This past Sunday, there was an excellent article in the Wall Street Journal by Robert Sapolsky on a spontaneous Christmas truce that occurred during the First World War. This terrible war, sparked by the assassination of Franz Ferdinand, the archduke of Austria, would begin in 1914 and conclude 4 years later after some 16 million people had died. On Christmas Eve, 1914, German soldiers began decorating the areas around their trenches, including the trees, with candles. They also sang Christmas carols throughout the fortifications. The British troops, on the other side of the battlefield, responded with songs of their own. Before long, soldiers were shouting Christmas greetings to each other. After a while, a few cautious soldiers from each side laid down their equipment, painted a sign with the words, “A Merry Christmas” and met in the dreaded killing field known as “No Man’s Land.” Soon after this initial encounter, troops up and down the Western Front of battle laid down their weapons, shook hands with the enemy, and began trading food, souvenirs, and other goods. Time was taken to rest, hold joint memorial services for the dead, and even hold a soccer match. This truce lasted through Christmas day in most areas and even to the New Year in some places. Sadly, the killing began anew after senior officers threatened soldiers with punishment if they did not resume fighting. In fact, many of the soldiers who initiated the truce up and down the line were court-martialed for their friendly exchanges with the enemy.
In spite of these threats and punishments, certain little unofficial truces continued during the war and became the seeds for a permanent ceasefire in 1918. For example, one side started ending their artillery fire precisely at 6pm and gave the enemy one hour to have a quiet supper before beginning again in earnest at 7pm. The other side realized this and also quieted their guns at the same time as a token of good will. This informal ceasefire spread to food trucks and latrines, which were unofficially off limits, even though they were easy targets. There are even accounts of snipers who would fire on an abandoned house near an enemy position. The sharpshooter would hit the exact same spot, day after day, making his point, “I could get you, but I am choosing not to.” The other side would respond in the same way with their snipers and an informal, wordless agreement was reached: We will shoot over your head if you shoot over ours.”
So, what do these incredible stories teach us? What is illustrated by these moments of tender humanity in the midst of unimaginable suffering and loss of life? We know people are capable of causing each other terrible pain and suffering through sinful thoughts, words, and actions. But each of us has an even greater ability to forgive, to love, and to heal others through acts of charity and loving worship to God. It is this God-given gift of kindness and solidarity that is celebrated at Christmas as the world takes a breath from its incessant struggle, remembering we share a common light in the God who shared our humanity.
We humans have not been made for the darkness of sin, suffering, and death. We are not made for war, we are not meant to carry the burden of hatred. We are not doomed to stumble along as victims of circumstance, blinded by grudges, past mistakes, or self-hatred. Even during the worst times in the history of humanity, something beautiful and loving always finds its way into the world. Sometimes it takes a gesture of peace and kindness like the Christmas truce of 1914 to remind us that we are all made by God and for God.
Each year, Christmas serves to jar us out of the darkness of a fallen world. The birth of God as a tiny, helpless baby reminds us that we are loved beyond measure by the One who created all things. The Savior of heaven and earth lets us know that God will never give up on his children, no matter how many times we mess up, or hurt one other, or run away from him. Christmas serves as a heavenly wake-up call that we are inherently good, along with the whole created world; it invites us to let loose that goodness into a universe that is often wrapped up in its self-created darkness and gloom.
Tonight God crosses No-man’s land as a vulnerable newborn, inviting us to a truce. He says, “Lay down your hurts, your anger, your unforgiveness, your feelings of unworthiness, worthlessness, and sadness. Surrender whatever puts you at war with yourself, your family, friends, and yes, even with the Almighty.” Lay aside these things and enjoy peace, rest, and joy; the things you were made for and the very things your heart longs for.
May God bless you and your loved ones with the very same peace and happiness that put a war on hold and caused enemies to celebrate together as brothers. A Merry Christmas to you and all the best in the year to come!
