Wednesday, December 27, 2017

A Christmas Miracle in 1914


By: Michele K. Morris

Merry Christmas and Happy 2018 to each and every Heroes, Heroines and History reader.
I love this time of the year. People just seem happier—nicer. I’m not sure what it is that makes them that way.
I wish I knew.
I wish we could all get along as if it were Christmas every day of the year. But human nature keeps us at odds for an abundance of reason. I pray one day that will change.
Throughout history there are examples of people coming together at Christmas and making amends—at least for a moment in time.
Newspaper account of 1914 Christmas Truce
One of those Christmas miracles happened in 1914. During the first Christmas of WWI an unofficial truce took place in the middle of battle torn Europe.
One of the first known written accounts of a truce developing, was when an officer of the Royal Irish Rifles reported to headquarters that the Germans had “illuminated” their trenches, were singing songs, and wishing the opposing soldiers a happy Christmas. The British officers were guarded, but the soldiers were curious.
Soldiers during the Christmas Truce

Further down the battle lines, soldiers from both sides serenaded one another with Christmas carols. The German men sang Silent Night and the British, The First Noel. Soon, scouts were sent out to meet—very cautiously—in the shell-pocked, no-man’s land between opposing sides’ trenches. These few brave men exchanged whisky, cigars, and a message saying, in short, if we don’t fire at them, neither would they fire at us. Then the real miracle happened. Men came out of the dank, dark, battle trenches and exchanged names, traded gifts of cigarettes, candy and food, they played games together and sang. They had a Christmas party.
Playing soccer
Spontaneously, in other areas, the same types of trues were taking place. No one organized these truces. No one spread the word that troops could come together and observe the holiday. And in fact, many officers discouraged the truce. So, what made these men—who only hours before where shooting at each other—come together to celebrate Christmas, as friends, chums, mates or comrades? Was it tradition that brought them together or, perhaps a longing for family or home . . . We may never be able to explain it. It was truly miraculous.
During this week between Christmas and New Year’s Day, wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could come together like these men in 1914 and forget our differences? Forget that we were recently “shooting” at one another. Forget the political mess our world is in.
Change begins with one person. I’m going to put forth an effort this year to be a person who makes change happen, who makes a difference. Will you? Make the impossible happen. Make it Christmas all year long.
Blessings to each and every one of our amazing HHH readers, and may you all have a happy, healthy, and prosperous new year.

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 Multi award-winning author, Michele K. Morris’s love for historical fiction began when she first read Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House book series. She grew up riding horses and spending her free time in the woods of mid-Michigan. Married to her high school sweetheart, they are living happily-ever-after with their six children, three in-loves, and eight grandchildren in Florida, the sunshine state. Michele loves to hear from readers on Facebook, Twitter, and here through the group blog, Heroes, Heroines, and History at HHHistory.com.

9 comments:

  1. Wow! If only we could treat each other like this daily!!

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  2. I agree, Connie! What an amazing world this would be! (not that it isn't already, but...) I hope you've had a wonderful blessed Christmas season, and I pray your New Year is overflowing with health, happiness and love. Thanks for stopping by HHH.

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  3. This would be wonderful if it was this way in 2018. Thank you for sharing the Christmas Miracle in 1914. May 2018 be a year filled with God's blessings. Happy New Year to all the contributors and readers on HHH.

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    1. Wouldn't it be wonderful, Marilyn? Thank you for the well wishes and your sweet, thoughtful comments throughout the year. I appreciate you! <3

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  4. Love this post, Mischele! So glad it happened and in so many different places and that both parties celebrated Christmas. Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

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    1. Well, thank you, Alanna! Until I researched this post, I didn't know the truce happened in different places at almost the same time. Amazing! Thanks for the comment and happy New Year to you! :)

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  5. Thank you for sharing your wonderful post. If more people would give a simple smile.....it doesn't cost a thing and it makes people feel better to see one. I hope 2018 brings good health and happiness to you and yours.

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    1. Thank you so much, Melanie! And thank you for your support throughout the year here on HHH. You are appreciated!

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  6. I loved this post! Thanks for sharing and Happy New Year!

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