Because so many people have written and called asking for me to tell another Guenther Christmas story, I am writing this one. It is moving to see that Guenther has touched so many lives. Merry Christmas.

Guenther sat behind his big desk in his big chair and drank from his coffee slowly. “So young one another Christmas” he said.
“Yes” I replied.
“These ones try desperately to make Christmas” he said.
I knew something was coming Guenther was beginning to tell me something. As always I listened with great interest.
“Make Christmas”? I asked.
Guenther did not reply to my question but went on to ask, “this Jesus what has he taught you”?
I thought for a moment and then answered by saying, “I suppose He has taught me about peace and love”.
Guenther looked right at me and asked, “Do you have peace, do you love”? “This young one is the required answer that you give me. The answer you are trained to give. Think what has this Jesus given to you. If nothing, say nothing. It is that simple.”

As with most conversations Guenther was not content with the light meaningless fluff of life. He would not be swayed in his pursuit to teach, awaken and provoke.

“Well I guess He has given me hope”. I answered.
“Hope” Guenther asked, “Hope for what”?
“Hope for peace and love” I knew that what I had just said was stupid but it was out now.

Guenther stood up from his desk and walked to the window as he looked out he called me to come to where he was standing. When I got there he began to speak. “Look out there” he said and pointed his finger out the window. He was pointing to the Italians house. “Do you want peace with these ones”? “Do you want love from them”?
“No” I replied.
“There is no peace, no love from these ones” he added. “To them it is a weakness,which must be met and dealt with”. Adding he said “so how can we find peace and love with these ones”?
“I guess we cant”. I replied.
“Then with whom do you want this peace and love”? he asked. Before I could reply Guenther began to speak. “This Christ teaches us much more than this, He teaches us by showing us true character. He shows us also true courage in the midst of betrayal. He was surrounded by betrayal”.he said “Betrayal of the worst kind. The betrayel of friends who side with enemies, but He teaches us that we have few in whom we can trust. For few have character”. “Still he remained disciplined, focused and carried out His mission. This is why they hated and betrayed Him”. I stood there beside Guenther knowing that I had never thought of Jesus in this way. “He teaches us about these ones. He teaches us about character, strength and honor, because this Jesus is a man of honor. He tells us of these things to warn us that they will happen.He also tells these ones so that they too are warned”. “In your life you will be betrayed by false friends and by those weak ones who live without honor. Remember what I am telling you now. The dog is faithful. He is a gift to us. This makes these ones nervous for they can not know the dog it is closed to them”.

Then he said one of the most profound things he would ever say to me. “These ones want you to mull in the confusion of Jesus that they teach. They can not teach about honor or character or dignity because they have none. This is why they can not teach about love and peace they know nothing of these things. One must have courage, strength, honor and dignity to love and feel at peace. Peace has always come with a price. This price has always been paid through the blood of those with honor”. “These ones in their deceit will reveal themselves to you the same way that they revealed themselves to Christ”. “His message is to be strong. Maintain your character. Complete your mission with dignity and honor”. “Make good use of His gift the dog”. “Be what they can not young one, then you will know Christmas”.

May we all know Christmas. God Bless.

©Mike McConnery/Baden K9 Incorporated,12/24/08

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