| Romans 12:18 – “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” |
Silent Night. When I sing it, nearly always I take a mental journey back to December 24, 1914. Oh, I wasn’t there. I was 41 years away from being born at that point. But I have read about it. The place was the western front during World War I.
The Germans were singing Christmas carols from their trenches. The British sang back in their language. Slowly they ventured out of the trenches to meet in the middle ground between. No man’s land. Photos of families were shown. Cheese was traded for chocolate or a bit of wine. Soccer was played. A truce was called. Most of these men realized the only way they would ever go home from this war was in an ambulance or casket. And here was an opportunity to experience peace, love and joy for a moment. Here in this muck and mire a long way from home, they could briefly feel human again.
Later, the officers on both sides forbid any such future action. After all, how could you kill someone whose family you had gazed at from a vest pocket photo, kept there for comfort when a man feared death was close by. How could you hate him? Your newfound friend who spoke with an accent different from yourself? Your friend who had told you his wife’s name. And you told him how beautiful she was.
I like to go caroling. We do it here in our neighborhood. There is something about sharing a song with a stranger, a tune and words you both know well, about “heavenly peace” that warms your soul and brings you closer to them.
Father in heaven, thank You for sending Your son and with Him peace on earth and goodwill toward men, in Jesus’ name, Amen!
-Jeff Beall
