Matthew 5:43-44 NKJV — “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,
Courtesy of AP
It was December 1914, the Christmas season had fallen upon the Western Front and in the middle of World War I. The British and German military were in the fight of their lives and between each other. Dug in deep in their trenches, bullets flying overhead with some, unfortunately, finding their targets and the thundering explosions of missiles landing all around them, there seemed to be no end to the deadly carnage.
World War I was labeled, “The War to End All Wars,” many believed this was “Armageddon,” the final conflict prophesied in the book of Revelation. Though both labels were proven to be wrong it was still a war of opposing views. Right or wrong, many would agree, it was a war between good and evil. Bloodshed was everywhere, for many young brave soldiers this was their first Christmas away from home.
As the fighting waged on, many from both sides of the battlefield wondered if the fighting would continue on Christmas Day. Many prayed for a miracle but the hope for one was grim. As the sunset fell for the night, their prayer was answered.
Courtesy of AP
Starting on Christmas Eve, many German and British troops sang Christmas carols to each other across the lines, and at certain points the Allied soldiers even heard brass bands joining the Germans in their joyous singing. At the first light of dawn on Christmas Day, some German soldiers emerged from their trenches and approached the Allied lines across no-man’s-land, calling out “Merry Christmas” in their enemies’ native tongues.
At first, the Allied soldiers feared it was a trick, but seeing the Germans unarmed they climbed out of their trenches and shook hands with the enemy soldiers. The men exchanged presents of cigarettes and plum puddings and sang carols and songs. There was even a documented case of soldiers from opposing sides playing a good-natured game of football also known as soccer.
Courtesy of AP
The so-called Christmas Truce of 1914 came only five months after the outbreak of war in Europe and was one of the last examples of the outdated notion of chivalry between enemies in warfare. Finding a way to reach out and celebrate a day of peace is maybe a goal our leaders and our society is unable to achieve.
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We have read the headlines and have seen the “Breaking News” banners on TV about the bully tactics from the left and the violence that has resulted. The right are not totally innocent of their contributions in the environment that surrounds us now. Suspicious packages, repeatedly filled with incendiary devices, being delivered to Bill and Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and to CNN is becoming an apparent sign that the rhetoric from both sides of the aisle has gone too far. If we refuse to talk and settle our differences through civility and compromise we may never achieve the prosperity and peace that we desire. We must pray to the Lord for our leaders that they find the wisdom to live together. The example given to the world on that Christmas day in 1914 is a way of finding, despite our differences, a common purpose to work together and celebrate the gift that God has given to is all. The gift of life.
Matthew 5:9 NKJV — Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.
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