{"id":5203,"date":"2015-12-22T14:00:24","date_gmt":"2015-12-22T18:00:24","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/admin.patheos.com\/blogs\/davearmstrong\/?p=5203"},"modified":"2017-04-22T17:55:34","modified_gmt":"2017-04-22T21:55:34","slug":"my-first-six-christmas-poems-1996-2003","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/davearmstrong\/2015\/12\/my-first-six-christmas-poems-1996-2003.html","title":{"rendered":"Dave Armstrong’s First Six Christmas Poems (1996-2003)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<\/head>
\"SantaNast\"<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Thomas Nast\u2019s drawing, \u201cMerry Old Santa Claus\u201d, from the January 1, 1881 edition of Harper\u2019s Weekly<\/i>. Nast immortalized Santa Claus\u2019 current look \u00a0in an 1863 issue of Harper\u2019s Weekly<\/i>, with his\u00a0illustration titled \u201cA Christmas Furlough\u201d. The popularity of that image prompted him to create this one.<\/span> [public domain \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a>]<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
*****<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
THE\u00a0<\/span>MEGABYTE\u00a0<\/span>BEFORE CHRISTMAS<\/span><\/strong>
\n
\n<\/span><\/div>\n
\n

[all due credit, of course, to Clement Clarke Moore (1779-1863) \u2013 a seminary professor of Hebrew and Greek \u2013 for his 1822 classic,\u00a0A Visit from St. Nicholas<\/i>]<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\u2018Twas the night before\u00a0<\/span>Christmas<\/span>, when all through the house,<\/span>
\nNot a modem was stirring, nor clicking, a mouse.<\/span>
\nThe keyboard was covered in plastic with care,<\/span>
\nIn vain hopes that e-mail would not soon be there.<\/span><\/p>\n

The children drank\u00a0<\/span>Nestle\u2019s Quick\u00a0<\/span><\/i>(mugs in their beds),<\/span>
\nWhile visions of video games danced in their heads.<\/span><\/p>\n

And momma in nightgown and I in my sweats,<\/span><\/p>\n

Had settled our brains from worries \u2019bout debts.<\/span><\/p>\n

When out from the \u2018puter there arose such a clatter,<\/span>
\nI sprang from my hot tub to see \u201cwhat\u2019s the matter?\u201d<\/span>
\nAway to my den, I flew from the shower;<\/span>
\nTo open my\u00a0<\/span>Windows<\/i><\/span>, to fire up the power.<\/span><\/p>\n

The brightness and glow of the newly-lit screen,<\/span>
\nGave lustre like emeralds to my sweatshirt of green.<\/span>
\nWhen what to my aching\u00a0<\/span>red<\/span>\u00a0eyes should appear,<\/span>
\nBut a marvelous web site which was yet barely clear.<\/span><\/p>\n

With a two-year-old browser, so slow and not quick,<\/span>
\nI knew in a moment, \u201cit must be a trick.\u201d<\/span>
\nMore rapid than eagles the image did come,<\/span>
\nAnd it whistled and rattled just like an old drum.<\/span><\/p>\n

Now\u00a0<\/span>Microsoft<\/span><\/i>,\u00a0<\/span>Netscape<\/span><\/i>, World Wide Web, the \u2018Net,<\/span>
\nBring comets and \u201ccupids,\u201d chat rooms and Lear jets.<\/span>
\nAnd suddenly from sound bytes, I heard with my ears,<\/span>
\nA \u201cho ho,\u201d a sleigh bell and something like deer(s).<\/span><\/p>\n

As I clicked on the icons and surfed all around,<\/span>
\nUp on the small screen came St. Nick with a bound.<\/span>
\nHe was dressed in all\u00a0<\/span>red<\/span>\u00a0and he looked pretty glad;<\/span>
\nAnd to download his belly took all RAM I had.<\/span><\/p>\n

A bundle of e-mail he had in his sack;<\/span>
\nAnd he looked like he\u2019d traveled to Venus and back.<\/span>
\nThe monitor, it twinkled! My mood, it was merry!\u00a0<\/span>:-)<\/span>
\nBut then \u201cmomma\u201d saw all the \u201ce\u2019s,\u201d and \u2019twas \u201chairy!\u201d<\/span>\u00a0:-(<\/span><\/p>\n

