couldn’t exactly fit horses and canons.
Those came over in ferries.
The Americans were supposed to attack at 8 AM, but did not attack until 10:30 AM.
Finally, the American flag, that wouldn’t be designed until a year later.
So, unless there was some time travel involved…
But what actually occurred was just as incredible.
Washington would surprise the Hessians, take Trenton, and push forward to take Princeton
a year later.
There is no doubt that this single surprise Christmas surprise ultimately won Washington
the Revolution and freedom.
Historians say a messenger arrived at Colonel Ralls, the Hessian commanders door, carrying
intelligence saying the Continentals have landed.
However, the note never reached Rall since he was busy enjoying his festivities.
This one act in history could have completely wiped out the United States.
And well folks, as for the rest of the story… he went down in historrrrrrryyyyy.
Like George Washington!
You wrote this whole thing to get to that ONE joke didn’t you?!?!
UNBELIEVABLE.