On Christmas Eve 1914, a miracle occurred in the midst of snow and death. At midnight, the Germans, Brits, and the French joined a Scottish priest as he led them in a Christmas mass. This was not an act of defiance, it was a communion of soldiers who chose to participate in a truce. These men ate together and played sports on Christmas day without any animosity against strangers who all held Christmas traditions dear. In the middle of a fierce war, soldiers were touched by the Spirit of Christmas on a French battlefield during the first World War. After four months of fighting, over a million men had perished in the bloody conflict. The bodies of dead soldiers were scattered between the trenches of the opposing armies. God does turn what was meant for evil, into good. In the middle of a freezing battlefield, a miracle occurred!

British troops watched in amazement as candle-lit trees appeared above the German trenches. “From the German troop a rich baritone voice began to sing. A tender voice rose out of the frozen mist. It was the gift each soldier needed. Peace came to abide in each cold heart. A young British soldier wrote in his diary. “Silent Night, Holy Night. All is calm. All is bright.” When the German soldiers ended in song, the British decided to retaliate, not with the roar of a cannon, but by Gods grace, the army chaps sang, “The first noel, the angels did say, was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay …” These poor soldiers identified with the shocked shepherds. A truce organically grew among weary men who were homesick. The power of tradition continues today, regardless of nationality or beliefs.

The boys from jolly old England finished, “Born is the King of Israel!”, the enemy began clapping and struck up a rousing rendition of “Oh Tannenbaum!” The Brits began singing, “Oh Come All Ye Faithful!” and the Germans immediately joined in. Singing with our enemy is actually in obedience to God who commands that we pray for our enemies. This was a most extraordinary event taking place in the middle of a blood-drenched battlefield! It is recorded that enemy soldiers greeted each other in what was a killing zone, just minutes before. Soldiers wished one another a Merry Christmas and agreed not to fire their rifles on Christmas Day. Thousands of soldiers celebrated the birth of the Prince of Peace among the bodies of their dead. A solitary French voice blended into a mostly Germans choir. Then, as the Spirit moved, in their own language they sang “Silent Night” together. Great is our God! The Prince of Peace pierced hearts, and for one night, opposing nations united and Hope was renewed.

Who do you need to make peace with this season? Have you been engaged in a fierce battle that has extracted the very life from your soul? Christmas is a moment in history when peace is abundantly possible because of the Baby who came to bring peace for all of the ages. His Amazing Grace will save all weary souls from every battle. In the midst of conflict, peace is possible whenever songs of Jesus and the Hope He offers to every nation. Overcome evil by speaking or singing the name of Jesus. Halleluiah! Merry Christmas and peace to all mankind!

Grateful for the Joy that Christ our Lord brings. Standing on the promises of Christ, my Savior, are you washed in the soul cleansing blood of the Lamb, are your garments spotless, are they white as snow. Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing. Follow the amazing voices of Jehovah Shalom A Capella.