When she grimaced and winced , and shook her fair head,\u00a0<\/span>{{{ >;-C }}}<\/span>
\nShe gave me to know I had plenty to dread.\u00a0<\/span>:-O<\/span>
\nThen without a word, she left really quick,<\/span>\u00a0:-I \u2014-> {?}<\/span>
\nAnd I was alone with ole jolly St. Nick.\u00a0<\/span>:-D<\/span><\/p>\n

But pointing his finger straight out at my nose,<\/span>
\nHe launched into most shocking \u201cpreacher man\u201d prose:<\/span><\/p>\n

Emmanuel\u2019s what this great night\u2019s all about;<\/span>
\nHe\u2019s brought us new life so you better not pout.<\/span><\/p>\n

Focus on Him, not malls, lights, and me.<\/span>
\nAnd cut down on e-mail so a dad you can be.<\/span>
\nChristmas<\/span>\u00a0is much more \u2019bout love than of credit.<\/span>
\nIts message will fill up your soul if you let it.<\/span><\/p>\n

So always remember the most valued things,<\/span>
\nAre God, loved ones, heart, not cyberspace flings.<\/span><\/p>\n

He sprang to his web page; my PC gave a clickin\u2019;<\/span>
\nAnd away he did fade, and his exit did quicken.<\/span>
\nBut I heard him exclaim, ere he \u201cmorphed\u201d out of sight,<\/span>
\n\u201cChrist in\u00a0<\/span>Christmas<\/span>\u00a0is All, and to all He is Light!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Largely composed (except for the first four lines and revisions later in the afternoon) during the wee hours of 16 December 1996, when the inspirational juices flow best.<\/span><\/p>\n

* * * * *
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span>\n
THE\u00a0GREATEST\u00a0CHRISTMAS GIFT<\/span><\/strong><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
The greatest Christmas gift is not gold rings,<\/span><\/div>\n
Diamonds, silver watches, or nice sparkly things.<\/span><\/div>\n
Not presents of green, red, purple, or blue,<\/span><\/div>\n
With fancy ribbons and bows, and shiny too.<\/span><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
* * *<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Not Scotch pine trees or mistletoe,<\/span><\/div>\n
Nor turkey, nor holiday places to go.<\/span><\/div>\n
Not caroling in the streets, great as that is,<\/span><\/div>\n
Or two matching sweaters: hers and his.<\/span><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
* * *<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Wonderful and good as all of these are,<\/span><\/div>\n
Yet something else wondrous surpasses them far.<\/span><\/div>\n
The Greatest of all the Gifts is Love,<\/span><\/div>\n
Sent from God, from Heaven above.<\/span><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
* * *<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Emanating from a lonely stall,<\/span><\/div>\n
And shining out to reach us all.<\/span><\/div>\n
Through spouses, friends, kin who touch us so,<\/span><\/div>\n
Giving hope and joy, and helping us grow.<\/span><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
* * *<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
So I pause and thank God on this Christmas Eve,<\/span><\/div>\n
For dear friends and family, my sorrows to relieve.<\/span><\/div>\n
\u2018Tis such friends \u2014 who comfort, aid, and keep on giving,<\/span><\/div>\n
That bless us with peace, and make life worth living.<\/span><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
* * *<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Written on 24 December 1997<\/span><\/i><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
* * * * *<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/b>Little\u00a0Did\u00a0They\u00a0Know<\/span><\/strong>
\n<\/span><\/b><\/div>\n

Little did they know what Child had been born;<\/span>
\nThis Son of Mary; in a cave the innkeepers scorned.<\/span>
\nLarge crowds of people, to tiny Bethlehem had come,<\/span>
\nTo pay tributes, be counted, and to give Caesar their sum.<\/span><\/p>\n

Little did they know about the bright glowing star,<\/span>
\nWhich shone down on Lord Jesus, Whose children we are.<\/span>
\nIt even took spectacular angels, preaching in skies above,<\/span>
\nTo help poor shepherds recognize the dawn of new love.<\/span><\/p>\n

Little did they know, Who this crowned, robed \u201cking\u201d was;<\/span>
\nWho was worse than wicked Barabbas; why? \u2014 well, just \u201cbecause.\u201d<\/span>
\nSo they handed Him over to Caesar, for to judge, mock, and kill;<\/span>
\nYet Jesus was ready to atone for us; to do His Father\u2019s will.<\/span><\/p>\n

