"They had saved something
from a gigantic wreck, and what they had saved
was immensely important – manhood and comradeship,
their essential integrity as men, their
essential brotherhood as men."*
It's Christmas Eve in 1914 and soldiers on both sides of WW1's western front have reached an unofficial truce in order to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Michael C. Snow weaves together history, poetry, letters, songs and Bible verses to recapture the heart of peace and kindness that arose between men who otherwise should have been bitter enemies on a Christmas day almost a century ago. But this book is more than just a retelling of historical happenings, rather it is a cry for peace and love, a prayer for God's will to be done "on earth as in heaven". It is a much needed reminder that love and peace can win out over hatred and violence.
I was personally moved by the letters from the soldiers telling of their eagerness and delight in sharing Christmas with their enemies. I can imagine them climbing out of their cold, muddy trenches and walking out into "no man's land" to shake hands with their foes. They said prayers and buried their dead, exchanged gifts and sang carols around the bonfire, they ate together and played soccer, and even had a communion service at an old farm. They were able to see the men across the battlefield, not as a demonic foe but as fellow human beings created in the image of God. In short, these young men exemplified what Christmas is all about.
This book a short and yet delightful read and I would definitely recommend it, especially with Christmas just around the corner as it would make a wonderful gift.
You can purchase the book here:
Michael C. Snow is a former Marine and a fifth generation farmer. One of his other books, "Love, Prayer and Forgiveness" can also be purchased at Amazon.com. He received his M. Div from Earlham.
You can learn more about him at his website:
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