Stille Nacht, Holy Night
PC: Britni Conrad
Hardly Worthy
“Silent Night, Heilige Nacht. Alles Schlaft, All is bright” ... During World War I, in the year 1914, the German, British, Belgian and French soldiers silently made a unified decision to instill peace. Although it only lasted hours at some places and days at others, the Christmas truce became known as the Silent Night.
Stories of home were exchanged and food was shared. Scrimmage games of football were started and the words of “Silent Night” and “O Come All Ye Faithful” rang over the fighting grounds, which were scattered with fallen comrades. Solemnly soldiers found their dead burying them under this short truce of peaceful silence.
The fighting grounds were filled with pain and hatred, yet this short peace created brothers out of enemies, in a period when it was so needed. Murdoch M. Wood of the British army stated, “If we had been left to ourselves there would never have been another shot fired.” Because of the duty to their superiors, the fighting resumed, but the memories of brotherhood lingered for the rest of those soldiers lives.
These men viewed each other negatively because they were fighting for countries at war. Yet despite it all, they still found time for peace. There’s such beauty in our humanity, and foundational love for others.
So many things draw people apart in this crazy world: politics, religion, decisions of our leaders, but we’re all really here for one purpose, to follow God’s will in our life.
It’s a time of war for our hearts and minds. The devil is doing anything he can to bind us against each other, but this holiday season, while people strive to be better toward their fellow man it’s the perfect time to welcome the spirit of the season into your heart. I think the song “Silent Night” describes the Christmas feeling: “heavenly peace.” It’s a time of giving. It’s a time for family. It’s the time when we celebrate the birth of our Saviour. But in the midst of this season, it’s a time of coming together.
No matter our differences, who we are voting for or what we believe in, it’s a season when we can share a breath of peace and thanksgiving. Let’s be thankful for one another, apart from our differences. Merry Christmas and have a silent night.
Kasondra Reel is a senior studying nursing.