Little did they know why Our Savior suffered on the cross \u2014<\/span>
\nNot even His frightened disciples \u2014 whose faith had been lost.<\/span>
\nOnly His Mother Mary, and St. John stayed there at His feet,<\/span>
\nDespite His words: \u201cIn three days I will rise\u201d \u2014 followers to meet.<\/span><\/p>\n

Little do we know, in this over-busy, secular age,<\/span>
\nThe true meaning of Christmas: Who occupies center stage.<\/span>
\n\u201cChrist\u2019s Mass\u201d is transformed to the bland \u201cHappy Holiday.\u201d<\/span>
\nThriving malls and growing debts replace Advent and Gospel ways.<\/span><\/p>\n

So let us take some time, as we gather with loved ones so dear,<\/span>
\nOn Christmas Day, at this glorious, special time of year;<\/span>
\nTo be thankful for comfort and blessings \u2014 to give Caesar his due,<\/span>
\nBut above all, to worship Jesus \u2014 He Who makes all things new.<\/span><\/p>\n

Written on 23 December 1999.\u00a0
\n<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u2018Twas the Month After Election<\/span><\/strong><\/div>\n
\u2013 A Satirical Poem \u2013<\/span><\/strong><\/div>\n
[be forewarned: not for the faint of heart of Democratic persuasion; remember, this is humor!]<\/span><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
An admittedly highly partisan take-off on the lunacy of the 2000 presidential election, with a doubly Christmassy twist . . .<\/span><\/div>\n

\u2018Twas the month after election, when all through Florida land,<\/span>
\nNot a single vote was certain, from pencil, stylus, or hand.<\/span>
\nThe chads were all hung on the ballots by a hair,<\/span>
\nIn hopes that Democratic canvassing boards soon would be there.<\/span><\/p>\n

Palm Beach ladies wrestled with senility, all smug in their views,<\/span>
\nWith visions of conspiracy; \u201cBuchanan<\/b>\u00a0we didn\u2019t choose!\u201d<\/span>
\nSome counties had butterfly ballots, or pregnant dimples \u201cclear,\u201d<\/span>
\nAnd liberals wracked their brains for a long bleeding-heart\u2019s smear.<\/span><\/p>\n

When on the White House lawn there arose such a stink,<\/span><\/p>\n

They sprang from voting booths to loathe conservative rat finks.<\/span><\/p>\n

Away to the media crusading Algore flew like a flash,<\/span><\/p>\n

And tore open honesty and truth, evil Republicans to bash.<\/span><\/p>\n

The moon and the sky, like Chicken Little, were caving in,<\/span><\/p>\n

Giving a lustre of \u201cplausibility\u201d to cynical Democrat spin.<\/span><\/p>\n

When what to our disbelieving eyes should appear,<\/span><\/p>\n

But a grown-up whining crybaby, as certification drew near.<\/span><\/p>\n

With a little old Supreme Court, honorable, liberal, and slick,<\/span><\/p>\n

To legislate on a whim: this kangaroo court so quick.<\/span><\/p>\n

More rapid than eagles, Algore\u2019s counselors came,<\/span><\/p>\n

And he whistled through fake smiles and called them by name:<\/span><\/p>\n

Now Daschle! now Daley! now St. Christopher! now silly Boies!<\/span>
\nOn, Lieberman! on, Jennings; I\u2019d Rather have Brokaw media ploys!<\/span>
\nTo the brink of shamelessness! To the very pinnacle of folly!<\/span>
\nNow Daschle and Gephardt: dash away objectivity & fairness, by golly!<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

As the Constitution before the wild propaganda campaign died,<\/span>
\nFaced with the obstacle of rule of law, they circumvented and lied.<\/span>
\nSo to thrice-counted punch cards salivating canvassers they flew,<\/span>
\nWith bags full of dirty tricks and chads; arrogant and self-righteous too.<\/span><\/p>\n

And then, in a twinkling, Algore heard in his head,<\/span><\/p>\n

The prying and gnawing of conscience\u2019s dread.<\/span><\/p>\n

While practicing Reaganisms, in the mirror saw he with squinting eyes,<\/span><\/p>\n

Three luminous Ghosts of Close Elections Past, in but slight disguise.<\/span><\/p>\n

They were covered in greasy ballots and dollars, from head to foot,<\/span><\/p>\n

And their reputations were all tarnished with compromise and soot.<\/span><\/p>\n

Like a bundle of risky schemes, Algore \u2013 dazed \u2013 fell flat on his back.<\/span><\/p>\n

