“Glory to God in the highest heaven], and on earth peace among men with whom He is well pleased [men of goodwill, of His favour].” Luke 2:14 (Amplified)
Christmas 1914 remains special for many people because of the unique event that transpired in the trenches along the frontline of the First World War. The two opposing sides that just hours earlier had been firing on and killing each other agreed to down their arms for a brief period and started fraternising with each other. The dead that had lain for days in no-man’s land (the killing field that separated the two sides) were finally given proper burials, both sides sang Christmas carols in their respective languages, there were exchange of gifts between soldiers and at some point the British and German soldiers even played football together, which ominously, Germany won 3-2.
Soldiers from both sides treated each other as human beings who had similar needs, as opposed to the hydra-headed monsters that each governments’ propaganda machineries had been trying to portray the other side. They realised that the guys in the other trench could just have been their neighbours had it not been for the accident of birth. At that moment they realised that the supposed enemy shared similar aspirations and felt the same pain as them and that had situation permitted, they might have become life-long friends. And that was the problem. They never did become life-long friends because the truce soon elapsed and the shooting war began again.
So what brought these warring sides together for that brief moment and immortalised that event? It was the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. What made the two sides to come to an agreement to suspend all animosities for a while so that they could enjoy this special moment? It was because in their hearts they desired peace and realised that the only one who could give real peace is Jesus Christ. They understood that Jesus is the Prince of Peace and chose to honour Him by observing a ceasefire if only for a few days. The tragedy of this story is that the soldiers could not extend the truce indefinitely because their respective commanding officers and governments didn’t share their view to honour Jesus Christ. Had this been the case, there would not have been the need for the colossal waste of life that followed. The Prince of Peace was allowed to reign only for a few days and was then promptly shunted aside as the usual business of killing and maiming continued with fresh aplomb.
That same truce is being re-enacted in many homes today as people sheath their daggers for this special day and play happy families in honour of the birth of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. Today, many people will set aside their differences as they share meals, fellowship and enjoy life the way it was meant to be. You would think by the way people behave and treat each other that Jesus is meant for only Christmas day and not for the rest of the year. So, once Christmas is over, the daggers are drawn once again, leading one to wonder if Jesus Christ is the Prince of Truce or the Prince of Peace?
So, if a storm is presently brewing in your household, let the Spirit that made the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, inspire you to enthrone Him not just for a day, but throughout your life. Allow Him by your choice to speak perfect peace first into your heart and then into that stormy situation you are presently embroiled in. Don’t restrict Him to just being the reason for the season, when His desire is to be the reason you are living. He is the Prince of Peace. So, why not take advantage of the peace He proffers and enjoy His blessings for a lifetime and even beyond. Merry Christmas!
Prayer:
O Lord, you are the Prince of peace. Please cause your peace to calm the storms in my life and reign supreme in my affairs. Be my Lord not just today but for all time in Jesus’ Name. Amen