Third Baptist 11/30/25 Dr. Tommy Simons "The Preparation of the World: When History Was Ready"

John F. Kennedy said, "the odds are 50/50."

Secretary of Defense John McNamara:
"we are hours away."

Arthur Schlesinger:
"it was the most dangerous moment in world history."

~

The Soviet Union secretly began installation of nuclear missiles in Cuba.

A confrontation followed for 13 days in October 1962.

The range of nuclear strikes is reviewed in above image.
~

Noel Regney is walking streets of New York City during one of these 13 days—he is overwhelmed with despair—recently serving and experiencing horrors of World War II.

He passes two mothers pushing newborns in strollers—their paths cross and one baby smiles at the other.

His heart warms.

And recalls he was asked to deliver a "new Christmas Carol."

He partnered with his wife Gloria and wrote lyrics and music to carol entitled:
Do You Hear What I Hear?

Bing Crosby debuted in November 1962 and became an instant classic.
~
As for the October crisis:
October 28 1962 the US and Cuba reached a deal for removal of the missiles.

Plans and wisdom were conceived and implemented at just the right the time, with just the right people to bring about peace.

The Right Time.
The Fullness of Time resulting in peace—is focus of sermon this morning.

And knowing background of Do You Hear What I Hear?

Review lyrics, from lens of 13 days in October 1962, a carol written when humanity was likely headed to nuclear annihilation.
~

Said the night wind to the little lamb,
"Do you see what I see?"
Way up in the sky little lamb
Do you see what I see?
A star, a star, dancing in the night
with a tail as big as a kite."

Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy,
"Do you hear what I hear?
Ringing through the sky shepherd boy,
Do you hear what I hear?
A song, a song, high above the tree
With a voice as big as the sea."

Said the shepherd boy to the mighty king,
"Do you know what I know?
In your palace warm, mighty king,
Do you know what I know?
A Child, a Child shivers in the cold—
Let us bring him silver and gold."

Said the king to the people everywhere
"Listen to what I say!
Pray for peace, people everywhere,
Listen to what I say!
The Child, The Child sleeping in the night
He will bring us goodness and light,
He will bring us goodness and light."

Blessings and love to all, as we celebrate the Child, destined to bring goodness and light, in the fullness of time.

Tommy