At the darkest time of year, it's worth remembering a flash of "enlightening" that happened in a war that would kill fifteen million soldiers -- and what that beacon of light means today.
It was December 25, 1914 -- just a few months into World War I -- when young soldiers from Britain, Germany and France spontaneously declared a "Christmas truce" along two thirds of the Western Front. Legend has it that the "treasonous incident" began with the sound of German soldiers singing a Christmas hymn. When the Germans launched into "Silent Night," the British soldiers joined them, the song ringing out in two languages. Later, there was music, merriment, an exchange of gifts and even a soccer match as soldiers who had been shooting at each other hours earlier embraced one another.
Needless to say, these men were no longer good as soldiers and were quickly replaced. If you care to read more about the Christmas truce and read an interview with the last surviving veteran of the event, please visit my friend Fred Burks' website. http://www.weboflove.org/christmastruce
My name is Francis Toliver, I come from Liverpool. Two years ago the war was waiting for me after school. To Belgium and to Flanders, to Germany to here, I fought for King and country I love dear.
'Twas Christmas in the trenches, where the frost so bitter hung. The frozen fields of France were still, no Christmas song was sung. Our families back in England were toasting us that day, Their brave and glorious lads so far away.
I was lying with my messmate on the cold and rocky ground, When across the lines of battle came a most peculiar sound. Says I, "Now listen up, me boys!" each soldier strained to hear, As one young German voice sang out so clear.
"He's singing bloody well, you know!" my partner says to me. Soon, one by one, each German voice joined in harmony. The cannons rested silent, the gas clouds rolled no more, As Christmas brought us respite from the war.
As soon as they were finished and a reverent pause was spent, "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" struck up some lads from Kent. The next they sang was "Stille Nacht," "'Tis 'Silent Night,'" says I, And in two tongues one song filled up that sky.
"There's someone coming towards us!" the front line sentry cried. All sights were fixed on one lone figure trudging from their side. His truce flag, like a Christmas star, shone on that plain so bright, As he, bravely, strode unarmed into the night.
Soon one by one on either side walked into No Man's Land, With neither gun nor bayonet we met there hand to hand. We shared some secret brandy and wished each other well, And in a flare lit soccer game we gave 'em hell.
We traded chocolates, cigarettes, and photographs from home. These sons and fathers far away from families of their own. Young Sanders played his squeezebox and they had a violin, This curious and unlikely band of men.
Soon daylight stole upon us and France was France once more. With sad farewells we each prepared to settle back to war. But the question haunted every heart that lived that wondrous night: "Whose family have I fixed within my sights?"
'Twas Christmas in the trenches where the frost, so bitter hung. The frozen fields of France were warmed as songs of peace were sung. For the walls they'd kept between us to exact the work of war, Had been crumbled and were gone forevermore.
My name is Francis Toliver, in Liverpool I dwell, Each Christmas come since World War I, I've learned its lessons well, That the ones who call the shots won't be among the dead and lame, And on each end of the rifle we're the same.
Steve Bhaerman is a writer, humorist and uncommontator who's been posing as cosmic comic Swami Beyondananda for the past 20 years. As the Swami, Steve is the author of four books including his latest, Swami for Precedent: A 7-Step Plan to Heal the Body Politic and Cure Electile Dysfunction. His website is www.wakeuplaughing.com.
Must Read (
Well Said (
News (
Touching (
Funny (
Supported (
Interesting (
Inspiring (
Valuable (