He looked like the Gipper, but dumber, less wrinkly; as if high on crack.<\/span><\/p>\n

Richard Nixon\u2019s<\/b>\u00a0eyes: how they twinkled! his jowls: how merry!<\/span>
\nHis fingers made the \u201cvictory\u201d sign (McGovern he buried).<\/span>
\nHis droll little mouth said: \u201cLet me make this perfectly\u00a0clear<\/b>.<\/span>
\nI put country above ambition, in \u201960 and \u201974: what a year!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Old\u00a0<\/span>Rutherford Hayes\u2019<\/span><\/b>\u00a0beard was long and white as fleece.<\/span><\/p>\n

A stump speech from long ago he held tight in his teeth.<\/span>
\nThe smoke-filled rooms encircled his head like a scarf:<\/span>
\n\u201cWhen they called me\u00a0<\/span>\u2018Your Fraudulency<\/b>,\u2019<\/span>\u00a0it made me wanna barf!\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Then handsome\u00a0JFK<\/b>\u00a0told\u00a0<\/span>Algore: \u201cI won because of debates on telly,<\/span>
\nBut old man Daley\u2019s Chicago shenanigans made victory kinda smelly.<\/span>
\nEven Tricky Dick gracefully, manfully conceded, like a jolly old elf.\u201d<\/span>
\nWith a wink he warned: \u201cSo should\u00a0you<\/b>, in spite of your devious self.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Algore suddenly arose, rubbing his eyes and twisting his head,<\/p>\n

Soon giving hostage America to know it had nothing to dread.<\/p>\n

He spoke no more lies and half-truths, but went straight to work,<\/p>\n

Selling all his big oil stock(ings); no longer the big jerk.<\/p>\n

And pointing his finger at himself instead of patient W. Bush,<\/p>\n

He resumed his former pro-life views, and racial strife wouldn\u2019t push.<\/p>\n

He sprang to the congress; to fellow Democrats giving a call,<\/p>\n

And urged upon them statesmanship; ugly bickering to stall.
\nAnd we heard him exclaim, as he conceded by the book,<\/p>\n

Life means far more than stealing elections by hook or crook.<\/p>\n

Jesus said: \u201cthe first shall be last, and the last shall be first.\u201d
\nSo for the good of the country, my ruthless ambition I will burst.
\nI\u2019ve been a chameleon, exaggerated, and torn groups apart;
\nNow it\u2019s time to stop demagoguing; I\u2019ll examine my own heart.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

And all marvelled at Algore\u2019s classy cry, ere he finally faded out of TV sight:
\nHappy Christmas to\u00a0all<\/b>, and to Dubya, you put up a good fight!<\/p>\n

Written on 9 December 2000, before the election was decided.<\/span><\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n


\n<\/span><\/span>Love\u2019s Pure Light, Burning Bright<\/span><\/strong>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

CREATION<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Love\u2019s pure Light, burning Bright, [Ps 89:15]<\/span>
\nCrowning Creation, beginning of Story. [Gen 1:3]<\/span>
\nBanishing darkness, cold, and Night, [Gen 1:4]<\/span>
\nSkies and mountains bespeak His Glory. [Rom 1:20]<\/span><\/div>\n
\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n

FIERY REVELATION<\/span>
\n
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Love\u2019s pure Light, what a sight! [1 Tim 6:16]<\/span>
\nShekinah cloud hovering high. [Ex 13:21]<\/span>
\nAbove the Temple, Jerusalem\u2019s height, [1 Kings 8:10-11]<\/span>
\nGod\u2019s presence, comforting, ever nigh. [Jer 31:33-34]<\/span><\/div>\n
\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n

REDEMPTION FROM SIN<\/span>
\n
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Love\u2019s pure Light, cast away fright, [Lk 2:8-10]<\/span>
\nGod\/Child trembling in the hay-filled cave. [Lk 2:11-14]<\/span>
\nFrom Bethlehem\u2019s star, receives heavenly Light, [Mt 2:9-11]<\/span>
\nFallen souls, weak bodies, came He to Save. [Jn 3:16-18]<\/span><\/div>\n
\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n

GLORY<\/span>
\n
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Love\u2019s pure Light, shows His might, [Jn 3:19-21]<\/span>
\nTransfiguration\u2019s wonders, disciples see. [Lk 9:29,32]<\/span>
\nElijah, Moses, Peter, John in twilight, [Lk 9:28,30-31,33-34]<\/span>
\nGlimpse Afterlife\u2019s marvels to be. [Phil 3:20-21]<\/span><\/div>\n
\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n

