It was Christmas Eve in 1914 and soldiers from Britain and France were engaged in battle with the Germans. The soldiers were wet and cold and death from artillery fire or sniper attacks were constant threats. It is estimated that 9.7 million soldiers lost their lives in that war.
But for a brief period from Thursday December 24th to Saturday December 26th, soldiers laid down their weapons to celebrate Christmas. They met in between in an area known as “no man’s land” where they sang Christmas carols, exchanged gifts, as well as buried their dead. Some men from both sides even played soccer.
The two sides met to share tobacco and conversation. The men were friendly and even took photos together. They had agreed there would be no shooting until midnight on Saturday, and there wasn’t.
But here is the sad part of the story. These men who enjoyed each other’s company, at midnight went back to killing each other. I can’t imagine what that must have been like to go back to shooting and killing the man whose company you had just enjoyed. How sad this must have been – and somewhat senseless.
I am reminded of Jesus’ words on the Sermon on the Mount in which he talks about loving our fellowman instead of being angry and destroying them with our words or worse. He encouraged reconciliation. I recognize that the soldiers were ordered by their respective governments to kill the enemy and conquer that land. For a few hours, it seemed that Peace broke out, until they went back to defending their respective countries. But I Have to ask, “What was most important?” Something to consider today.