Wednesday, December 24, 2014
On a bloody battlefield on a memorable Christmas Eve in Belgium in 1914 between British and French forces pitted against German troops, the fighting came to an unusual halt when the words of a German Christmas carol suddenly drifted in the frigid night. They were singing "Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht" ("Silent Night, Holy Night"). Soldiers who had been killing each other by the thousands slowly and cautiously emerged from their trenches and all met in the middle of the battlefield to shake hands and sing the carol together, each in their own language. Some gifts were even exchanged. Sadly, a few days later, the fierce battle resumed. Though it was only momentary, they all turned their thoughts to the Prince of Peace that night and realized that peace can be found even in the midst of war.
Today, one hundred years later, many have discovered the same truth but in their case, they know that this Peace is not momentary, but continues on. The prophet Isaiah said it would be that way long before the world experienced the eventful first Christmas in Bethlehem. He wrote: “For unto us a Child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)
May all of you know this comforting truth and have a blessed and peace-filled Christmas in company with your family and friends. Trouble and strife may be all around us, but if Christ dwells in our hearts we can enjoy His peace nonetheless. Merry Christmas; I hope to write to you soon.