NEW CREATION<\/span>
\n
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Love\u2019s pure Light, burning Bright, [Jn 8:12]<\/span>
\nConquering death, and Satan\u2019s Ploy. [Rom 6:3-14]<\/span>
\nJesus Rising, vanquish\u2019d man\u2019s Plight, [Acts 1:3]<\/span>
\nGuard soldiers dazed, scattered like toys. [Mt 28:1-4]<\/span><\/div>\n
\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n

FIERY REVELATION<\/span>
\n
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Love\u2019s pure Light, what a sight! [Jn 1:4-5,9]<\/span>
\nDisciples, Mary pray in the Upper Room. [Acts 1:12-14]<\/span>
\nFor each one a Fiery Spirit tonight, [Acts 2:1-4]<\/span>
\nCausing to flee doubt, fear, and gloom. [Jn 14:27-29]<\/span><\/div>\n
\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n

REDEMPTION FROM WEAKNESS<\/span>
\n
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Love\u2019s pure Light, cast away fright, [Mt 5:14-16]<\/span>
\nHoly Spirit each believer to Dwell, [Jn 14:15-26]<\/span>
\nPower, Grace, Peace for all Contrite, [Phil 4:13]<\/span>
\nExceeds, defeats temptations from Hell. [James 4:7]<\/span><\/div>\n
\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n

HEAVENLY GLORY<\/span>
\n
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Love\u2019s pure Light, shows His might, [Rev 22:5]<\/span>
\nMagnificent Almighty, Reigns on His Throne. [Rev 4:2-6]<\/span>
\nRedeemed multitude Worships, Delights, [Rev 7:13-17]<\/span>
\nHeaven\u2019s Ecstatic Joy forevermore Shone. [Rev 21:1-27]<\/span><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
* * *<\/div>\n

Written on 12 December 2001<\/span>
\n
\n<\/span><\/span>* * * * *
\n
\n<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\n
Through\u00a0<\/span>the\u00a0<\/span>Eyes\u00a0<\/span>of a<\/span>\u00a0Child<\/span><\/strong>
\n<\/span>
\n
\n<\/span>\n
Through the eyes of a child, Christmas splendor is lustrous, bright;<\/span>
\nWorld aglow, enchanted, Spirit\u2019s luminous presence hovers near.<\/span>
\nThe wonder, beauty, hope of the season, glorious holy silent night;<\/span>
\nYoung innocent hearts leading, older, \u201cwiser\u201d souls see and hear.<\/span><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
* * *<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Through the eyes of a child, joys of Christmastime are ever-new;<\/span>
\nGod\u2019s love, care resoundingly manifest to the jaded, grown-up type.<\/span>
\nLife is marvelous and great, in precious sight of a sweet girl of two;<\/span>
\nAdvent and Yuletide so much more than dollars and commercial hype.<\/span><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
* * *<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Through the eyes of a child, life, people gain blessed new meaning;<\/span>
\nFamily, longing, sharing, are guided, ordained from our Father on high.<\/span>
\nJesus\u2019 graces pondered while decorating, game-playing, or cleaning;<\/span>
\nIn three boys\u2019 laughing frolic, or \u201cprincess\u201d\u2018 adorable pout and cry.<\/span><\/div>\n
* * *<\/div>\n
Through the eyes of a child, fathers, mothers are two or seven again;<\/span>
\nTen or twelve: listening for sleigh bells, savoring pine needles\u2019 smell.<\/span>
\nWide-eyed, merry boys and girls can\u2019t wait for Christmas\u2019s \u201ctill then\u201d;<\/span>
\nWhile grateful parents yearn for sights, sounds, peace too deep to tell.<\/span><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
* * *<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Through the eyes of a child, \u201cbig people\u201d discover what living is about;<\/span>
\nWho is really learning, and being blessed more? Is it us or is it them?<\/span>
\nAs Christmas draws near, loved ones gather, gifts opened with shouts;<\/span>
\nWe look through eyes of our children and the God-Child in Bethlehem.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

