Have you heard of the Christmas Truce that took place in 1914? You probably have. It's a very popular story, but a good one. I will summarize the story very simply. For a more detailed description of what happened read here.
British and German troops were facing each other in trenches during World War I. On December 24, 1914, the Germans began small celebrations of Christmas. They lit candles and held up little Christmas trees. They began singing Christmas carols. As the story goes, they sang Stille Nacht, which was easily recognizable to the British. The beautiful carol Silent Night was sung by soldiers on both sides. Against the orders of the commanding officers, the soldiers on both sides were enacting a spontaneous truce. They held up signs saying "Merry Christmas" or other greetings. A couple of soldiers left the trench without their weapons and with their hands in the air. Others from the opposing side did the same. They met in the middle and shook hands. Soon, soldiers from British and German armies met in no-man's land and exchanged small gifts: chocolate, tobacco, canned meat. There was even a little football (soccer) played. The truce lasted for a little over a day, but in some areas, it lasted past the new year.
Christmas is a time when the Spirit of the Lord is felt in great abundance. I believe people are more receptive to a Lord who is always knocking. "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20). The story of the Christmas Truce demonstrates men in the worst of circumstances who responded to the Prince of Peace. It is a story that brings me hope.
Silent night! Holy night! All is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin mother and Child.
Holy Infant, so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace; Sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night! Holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight!
Glories stream from heaven afar;
Heav'nly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Savior, is born! Christ, the Savior, is born!
Silent night! Holy night! Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from thy holy face,
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth; Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.
(text by Joseph Mohr, music by Franz Gruber)
2 comments:
I am loving your advent. It is very peaceful. (I couldn't think of a different word, but that seemed fitting. It's how I feel when I read.)
Wow, this is my favorite post you have put up to date. Thanks for sharing that information. It seems like in the back of my mind I knew about it, but forgot. Thanks for the reminder.
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