The Christmas Truce of 1914 is history in the making. The story of soldiers freezing in the cold and having little hope have inspired many people. For this Christmas special, let's see what made this miracle so important.
Pope Benedict XV had originally wanted a Christmas truce but was rejected. Though, could this idea of a truce been carried to the men in the trenches?... (No one exactly knows how the truce began, but all accounts have the common factor of Christmas Carols.)
To partake in the war, the men had to make trenches. The early trenches were made poorly and mostly flooded. Depending how poorly the trench were constructed, the men were easily targeted by snipers. The men were surrounded by mud and fallen bodies. There was little hope for any celebration.
The first account of the Christmas Miracle. The British and the Germans received gifts their fellow-country. The men were boosting to each by yelling insults. Apparently, some of the trenches were so close together that yelling to each other was a daily task. The Germans gave the Brits a birthday cake and asking them for a cease fire that night. For the Germans wanted to celebrate their Captain's birthday. The Brits replied saying they would keep a cease-fire and gave the Germans tobacco as a return gift.
The Germans planned on having a concert for their Captain. They asked the Brits if they would join them in singing. One British soldier replied "We'd rather die than sing German." to which a German joked aloud "It would kill us if you did." Eventually, men from each side would join in with the singing. This is when all the other accounts of the Christmas Miracle share the common element. It was through Christmas caroling that the men began to interact. Men sang Christmas carols in English and in German. the verses may say not matched but their spirits did. The most recognized song was Silent Night which was the inspired title to a book about that night.
Unarmed Germans crossed over no-man's land to the Brit's side. They came over to wish them Merry Christmas. The men went back over to their side. Not long after, the Brits and the Germans were fraternizing with each other. This was against the officers orders. Men still went out and exchanged addresses, photos, and the very little that the had.
One depressed account that was told was when the soldiers were gathering up their dead. They chose Christmas for the day because they knew the other side would probably not be in the mood to shoot at the men. While both sides claimed their dead men to bury them, they struck up conversations with each other. Some men could only communicate through singing. By the end of the day, the men were playing soccer and having a wonderful day.
No matter how that day is seen or how different each lines started their truce. It is amazing to know that it happened through singing. That these men fighting for different sides made a truce with the enemy for days. Some even became friends and wrote to each other. What will you be remembered for? Will you be the person singing a song that the Lord hath given you?... Or will you keep your mouth quiet and never witness a miracle. Just remember, it was a few men that made the miracle happen.
Pope Benedict XV had originally wanted a Christmas truce but was rejected. Though, could this idea of a truce been carried to the men in the trenches?... (No one exactly knows how the truce began, but all accounts have the common factor of Christmas Carols.)
To partake in the war, the men had to make trenches. The early trenches were made poorly and mostly flooded. Depending how poorly the trench were constructed, the men were easily targeted by snipers. The men were surrounded by mud and fallen bodies. There was little hope for any celebration.
The first account of the Christmas Miracle. The British and the Germans received gifts their fellow-country. The men were boosting to each by yelling insults. Apparently, some of the trenches were so close together that yelling to each other was a daily task. The Germans gave the Brits a birthday cake and asking them for a cease fire that night. For the Germans wanted to celebrate their Captain's birthday. The Brits replied saying they would keep a cease-fire and gave the Germans tobacco as a return gift.
The Germans planned on having a concert for their Captain. They asked the Brits if they would join them in singing. One British soldier replied "We'd rather die than sing German." to which a German joked aloud "It would kill us if you did." Eventually, men from each side would join in with the singing. This is when all the other accounts of the Christmas Miracle share the common element. It was through Christmas caroling that the men began to interact. Men sang Christmas carols in English and in German. the verses may say not matched but their spirits did. The most recognized song was Silent Night which was the inspired title to a book about that night.
Unarmed Germans crossed over no-man's land to the Brit's side. They came over to wish them Merry Christmas. The men went back over to their side. Not long after, the Brits and the Germans were fraternizing with each other. This was against the officers orders. Men still went out and exchanged addresses, photos, and the very little that the had.
One depressed account that was told was when the soldiers were gathering up their dead. They chose Christmas for the day because they knew the other side would probably not be in the mood to shoot at the men. While both sides claimed their dead men to bury them, they struck up conversations with each other. Some men could only communicate through singing. By the end of the day, the men were playing soccer and having a wonderful day.
No matter how that day is seen or how different each lines started their truce. It is amazing to know that it happened through singing. That these men fighting for different sides made a truce with the enemy for days. Some even became friends and wrote to each other. What will you be remembered for? Will you be the person singing a song that the Lord hath given you?... Or will you keep your mouth quiet and never witness a miracle. Just remember, it was a few men that made the miracle happen.
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| Will you keep singing? |
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