December 12, 2003<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Thomas Nast\u2019s drawing, \u201cMerry Old Santa Claus\u201d, from the January 1, 1881 edition of Harper\u2019s Weekly. Nast immortalized Santa Claus\u2019 current look \u00a0in an 1863 issue of Harper\u2019s Weekly, with his\u00a0illustration titled \u201cA Christmas Furlough\u201d. The popularity of that image prompted him to create this one. [public domain \/ Wikimedia Commons] ***** THE\u00a0MEGABYTE\u00a0BEFORE CHRISTMAS [all […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2331,"featured_media":8944,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1005],"tags":[453,1007,2365,1618,1010,1624,1622,1620,1008],"class_list":["post-5203","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-christmas","tag-bethlehem","tag-birth-of-jesus","tag-christmas","tag-christmas-day","tag-christmas-poems","tag-joseph","tag-manger","tag-mary-of-nazareth","tag-nativity"],"yoast_head":"\nDave Armstrong's First Six Christmas Poems (1996-2003)<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Christmas poems from Catholic writer and apologist Dave Armstrong, in various styles (satirical, devotional, lighthearted, etc.)\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, 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Formerly a campus missionary, as a Protestant, Dave was received into the Catholic Church in February 1991, by the late, well-known catechist and theologian, Fr. John A. Hardon, S. J. Dave\u2019s articles have appeared in many influential Catholic periodicals, including \\\"This Rock\\\" (now called \\\"Catholic Answers Magazine\\\"), \\\"Envoy Magazine\\\" (Patrick Madrid), \\\"The Catholic Answer,\\\" \\\"The Coming Home Journal,\\\" \\\"Gilbert Magazine\\\" (American Chesterton Society), and \\\"The Latin Mass.\\\" He also writes a featured column for every issue of \\\"The Michigan Catholic\\\": published by the archdiocese of Detroit, and was editor for most of the apologetics tracts published by the St. Paul Street Evangelization apostolate. Dave\u2019s apologetics and writing apostolate was the subject of a feature article in the May 2002 issue of \\\"Envoy Magazine.\\\" He served as the staff moderator at the Internet discussion forum for The Coming Home Network, from 2007-2010. Dave has been interviewed on many nationally syndicated Catholic radio shows, including \\\"Catholic Answers Live\\\" (twice), \\\"Faith and Family Live\\\" (Steve Wood), \\\"Kresta in the Afternoon,\\\" \\\"Son Rise Morning Show,\\\" \\\"Catholic Connection\\\" (Teresa Tomeo), and \\\"The Catholics Next Door.\\\" His large and popular website, \\\"Biblical Evidence for Catholicism,\\\" was online from March 1997 to March 2007, and received the 1998 Catholic Website of the Year award from \\\"Envoy Magazine.\\\" His blog of the same name (now transferred to Patheos), begun in February 2004, contains more than 1,500 papers, at least 500 debates or dialogues, and over 50 distinct \\\"index\\\" web pages. Unsolicited correspondence has indicated many hundreds of conversions (or returns) to the Catholic faith as a result, by God's grace, of these writings. Dave's conversion story was published in the bestselling book \\\"Surprised by Truth\\\" (edited by Patrick Madrid; San Diego: Basilica Press, 1994). Sophia Institute Press has published six of his books: \\\"A Biblical Defense of Catholicism\\\" (Foreword by Fr. John A. Hardon, S. J., 1996 \/ 2003), \\\"The Catholic Verses\\\" (2004), \\\"The One-Minute Apologist\\\" (2007), \\\"Bible Proofs for Catholic Truths\\\" (2009), \\\"The Quotable Newman\\\" (editor: 2012), and \\\"Proving the Catholic Faith is Biblical\\\" (2015). He is co-author (with Dr. Paul Thigpen) of the inserts for \\\"The New Catholic Answer Bible\\\" (Our Sunday Visitor: 2005), and editor for \\\"The Wisdom of Mr. Chesterton: The Very Best Quotes, Quips, and Cracks from the Pen of G. K. Chesterton\\\" (Saint Benedict Press \/ TAN Books: 2009). \\\"100 Biblical Arguments Against Sola Scriptura\\\" was published by Catholic Answers in May 2012. His \\\"Quotable Wesley\\\" compilation was published by (Protestant \/ Wesleyan publisher) Beacon Hill Press in April 2014. Several of his 49 books are bestsellers in their field. Dave maintains a popular personal Facebook page, a Facebook author page, and has a Twitter