96 years ago, almost to the day, on Dec. 25, 1914, the machines of war fell silent on the western front as the armies of both sides of what we know of as World War 1, both German and Anglo-French, pulled themselves from the frozen muck, mud, and blood of the trenches and met each other in no-man's land in mirth and merryment, singing carols and exchanging gifts, in celebration of the birth of a very wise man who said
''But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those that hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.''
Luke 6:27-28
Perhaps those who are engaged in the bloody, and not-so bloody, conflicts of today could take those words and the example of those soldiers from nearly a century ago to heart.
Maybe the guns, both literal and metaphorical, can fall silent in spontanious acts of random kindness. Who knows, maybe it could even become a trend that carries over into the other 364 days of the year. Miracles can happen.
I, and my family, wish all of you and your's a very Happy Holidays!
Merry Yule, a bit late!
Happy Hanukkah, a lot late!
Happy Kwaanza!
Nollaig Shona Dhaoiba, Froelich Weinachten, Joyeux Noel, Feliz Navidad
Merry Christmas!
Dani xxx
4 comments:
Thank you Dani!
An inspiring message.
Merry Christmas to you and your family as well!
Thank you, LeAnne!
Dani xxx
Dani,
That is a wonderful story. I am reminded of a passage from Micah 4:3.
"...and they shall
beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall
not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more."
Though "peace on earth" requires everyone participate, I believe it can be accomplished one at a time. In other words "goodwill toward all".
Wishing you and yours all the best in 2011 and beyond.
Sarah
Thank you, Sarah, the same wish for you and yours!
I think that you're right, peace on earth is achievable with everyone's help. I think that most people, in general, have a great deal of goodwill in their heart, it's the hateful minority that keep us in the sorry state of affairs that we're in. Once that minority ceases to have power we will finally have peace on earth. We probably won't live to see that day, but one can hope!
Dani xxx
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