LUTHERMUIR GOSPEL HALL
by Brian Chalmers
The Carol that Brought
Enemies Together
NEARLY FIVE MONTHS into World War I, with a million lives lost and no hope of being home for Christmas, a faint but distinct tune could be heard from the German trenches which opened with the words, "Stille Nacht...". The Germans finished singing and their enemies broke out in cheers! The British now replied in song with the English version of the carol 'Silent Night'. The following morning, here and there along the 500 mile long Western Front, unarmed German and Allied soldiers crossed no-man’s-land to wish each other a Merry Christmas. Hands were shook, conversations were made, presents were exchanged and even the odd football game was held; the soldiers dodging around barbed wire and shell craters as each side tried to score a goal between goals marked by their caps. This truce, however, was not to be enjoyed for long. As Christmas day shrunk into the night the fighters retreated to their respective trenches. In most locations the war resumed the next day at 8.30am. The peace enjoyed between opposing soldiers only lasted so very briefly. Reconciliation between sworn enemies was known for no more than a day.
COSTLY PEACE
In the history of man, there are few instances like the WWI Christmas Day Truce that tell of periods of reconciliation, nation between nation and man between man, during a time of war. But there is one event that heralds forth to us the greatest and most enduring message of reconciliation to a world at enmity with God: the birth of Christ! That tender Baby of Bethlehem ultimately grew up to become the Supreme Sacrifice at Calvary’s cross. It cost Him everything! Colossians 1 verse 2 tells us the He has "made peace through the blood of His cross". Sadly, the Bible describes us as being "enemies of God" (Romans 5:10) because of our sin. But as an old chorus puts it:
There’s a way back to God, from the dark paths of sin;
There’s a door that is open and you may go in:
At Calvary’s cross is where you begin,
When you come as a sinner to Jesus.
UNIVERSAL PEACE
The peace which God offers us today is indiscriminate. It is for all peoples of all backgrounds from all nations: "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life" John 3:16.
LASTING PEACE
The peace enjoyed at WWI’s Christmas Day Truce was so fragile, lasting for a matter of hours - so different from the peace which God offers you through Christ. "Peace with God" (Romans 5:1) is a peace that nothing can diminish, and once we have it we will enjoy the "peace of God" which, as Phillipians 4:7 tells us, "passeth all understanding."
Trust Christ today and you'll know the greatest peace ever known to man on earth and to all eternity!
Featured picture above: Scene from Sainsbury's Christmas Ad 2014