Imagine being in a war zone trench, just feet away from the enemy’s on Christmas Eve.
Such a thing occurred on December 24, 1914 when carols were sung between the British and German soldiers.
Perhaps it sounded something like this:
O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum,
Wie treu[N 1] sind deine Blätter!
Du grünst nicht nur zur Sommerzeit,
Nein, auch im Winter, wenn es schneit.
O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum,
Wie treu sind deine Blätter!
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree,
Your branches green delight us!
They are green when summer days are bright,
They are green when winter snow is white.
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree,
Your branches green delight us!
At sunrise on Christmas Day, unarmed German soldiers approached the British calling out “Merry Christmas” in their enemies’ native tongues. At first, the British and allied soldiers feared being tricked, but eventually climbed out of their trenches and exchanged presents of cigarettes and plum puddings and sang carols and songs.
This short cease fire also allowed both sides to retrieve the bodies of fellow combatants.
Sadly, this was the last example of chivalry between enemies. The gesture was never repeated again.
Is there someone you need to call a truce with? As Christians, we are to love our enemies. All year ’round. Not just at Christmas. But if you’re human, there are probably a few prickly people in your life you may need to extend some grace to. Why not make it a goal to call a truce with these people at Christmas?
Who knows? You just might make history with your gesture of love.
Comments 14
I can’t imagine killing each other after interacting so much. Must have been heart breaking.
Author
I can’t imagine it either. Had to change their lives forever.
This is such a poignant story, and every time I hear it I wonder what it must have been like for those men. Thanks for the reminder!
Author
I first learned of this story as a young person and was always impressed with the courage it took to step out of that trench and trust.
Thanks for sharing this poignant story, Karla. I’ve heard it many times before, but I never grow tired of the retelling.
Author
I love it, too, Jodie. Touches me every time.
I can’t imagine what that was like for those men. How did they do it? If they survived how did they cope?
Blessings,
Diana Lesire Brandmeyer
Author
Exactly, Diana, I wonder the same thing. War is just awful. It had to change them forever.
What a wonderful post to honor our brave military enduring loneliness and danger during the Christmas season. You are so right to remind us of our own “trenches” and the need for a truce. Love your blog and your beautiful Christmas buttons. God Bless 🙂
Author
Thanks so much, Nancy! I have a trench or two of my own I’m working on digging my way out of. We are all in need of a savior!
WOW – I had never heard this before. So neat. And a lesson we ALL need! Thanks, Karla.
Author
Thanks for reading, Joanne. It’s quite a story and it touches me every single time I read it. Merry Christmas!
This is so interesting, Karla! I had no idea. Can you imagine the singing? Wow. I wonder how it effected them the next days when the fighting continued? Again, wow.
Author
I wonder the same thing, Patty. I’m so glad I’ve never had to be a soldier in a physical war.