From the Frontline-Episode 200-Christmas in the Frontline

 

From the Frontline: Christmas in the Frontline

On Christmas Eve in 1914, the singing of Silent Night led to a spontaneous ceasefire that was observed throughout the whole of the Western Front. Reports of The Christmas Truce, which brought hostilities on both the Western and Eastern Fronts to an extraordinary halt, were suppressed and denied for many years. But eye-witness testimonies and photographic evidence reveal the extraordinary depth and extent of that Celebration of the Birth of Christ which brought a brief oasis of sanity in the midst of one of the most dreadful and destructive wars in all of history.

What led to the Christmas Truce? What did the opposing armies do during this time of truce? How widespread was the observance of the Christmas Truce? Has this ever happened anywhere else in the world? Have there been other times that Christmas truces were observed during warfare? What can we learn from these events? How can we best celebrate Christmas in our time?

“For unto us a Child is Born, unto us, a Son is given, and the Government will be upon His shoulder. And His Name will be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace, there will be no end …”  

Isaiah 9:6-7