“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6 NIV).
Salvatore Augustine Giunta is the first living person since the Vietnam War to receive the United States military’s highest decoration for valor, the Medal of Honor. Giunta was cited for saving members of his squad in Afghanistan.
Is Giunta a true hero? The U.S. Army thinks so, and so do I. Here’s a short excerpt from his Medal of Honor Citation:
Specialist Salvatore A. Giunta distinguished himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty in action with an armed enemy in the Korengal Valley, Afghanistan, on October 25, 2007… Specialist Giunta’s unwavering courage, selflessness, and decisive leadership while under extreme enemy fire were integral to his platoon’s ability to defeat an enemy ambush and recover a fellow American soldier from the enemy. Specialist Salvatore A. Giunta’s extraordinary heroism and selflessness above and beyond the call of duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, Company B, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry Regiment, and the United States Army.”
(Read entire citation)What makes a true hero? I’m not sure our generation remembers. We make heroes of those who have pretty faces and play heroes on TV. Our heroes are famous for being … famous. Not because they have done anything heroic.
True heroism involves courage and selflessness, a willingness to die for the love of others. That’s what makes Giunta a hero. In Isaiah’s prophecy of the coming Messiah, he spoke of four titles that would be given to Him. The second title was “Mighty God.” In Hebrew, El Gibbor, literally ‘God, the Mighty One.” The word Gibbor may be also be translated “Hero or Champion.” Isaiah said that the coming Christ would be our True Hero!
In John 15:13, Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
What Salvatore Giunta was willing to do for his fellow soldiers, Christ did for us. His love for us moved Him to become our Champion, our True Hero.
As we remember the Christ child that was given “unto us,” let’s worship Him as the Hero who conquered sin, death and the grave for us. He is our Mighty God.