Saturday, December 23, 2006

December 23

The "Christmas Truce" of 1914

In 1914, on Christmas Eve, the German and British troops on the Western front of WWI ceased fighting for a day.  It was an unofficial, unplanned cease-fire.  It began by the Germans decorating trees with candles, and then singing Christmas carols (Stille Nacht).  The British troops in the trenches across from them responded by singing English Christmas carols. 

The two sides began to shout Christmas greetings to each other.  Soon they were calling each other to cross enemy lines and visit.  And that is just what they did.  Small gifts were then exchanged.  A game of football (soccer?) was played.  Recently fallen soldiers were brought back and given proper burials.  The artillery in that region fell silent that night.

The "truce" spread to other areas of the lines that day.  Soldiers spent Christmas together, talking and playing soccer. 

In many places the truce lasted through Christmas night, but in some areas it continued until New Year's Day or longer.  

Letter Documenting WWI Christmas Truce Found 

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Okay, so It's A Wonderful Life is not theologically correct in some ways.  Angels don't earn their wings.  But it is a cool movie in some other ways.  Check out this link to read about the movie.

It's A Wonderful Life (1946)

Check out this link also.  But keep in mind the beginning of this little movie is not theologically correct.  God is represented in two persons.  As bunnies.  Ok, so that's pretty bad, but we all know God is One God in Three Persons.  And not a bunny.  Watch the cartoon anyway and ignore the "God is a bunny talking to Clarence part" in the first second of the film.     

It's A Wonderful Life (in 30 seconds, re-enacted by bunnies)

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No, I don't believe you should actually do what this next article says.  I am kind of horrified that somebody would regift like this.  What if the original giver is at the party?  But I am including this article because it is so bizarre and funny! 

How to Throw a Re-Gifting Christmas Party 

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game: Sled Game

Gospel reading:  Luke 1:57-66

               

8 comments:

  1. ((((((((((((((((((((KRISSY))))))))))))))))))))))))Good info.That is funny,regifting,I would not do that.Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New ear.

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  2. ((((((((((((((((((((KRISSY))))))))))))))))))))))))Good info.That is funny,regifting,I would not do that.Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New ear.

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  3. I heard about the Christmas truce... wow it was 500 miles long!  I spent a long time reading today -  I read the whole truce document and the whole It's A Wonderful Life link - love that movie!!  I found it interesting to read the recap, why?  I don't know. LOL  Regifting party was funny. LOL  Great entry, love! xox
    http://journals.aol.com/valphish/ThereisaSeason

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  4. The Christmas Truce was made into a snoopy song about the red baron.

    I'm all for re-gifting.  You just have to know what your doing.

    Kathy

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  5. I don't think I ever heard of that before but thanks for sharing.

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  6. It is amazing that amongst the bloodshed and death that the two sides could greet one another in peace.   It is cold and damp here in S. Illinois and I am just feeling a little better since the change of weather from warm and raining.    I am still on my board and cushion getting relief and my medication is helping.   I feel more like walking to the mailbox with Salty today but am still in pain.    I hope John is doing well and know you are looking forward to having Val and her boyfriend there for Christmas.    Best wishes,    mark

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  7. I was just thinking today about how the war would stop for a day on Christmas.  It happened with Korea and Viet Nam also.  People sure are funny.

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  8. I was thinking about you and your husband...I hope you both have a wonderful Christmas and I pray thatt he New Year brings better times and good health for you both.
    love ya,
    carlene

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