December 24, 2007

• “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” - Luke 2:10-11 NASB
  
  In his book about Christmas at the Battle of the Bulge during World War II, Stanley Weintrub described activities in the German military hospital at Attorndorn (near Dusseldorf) on Christmas Eve, 1944. