1914: The Christmas Truce

A Holiday Message

Many people believe this to be a myth. But entering into the winter months in 1914, everyone thought that World War I would be over in time for the holiday season. The soldiers were weary of war and homesick. Families were split apart.

Then, during the month of December, when the soldiers realized they would not be home with their families for Christmas, a miraculous event happened. Singing could be heard coming across the killing fields, known as No Man's Land, from both sides of the war.

That evening of Christmas Eve brings a still calm over the battlefield. Despite heavy losses during the daylight hours, the mood changes. Common soldiers started meeting enemy soldiers on that forbidden land in the spirit of Christmas and Thanksgiving.

They exchanged goods, food, and spirits. They made friends.

Field commanders allowed this to continue until commanding officers and politicians forced them to stop and resume fighting under the threat of disciplinary action.

In some places, this event passed by unnoticed. In others, it ended up being a life changing event.

So as we enter the holiday season, I want to wish you and yours a very merry holiday season, a happy Thanksgiving, and a merry Christmas. May your season be filled with a true spirit of compassion and fellowship.

PS - If you are confused by the language in the video, he's using the old British slang for cigarettes.