The first week of Advent (Hope).

Believers in Jesus Christ have celebrated Advent since the 7th century A.D. As you recall, “Advent” from the Latin means “coming to”. Therefore, the Advent Season would be understood as: Jesus Christ (The Messiah) “coming to” the world.

During the first Sunday of Advent, Believers celebrate the arrival of Jesus Christ into the world and focus on the eternal “Hope” He brought. “Hope”, in Scripture, has two meanings:

1) a sense of eager anticipation or waiting; and
2) a sense of confident expectation based on certainty.

When Christian’s celebrate Advent, we remember, celebrate, and offer our thanksgiving for what God has done in history for all of humanity.   That God sent His only Son, through whom we might have the certainty of Hope…. for today, tomorrow, and eternity.

C.S. Lewis, author of The Chronicles of Narnia series and other works, writes “…The birth of Christ is the central event in the history of the earth — the very thing the whole story (creation) has been about…”.

Hope is not just wishful thinking. It is God entering the darkest places with quiet, eternal strength. Indeed, the first week of Advent is more than a church tradition-it can be a true encounter with Jesus Christ, the Light of the World (John 8:12).

Let this Advent week serve as a spiritual “wake-up call”: a time to acknowledge your deep need for Christ and to renew trust in God’s promises.

If you allow me, I will offer a prayer for you.

Heavenly Father, during this Advent season, help us reflect on Your act in time and space that gifted us with Your Son. Teach us to anchor our Hope in all aspects of life and family in Jesus Christ. We are grateful that You hear our prayers and petitions, and thankful for the eternal and everlasting Hope You offer us as we eagerly await Your return. Amen

Dear NATEODA Family,

On this Giving Tuesday, we pause to honor the men and women of Explosive Ordnance Disposal—those who step forward when others step back, who serve with courage, precision, and unwavering commitment.

Today is more than a day of generosity. It is a chance to strengthen the bonds of our EOD community and support those who carry the weight of this profession, both past and present.

Your gift—no matter the size—helps us:

• Support EOD technicians and their families in times of hardship

• Preserve the history and legacy of our profession

• Recognize excellence and service across the EOD community

• Strengthen programs that mentor, connect, and uplift our members

Every contribution empowers us to continue the mission of “Serving the EOD Family.”

If you’re able, please consider a tax-deductible donation today and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with your fellow EOD brothers and sisters.

Together, we make a difference.

Together, we remain The EOD Family.

With gratitude and respect,

Woodward L. “Woody” Eastwood
President
National Explosive Ordnance Disposal Association
president@nateoda.com

Past President, National Explosive Ordnance Disposal Association

31 May 1940 ~ 28 November 2025

National Explosive Ordnance Disposal Association

A short note this Thanksgiving Day. Many years ago, when I resigned from a Government Contract Company, I was gifted a small pocket watch by a fellow military professional and LEO Investigator (J.M.). On the watch she had engraved “…The Harder You Work, The Harder It Is To Surrender…”.

I am looking at the watch this morning and reflecting again on how these words defined my approach to life and work back then.  In some ways, they still apply today (smile).

As you may know, our community of Lighthouse View Readers is made up of: former military professionals, former LEOs, and former Bomb Techs.  Still others are business professionals (past and present), military and/or civilian family members, and supporting Brothers and Sisters in Christ working in various forms of ministry and support.  Each of you has been, or is in, a significant leadership position(s).  

Some are raising families (the most challenging role in many ways), some have provided or are providing support as caregivers, and still others are active Analysts and or First Responders supporting our nation’s needs.  We are a diverse group.

Suppose you will pardon my assumptions.  This author is persuaded, You and I fellow readers work hard to do the best we can with what we have.  We generally set a high standard for ourselves and for the tasks we were (or are) assigned.  We like to finish what we start.  It is who we are, in my opinion…. And it is God who has gifted us to ‘pull it off’. 

Our ‘working hard’ is accomplished not just by our vision and labor, but also by the Team and/or Persons we are supporting or working with.  It is a Team Effort in Life, in Work, and in Family.  And yes, J.M., it is hard to surrender being part of that Team.

This Thanksgiving I am grateful to our Lord who saw fit to Gift me the chance to be a member of so many families.  My own earthly family, my family of fellow professionals (military, LEO, Contracting, etc,) each with many opportunities to serve.  This Thanksgiving I am thankful to all those who allowed my to serve and be part of their family. 

Today, I am also grateful to God who allows me to continue to be a small part of God’s Team in this time and space.  To have been a leader and follower in the many roles He has gifted me over these nearly 75 years of life on this planet.

As you reflect on your own life, my fellow Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I am persuaded that we each share the same gratitude to God.  

And I think we also share, in our own way, the words gifted to me by J.M..  We are all, truly, those quite professionals.  Proud to serve in many roles and thankful to our Lord who has given us the gifts and the purpose to do so.

 “…In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you…”. (12 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV)

Thanks, Ladies and Gentlemen, for being fellow leaders and, at times, followers.  May we each continue to learn to ‘hold the line’, through Christ Jesus, in our assigned labors and delegate when we can (smile), as difficult as that may be at times. “…We can do all things through Christ who gives us strength…”

P.S. Thanks, Judy. Hope you and your family are well.

With the most profound respect to each of you.

Soli Deo Gloria
LEO BT Chaplain B

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