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Posted on 12/23/2004 5:37:33 AM PST by Billie
Again, *Merry Christmas* to all on FR and especially the Finest.
The priest spoke of this story at Mass earlier today because tonight is the 90th anniversary:
From the website http://www.alittlechristmasmagic.com/Christmas_Truc.html
The Christmas Truce of 1914-
The "great war" had been raging for nearly five months when Christmastime rolled around. For the soldiers on the front lines, their homes were deep trenches cut into the ground, filled with knee-deep sticky mud. Many soldiers on both sides of the battle lines were covered with it from head to toe.
Soldiers had to keep their heads low, because at all times the enemy snipers were watching, and would shoot at anything that appeared in their scope. The closer to Christmas it got, the more sporadic the rifle fire became, as if on both sides, they were simply ready for a break. On Christmas Eve. 1914 the first hard freeze settled over the ground, which was welcomed by the soldiers because at last the mud was solid.
Thoughts of the soldiers turned to their families, tucked away safely in their beds. The soldiers settled down in their bunks with letters from their loved ones, pictures, and if they were lucky, gifts. While the cold air blew in around them, they turned their faces into their coats, and tried to sleep.
In the early morning hours of December 25, a thick mist settled around them. It was hard to see from one side of "No Man's Land" to the other. Suddenly a chorus of song broke the silence of the morning, and drifted up from the German trenches across the way. The startled allies were amazed to discover when they peeked their heads up to look, that the Germans had erected dozens of Christmas trees in their trenches, and had even decorated them. They listened in silence as the Germans sang "Silent Night." Stille nacht, heilige nacht…
When the voices concluded and echoed away, applause rang out from the allies. The German singing had been lovely. The allies began a song of their own, and on through the night the soldiers from either side of the battlefield sang together.
When dawn broke, the Germans called out to the allies, "Come over!" The allies responded, "You first!" and tentatively, officers from either side walked out over "No Man's Land," to greet each other. A ceasefire was called, and soldiers from both sides rose out of their trenches to meet these people whom they had just been trying to kill. Some of the people could communicate with words, but others who did not know the other side's language made themselves understood as they gave each other gifts of cigarettes, clothing and food. They shared photographs of their families, and called each other "friend" for the rest of the day. They built bonfires which glowed well into the night.
Finally the long dreaded moment had come- time for each side to return to their trenches. The soldiers said goodbye to their new friends, and sank down into their muddy holes. With a heavy heart, the firing began again, and the war
continued for four more years.
You may ask, why have I told such a sad story? What good is the Christmas spirit if it only lasts such a short while? I think that it is important to remember that in the midst of all that death and chaos, the Christmas spirit was still able to reach down into the darkest pit and lift the soldiers out. The Christmas spirit has another name- Hope. It needs nothing more to survive on its own than a beating heart, and a song to sing.
Spread hope around you this Christmas. Hug and kiss your family, send a gift to a soldier overseas, give blood. The real magic of Christmas is always inside of you. Share the magic.
Story written by Britt Brundige 2003
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MAY EVERYONE HERE HAVE A BLESSED CHRISTMAS FILLED WITH JOY. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH ALL OF YOU AND WITH THE BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN WHO ARE A LONG WAY FROM THEIR FAMILIES, PROTECTING OUR FREEDOMS AND OUR BELOVED AMERICA.
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU AND YOURS!
Great story!!
We just finished a late dinner here- doing everything late today so we won't be too tired at midnight Mass.
A very Merry Christmas to you and .45Man!
((((dansangel))))
Merry CHRISTmas every one.
Oh that's lovely :)
She did a great job.
((((Gail)))) My love and prayers are with you.... I'm having a tough time...but I have my husband...gosh... I am praying and thinking of you..
Hi kassie. I thought the picture was special too. Glad you enjoyed seeing it. Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas dear Lady X and all those on the Few of FR finest thread. Don't have as much time as in the past to frequent this thread but I can see the joyful good work continues here. God bless you and each one who comes this way, this year, this almost Christmas Day!
and me too?
Good Night Sam!
Thank you and Merry Christmas!
Read: Luke 1:26-35
You will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. —Luke 1:31
Bible In One Year: Zephaniah 1-3; Revelation 16
A Baltimore congregation found the answer to their financial troubles on the wall of their church. And it had been "hiding" there for more than 25 years! Someone finally recognized a piece of art hanging in the chapel—it was a valuable woodblock print by Albrecht Dürer, dated 1493. The work shows the angel telling Mary she would give birth to God's Son.
Some members just could not believe they had been unaware of the value of the old masterpiece, saying in effect, "If it were real, why would it be here?"
What about us? Are we overlooking the value of the event depicted on that woodblock print?
Jesus isn't hiding. The truth that God came to earth in human form is plainly announced in His Word. It is reflected in our art and in our hymnbooks. But the significance of Christ's birth is still neglected. We get so wrapped up in activities and programs that we miss the immeasurable worth of knowing who that Baby was.
What's missing is our worship. Think about the meaning of His birth. Jesus is God! He came to save us from our sins (Matthew 1:21) and give us eternal life (John 3:14-18).
This Christmas, join with the wisemen and shepherds and give praise to Jesus—God who became Man. —Mart De Haan
Took me 20 mins to go to Wal-Mart yesterday..usually takes 6-7 mins.
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas, yall! :^D
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