One hundred and nine years ago, on Christmas Eve, something very unusual happened on the outskirts of Paris. Think with me for a moment, about the miraculous Christmas Truce of 1914.
On August 1, 1914, Germany declared war on Russia. Two days later, Germany declared war on France and immediately sent its army to capture and occupy Paris.
Forty three miles outside of Paris, the German army was stopped at the battle of Marne. That area soon became one of the main battlegrounds of WW1. It was called the Western front—a 400-mile battle line that stretched from Switzerland through France and Belgium to the North Sea.
The Germans were on the eastern side, the French and Belgiums on the western side and a no-man’s-zone was between the two sides. In places along the front the German and French trenches were only 50 yards apart. It was a brutal battleground — hand-to-hand combat in muddy trenches. The soldiers often fought with mustard gas and bayonets. Progress by either side was very slow—measured by yards not miles.
Late on Christmas Eve, 1914, just five months after the war began, one of the most unusual events in the history of modern warfare took place on the Western Front. Members of the French army heard German soldiers singing Christmas carols from their trenches. Soon, the French and Belgium soldiers joined in, and all night long both sides sang Christmas carols together.
Early the next morning, on Christmas Day, soldiers came out of their trenches into the no-man’s-zone and began visiting, exchanged gifts, and even played soccer together. Instead of fighting and killing one another, they found and enjoyed the common bonds that unite all humans—prompted by the message and traditions of Christmas.
It was a spontaneous and undeclared truce. It was called the Christmas Truce of 1914, and It happened at many locations along the 400-mile Western Front.
Sadly, 24 hours later, the truce was over. The troops returned to their trenches, loaded their weapons, and resumed the war. The war on the Western Front lasted for another three and a half years, until the war ended. During those years, twenty million people were killed (10 million soldiers and 10 million civilians) and 21 million people were wounded.
The Christmas Truce of 1914…only lasted one day.
What lessons can we learn from this unusual event in history, that started well but ended abruptly?
1. Peace among men is rare and fleeting.
In the original Christmas story, as recorded in the Bible, an angelic hosts announced Jesus’ birth to a group of shepherds. The angels proclaimed, “Glory to God in the highest. And on earth, peace and goodwill among men.”
But where’s the peace promised at the birth of Christ? Were the angels just being overly optimistic when they proclaimed peace on earth? Were they just caught up in the joy and ecstasy of the moment?
If we’re not careful, we may misinterpret the angels’ promise of peace, because in the history of mankind, there has never been sustained peace on earth.
-
-
- For instance, there has always been war between nations. Wars and rumors of war. Historians generally agree that there has never been a time in human history that there wasn’t a war being waged somewhere on earth. Today, wars are taking their toll in Ukraine, Russia, between Israel and Hamas, South Sudan, Syria, and Yemen.
- And, there is no peace even in our own government. Not since the Civil War has our nation been so politically divided and fractious.
- And, day-by-day, our personal relationships are strained. Arguments, bitterness, and unforgiveness are pervasive.
-
So where’s the peace?
I think the answer to what seems to be misinformation, can be explained by the difference between collective peace and individual peace.
Collective peace is peace among groups of people – among nations, states, religious groups, and tribes. But sustained peace among people-groups will not occur until we all, someday, stand before Christ, the Prince of Peace, and He rules the nations on earth.
But individual peace is available to each of us – now and at all times. Isaiah referred to this personal peace when he said “You Lord, will give perfect peace to those whose minds are focused on you and trust in you.” Jesus told his disciples that in the world you will have tribulation, but in me you can have peace.
So while peace among men is rare and fleeting, our personal peace with God can be assured and constant.
Another lesson to be learned is that we can and should:
2. Extend the spirit of Christmas to every day of the year.
It’s been said that Christmas Day is the only day of the year when most people are kind and civil toward one another. At Christmas we’re more thoughtful, kind, generous, less self-centered, more compassionate and grateful, more aware of beauty, and we spend time with people we love.
Could it be that our celebration of Christmas could serve as a reminder of how we should treat one another the other 364 days of the year. If so, Christmas would be an annual recalibration of our thoughts, priorities, and behaviors.
If the soldiers had extended the Christmas truce, 20 million fatalities could have been avoided.
Another lesson to learn from the Christmas Truce of 1914 :
3. Do not underestimate the positive impact that peaceful moments can have on our lives.
Those soldiers on Christmas Eve, 1914 did have peace for 24 hours. Yes, it was temporary, but it was real and impactful. Those hours must have been cathartic and wonderful. It gave immediate relief from the stress and trauma of war and gave hope of what peace could look and feel like.
In like manner, in our lives, sometimes a break—even a short break—can be immensely helpful. It can be like a cup of cool water on a parched throat. It can give us the strength to carry on.
Let’s pray that this Christmas, and in the coming months and years, we will use the Christmas story to set the standard for the pursuit of peace in our personal relationships and in our world.