Christmas Peace
This time of year especially people remember the birth of the Messiah. Our Savior came into the world to save sinners, and redeem a lost and broken world. He promises future paradise restored and perfect fellowship with Him in love and life forevermore.
In remembering the light of the world, earthly sorrows and fears fade away, and what replaces it is exuberant joy!
Luke is my favorite gospel. He tells of our Lord and Savior with a physician’s tender heart, seeing the need for the Great and Almighty Physician. In the second chapter of Luke’s gospel account we read these famous words:
8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And [a]behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a [b]manger.”
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
14 “Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill[c] toward men!”
One of my favorite Christmas stories, demonstrates the power of this glory and peace in the world.
In December of 1914 the world was at war. Nations from all over were engaged in gruesome battles. World War 1 is know has one of the worst wars in history, both because of the number of casualties, and because of the horrors endured by the troops. Due to the industrial revolution, technology was changing and new inventions brought the battlefield to a whole new level. Calvary units charged up hills, only to be completely and instantly blown away and obliterated by enemy tanks, and machine guns. Poisonous gas fumes blinded many unsuspecting soldiers. Both biological and technological warfare soared to heights that had never been seen or faced before. In addition to this, armies were faced with horrific conditions. Trenches were dug, and men and boys were forced to stay in muddy, dark holes, waiting for enemies to lob grenades at them, destroying them all.
In the face of such ugly darkness and terror, it would seem to be a place and situation where all hope and joy is lost. But it is with this backdrop, that one of the most powerful demonstrations of God’s light and peace took place.
On Christmas eve night boys in their teens, and young men lay like sitting ducks in cold, dark, filthy trenches awaiting word from their commanders to attack. Enemy lines were drawn between the trenches with a very thin strip of “no man’s land” in between. Out of the darkness of the night British soldiers heard a voice. It was a German voice. Their muscles tensed. Their hands gripped their guns. But no, it wasn’t the voice of a commander, or the harsh sound of an attack. The voice was a young voice, just like theirs. It was raised in song. Someone was singing! “Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht,” The words were unfamiliar, but that tune…yes they knew it! One of the British suddenly gave an answering call, singing out into the night, “All is calm, all is bright”! Slowly but surely men and boys from both sides, and from all over, began to rise from their trenches. Candles were lit and more and more voices joined in, singing in multiple different languages the familiar Christmas Carol:
[Verse 1]
Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace
[Verse 2]
Silent night, holy night
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia
Christ the Savior is born
Christ the Savior is born
[Verse 3]
Silent night, holy night
Son of God, love’s pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus Lord, at Thy birth
Verse 1 Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht, Alles schläft; einsam wacht Nur das traute, hochheilige Paar. Holder Knabe im lockigen Haar, Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh! Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh!
Verse 2 Hirten erst kundgemacht Durch der Engel Halleluja, Tönt es laut von fern und nah: Christ, der Retter ist da! Christ, der Retter ist da!
Verse 3 Gottes Sohn, o wie lacht Lieb’ aus deinem göttlichen Mund, Da uns schlägt die rettende Stund’. Christ, in deiner Geburt!
Verse 4 (not commonly sung) Fröhliche, ja fröhliche, Sei des Müllerwagens Schnell, Fahr’ auf, mein Wagen, fahr’ auf, Zieh’ den Kindern nach Bethlehem!
Verse 5 (not commonly sung) Morgenstille, morgenstill, Über die Berge, über die Täler, Schweigt und höret, Schweigt und höret, Die Engel singen, die Engel singen.
Verse 6 Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht, Hirten erst kundgemacht Durch der Engel Halleluja, Tönt es laut von fern und nah: Christ, der Retter ist da! Christ, der Retter ist da!
Following this carol, all were reminded of the Lord Who brings peace on earth. Suddenly the cold and dark of the night melted into light and warmth, and the fearful terrors and hate of war were replaced with the joy of love of the gospel. For that night and all the next day, a truce reined. Soldiers from all over the world shook hands, and wished each other a Merry Christmas, peace and safety. The dead were buried respectfully, stories of loved ones back home were told, gifts were exchanged, and ball games and sports were even played! No man’s land was crossed, and opposing sides celebrated with each other. More carols and hymns were sung. Faith had brought about a bond which no war could touch. Even though lasting world peace had not and has not yet come, and these men and boys would be shooting at each other the next day; for that day, all sides remembered the sacrifice of Jesus for their souls; and looked forward to another day, when they would all meet in eternal love and peace.
God’s light shines in the darkest of places, and we see all around the world glimmers of the lasting peace which He brings. Christ’s perfect life and sacrificial death in our stead, and glorious resurrection by the power of the Holy Spirit, brings us back into reconciliation with the Father, if we believe in Him, by His grace. He will also redeem creation, and cleanse the world of sin and death. Redeemed by Him, we are now a part of His family, and have love and identity with our God as joint heirs with Christ. We inherit the world, and reign with Him. We have fellowship with God’s family, and these bonds will never be severed. In light of this hope, keep your eyes on the light, and rejoice in joy; no matter what circumstances you face. This is the true meaning of Christmas.
[Verse 1]
O Holy night!The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
‘Til He appeared and the soul felt its worth
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn
Fall on your knees; O hear the Angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born
O night, O Holy night, O night divine!
[Verse 2]
Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming
Here come the Wise Men from Orient land
The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger
In all our trials born to be our friend
He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend
[Verse 3]
Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His Gospel is Peace
Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother
And in His name, all oppression shall cease
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we
Let all within us Praise His Holy name
Christ is the Lord; O praise His name forever!
His power and glory evermore proclaim
His power and glory evermore proclaim