account as well. He offers almost all of his books in e-book form on his own Biblical Catholicism site (http:\/\/biblicalcatholicism.com\/), at a permanent deep discount: only $2.99 for ePub, mobi, and AZW, and $1.99 for PDF. His writing has been enthusiastically endorsed or recommended by many leading Catholic apologists, authors, and priests, including Dr. Scott Hahn, Fr. Peter M. J. Stravinskas, Marcus Grodi, Patrick Madrid, Steve Ray, Tim Staples, Devin Rose, Mike Aquilina, Al Kresta, Karl Keating, Fr. Dwight Longenecker, Brandon Vogt, Marcellino D'Ambrosio, and Fr. John A. Hardon, S. J. Dave has been happily married to his wife Judy since October 1984. 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Formerly a campus missionary, as a Protestant, Dave was received into the Catholic Church in February 1991, by the late, well-known catechist and theologian, Fr. John A. Hardon, S. J. Dave\u2019s articles have appeared in many influential Catholic periodicals, including \"This Rock\" (now called \"Catholic Answers Magazine\"), \"Envoy Magazine\" (Patrick Madrid), \"The Catholic Answer,\" \"The Coming Home Journal,\" \"Gilbert Magazine\" (American Chesterton Society), and \"The Latin Mass.\" He also writes a featured column for every issue of \"The Michigan Catholic\": published by the archdiocese of Detroit, and was editor for most of the apologetics tracts published by the St. Paul Street Evangelization apostolate. Dave\u2019s apologetics and writing apostolate was the subject of a feature article in the May 2002 issue of \"Envoy Magazine.\" He served as the staff moderator at the Internet discussion forum for The Coming Home Network, from 2007-2010. Dave has been interviewed on many nationally syndicated Catholic radio shows, including \"Catholic Answers Live\" (twice), \"Faith and Family Live\" (Steve Wood), \"Kresta in the Afternoon,\" \"Son Rise Morning Show,\" \"Catholic Connection\" (Teresa Tomeo), and \"The Catholics Next Door.\" His large and popular website, \"Biblical Evidence for Catholicism,\" was online from March 1997 to March 2007, and received the 1998 Catholic Website of the Year award from \"Envoy Magazine.\" His blog of the same name (now transferred to Patheos), begun in February 2004, contains more than 1,500 papers, at least 500 debates or dialogues, and over 50 distinct \"index\" web pages. Unsolicited correspondence has indicated many hundreds of conversions (or returns) to the Catholic faith as a result, by God's grace, of these writings. Dave's conversion story was published in the bestselling book \"Surprised by Truth\" (edited by Patrick Madrid; San Diego: Basilica Press, 1994). Sophia Institute Press has published six of his books: \"A Biblical Defense of Catholicism\" (Foreword by Fr. John A. Hardon, S. J., 1996 \/ 2003), \"The Catholic Verses\" (2004), \"The One-Minute Apologist\" (2007), \"Bible Proofs for Catholic Truths\" (2009), \"The Quotable Newman\" (editor: 2012), and \"Proving the Catholic Faith is Biblical\" (2015). He is co-author (with Dr. Paul Thigpen) of the inserts for \"The New Catholic Answer Bible\" (Our Sunday Visitor: 2005), and editor for \"The Wisdom of Mr. Chesterton: The Very Best Quotes, Quips, and Cracks from the Pen of G. K. Chesterton\" (Saint Benedict Press \/ TAN Books: 2009). \"100 Biblical Arguments Against Sola Scriptura\" was published by Catholic Answers in May 2012. His \"Quotable Wesley\" compilation was published by (Protestant \/ Wesleyan publisher) Beacon Hill Press in April 2014. Several of his 49 books are bestsellers in their field. Dave maintains a popular personal Facebook page, a Facebook author page, and has a Twitter account as well. He offers almost all of his books in e-book form on his own Biblical Catholicism site (http:\/\/biblicalcatholicism.com\/), at a permanent deep discount: only $2.99 for ePub, mobi, and AZW, and $1.99 for PDF. His writing has been enthusiastically endorsed or recommended by many leading Catholic apologists, authors, and priests, including Dr. Scott Hahn, Fr. Peter M. J. Stravinskas, Marcus Grodi, Patrick Madrid, Steve Ray, Tim Staples, Devin Rose, Mike Aquilina, Al Kresta, Karl Keating, Fr. Dwight Longenecker, Brandon Vogt, Marcellino D'Ambrosio, and Fr. John A. Hardon, S. J. Dave has been happily married to his wife Judy since October 1984. 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