Christmas Eve. By now we’ve heard all the Christmas songs, played in various versions, some our favorites, some we skip over.
I love Christmas music. The memories they evoke, the words that remind us what we are celebrating {I know not all Christmas songs do this} , the beautiful melodies that we hum along with so easily. One of my favorite carols is Silent Night. The words and melody are simple enough for a child to memorize and yet timeless.
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;
Heavenly 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!
I’ve been reading a lot about World Wars 1 and 2 recently. The losses on all sides, the tactics, the horrors people witnessed that they never dreamed were possible. But in the midst of the Great War {WWI}, a well known event happened that is worth remembering.
It was Christmas Eve and the British were hunkered down for another miserable night in the trenches. Suddenly, they heard a familiar tune but with unfamiliar words. Across No Man’s Land, the Germans were sitting in their own miserable trenches singing “Stille Nacht” — “Silent Night.” The British soon joined in, singing in English, filling the evening in an unexpected harmony. The next day, tentative British and German soldiers climbed the ladders from their trenches, left their weapons, and met on the field previously covered in blood, bodies, and destruction. Handshakes, smiles, and food were exchanged. Some of the Germans knew English and short conversations were shared. The day would become known as the Christmas Truce of 1914. It is the only known or recorded instance of its kind. A day in the midst of a devastating war where both sides came together sharing peace and hope.
As we celebrate and remember the baby in the manger, let’s not overlook the importance of the coming cross he bore. Because he came, we can be reconciled to our Creator. Because of God’s Son, we are shown the redeeming grace of God.
Merry Christmas and a joyful New Year!
For further reading about the Christmas Truce, I found this article and short video interesting.
Photo by Gareth Harper on Unsplash.