But back to 1968, interestingly - though Billy Graham was a friend of the president-elect forty years ago, the man who was still president did not seem to mind sharing the preacher.  In fact, Lyndon Johnson invited Billy Graham to spend his last weekend in the White House with him January 18-19, 1969.  One evening he watched a movie with LBJ and his family, The Shoes of the Fisherman, starring Anthony Quinn.  When the president dozed off mid-film, Billy quietly went to the projectionist and asked him to keep the reels around, thinking Nixon would like it.

The president and the evangelist went to church together on Sunday, January 19^th.  The next day, during the inauguration of the 37^th president, Billy Graham delivered the invocation.  Then, following Nixon’s address – as the Johnson’s quietly left the stage – the now ex-president’s daughters kissed the preacher.  And Billy went back to the White House and spent the night with the Nixons on January 20^th – completing a sleepover hat trick.

The following Sunday, President Nixon began a custom of holding worship services in the White House.  The first clergyman to officiate was, of course, Billy Graham.

It seems to me that Billy Graham found the balance.  He managed to stay faithful to the simple gospel message, even when surrounded by the seductive trappings of power.  The man of God found a way to connect with politicians in a way that earned their respect and opened doors for personal ministry. 

Maybe, just maybe, this is something Christian leaders should reflect on right now.  The so-called Religious Right is a thing of the past.  It was once a well-defined movement.  Now it appears to be dissipating like a weakening storm somewhere over America’s heartland. 

Some are sad about this.  Some are very discouraged.  I am not.  My views have not changed.  I am ardently pro-life, fiercely pro-American, and passionate about limited government.  And I will stand for what I believe and work for causes I consider worthwhile and just. 

I have never been comfortable with the politicization of church.  In fact, some who read my columns might find it hard to believe, but I actually do not preach politics at church.  The closest I come is to talk about the pro-life issue – which I do with passion, but not as a partisan thing.  I never endorse candidates.   I vote for Jesus every Sunday. 

I think this election is a wake up call to many Christians – one that reminds us that, in the final analysis, our mandate is not to reform society via the ballot box, state house, or White House, but rather to proclaim the ultimate narrative, the one that really changes lives.  In other words: “It’s the gospel, stupid.”  We can’t get everything we want, all the time, at the ballot box, but we can always find comfort in the fact that the mercy and grace of God are sufficient.

Billy Graham has been a faithful servant of God and citizen of America.  In a very Kipling-esque sense, he has walked with presidents, but he never lost his “common touch.”

Happy Birthday, Billy!