The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. – John 1:9
The Great War, World War 1, occurred between 1914 and 1918. Over these four years, some 8.5 million soldiers were killed in action. Millions more were wounded. Civilian casualties were significant as new technology, and the worldwide war swept over so many countries. World War 1 was so brutal that no one could imagine another war. It became known as the “War to End All Wars.”
During World War 1, along the Western Front, soldiers would dig massive systems of trenches in which they would live and fight. These trenches would become places where soldiers would face the possibility of death by disease, chemical attack, bullets, and artillery. Although the soldiers would occupy the trenches for extended lengths of time, they were far from home, and the trenches barely protected what often seemed like certain death.
On Christmas Eve of 1914, a moment of peace and goodwill broke out between the British and Germans. It happened as soldiers in both trenches were singing Christmas carols. They even cut small trees and put candles on them to mark the season. Although the songs were not in the same language, music has a way of transcending language barriers. Both sides knew they were singing about the blessing of Christmas and the gift of Christ for the whole world. One German soldier shouted across, “No Man’s Land,” the area between the trenches, “Tomorrow, you no shoot, we no shoot.” The next day, they met in the middle, shared drinks, and celebrated Christmas in relative peace. This momentary truce lasted a couple of days.
The story of the Christmas Truce would be shared around the world. Many people thought it was just a legend until soldiers were able to come home and share the pictures they took with the “enemy.” This story would soon stand as a reminder that peace is possible, and the greatest reason for peace is that we are all children of a loving God.
The scriptures make it clear that Christ came into the world to bring life and light to all. John would write, “The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.” Peace and goodwill are possible when we understand that we have a common connection with one another. Politics, geography, cultures, and ideologies often divide humanity, but in this season of Christmas, let us remember that the True Light has come into our world to show us a better way. Peace is possible because of the birth of our Lord. Goodwill is necessary because our Lord first shows us love. This season, let us be reminded that God’s love and light are far greater than the trivial things that divide.
Rev Keith King, Pastor of Worship
