Luke 2:12-14 Merry Gift of Peaceful Truce
12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army of angels praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among people with whom He is pleased.”
World War 1 had begun in June 1914, and many felt it would be over before winter. As the conflict increased and more nations joined, the war continued. It was the wish of the wives and Pope Benedict XV that a cease-fire would happen on Christmas. Both sides had made a truce for Christmas. On Christmas Eve, the Allied soldiers heard brass bands’ music and joined in the singing. On Christmas Morning, the Germans and Allied soldiers approached what was called ‘no-man’s-land’, and called out “Merry Christmas“ in each other’s language. Both sides were worried initially, but the Allies noticed they were unarmed. Then they shake hands, exchange cigarettes, plum pudding, beers, and sing carols. The Germans lit a Christmas tree, and the soldiers played football. The German Lieutenant recalled:” How marvelously, yet strange it was, the English officers felt the same way. Christmas brought a celebration of love between mortal enemies together as friends for a limited time. The next day they exchanged bullets, wounding and killing each other. I know Christ was not born on December 25 because I have never read scripture that says He was. But it brings family and friends together, and they spend time together. Christmas is even so popular non-Christians celebrate it. Remember, the second advent of Jesus Christ is coming soon, not Santa Claus. He brings eternal life to those who love Him and a merry life forever. God loves you, may the Prince of Peace be with you, and I love you. His bondservant, Samuel Jerry Head.