The Christmas Truce ∙∙∙

The Christmas Truce ∙∙∙

Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” – Luke 2:14

Luke 2:10-11

10 “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.”
11 “The Savior – yes, the Messiah, the Lord – has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!”

World War I began on June 28, 1914. Along the Western Front, a vast network of trenches stretched over 450 miles, reaching from the English Channel to the Swiss Alps. The desolate expanse between opposing trenches was known as no man’s land, a grim burial ground for countless soldiers who fell in battle.

The air was thick with the sights, sounds, and smells of war. Yet, as Christmas approached in 1914, the relentless cacophony of gunfire and the pounding of artillery began to fade. On Christmas Eve, something extraordinary and magical happened. The soft glow of candlelight suddenly illuminated German trenches. Soldiers had placed candles atop the trenches, and others held small Christmas trees adorned with flickering lights.

Then, a new sound pierced the silence, replacing the harsh tones of battle. It was the sound of singing. The melody was hauntingly familiar. The words were sung in German. Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht drifted out over the killing zone, its familiar tune breaking through the cold air. The British soldiers on the other side recognized the melody, and they replied in kind, singing Silent Night, Holy Night in their own language. The voices of former enemies united, creating a brief, beautiful moment of peace amidst the horrors of war.

Without warning, unarmed German soldiers began cautiously emerging from their trenches, slowly advancing toward the British lines. Almost simultaneously, the British soldiers did likewise. “Merry Christmas,” punctuated the cold dark night, followed by the words, “We won’t shoot if you don’t.” Cautiously, soldiers from both sides stepped forward, shaking hands and exchanging greetings. They traded plum puddings for cigars, swapped mementos and stories, spoke of home, laid to rest their fallen comrades, and even joined together for a friendly game of soccer.

On this extraordinary and magical evening, their shared faith in the Lord Jesus Christ echoed the words “Glory to God in the highest” as a moment of peace and goodwill graced the war-torn battlefield. This incredible event came to be remembered as the Christmas Truce of 1914.

Once the joy and warmth of Christmas faded, the cold, stark reality of war returned. Those who had momentarily shared camaraderie and goodwill were again divided, becoming enemies once more.

Yet, the Father’s heart longs for a different kind of peace—an everlasting peace that surpasses all understanding and brings an end to all hostility. He extends an invitation to all people, calling them to lay down their weapons and abandon the ways of strife. However, it is only His children who have fully answered this call, surrendering their hearts to Him and choosing to live in the profound peace only He can provide. This is not a fleeting truce but a lasting reconciliation, where enmity gives way to harmony and war is replaced by the peace of the Kingdom of God.

REFLECT & PRAY

The Lord Jesus Christ came to bring lasting peace—peace not just among people but deep within their hearts. He offered a special peace, personal peace with the Father. The peace of God, characterized by calmness, restfulness, and serenity, is now available to anyone willing to become a child of the King.

Father, I am grateful for the gift of peace You have made possible. Thank You for calling me to lay down my arms and find true peace with You.

INSIGHT

The prophet Isaiah delivered a remarkable promise that one day, a powerful King would come into the world—not to rule with oppressive authority, but to reign with peace.

Isaiah 9:6 proclaims, “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

This prophesied Messiah, the Son of God, would arrive as a child born to Israel. He would personify peace itself and ultimately reign as the Prince of Peace. His kingdom would stand apart, a kingdom founded on lasting peace. He would usher in a time of peace on earth and goodwill to men. He would foster peace between individuals and nations. He would give personal peace within the heart of each of His subjects. Most importantly, He would create the way for a restored relationship of peace between mankind and the Father.

His rule would not rely on fear or coercion. Instead, it would be characterized by gentle and loving influence. His reign would move hearts, not through force, but through grace—compelling the willing response of His people through the power of His love and mercy (Ortlund and Hughes).

The promised Messiah of Israel, the Lord Jesus Christ, accomplished far more than simply declaring a truce between the Father and humanity. He secured and facilitated the establishment of enduring peace and reconciliation.

When we take time to look inward, many of us discover many negative emotions—anger, hostility, resentment, and turmoil—that lurk beneath the surface. Why is this so? Before we become children of the King, we are His enemies. A state of war existed between God and us. This enmity separated us from God.

When we are adopted into the Father’s Forever Family, everything changes. The battle is over, and a deep, enduring peace begins—a peace only He can give. Every trace of conflict is wiped away, and every divide is mended. We enter a new life, one defined by harmony and reconciliation with God. This peace is not temporary or fragile but a lasting inheritance, carefully prepared for each beloved child of the King.

His peace is not a distant hope reserved for eternity alone. It is a present reality, a gift meant to be unwrapped and cherished even now. We don’t have to wait for heaven to feel the depth of His peace and the comfort it brings to our hearts.

From the moment our adoption into God’s family is finalized, we don’t just carry the title “children of God.” We become His cherished sons and daughters, held close by His boundless love. With this new identity comes two extraordinary blessings—peace with God and the peace of God. These are not abstract ideas but treasures we can lean on and experience in our daily lives. They are expressions of His infinite generosity and unwavering grace, likened to priceless gifts from our Heavenly Father. Perhaps they are akin to His Christmas gifts to us—transformative, enduring, and ready to be enjoyed now.

Through this, we can experience a peace so extraordinary it defies all understanding (Philippians 4:7). These gifts remind us of the immeasurable love and reconciliation we have received, a reflection of the Father’s desire to restore what was broken and bring us into the fullness of His grace.

Philippians 4:6-7

6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

¯_(ツ)_/¯

© Dr. H 2024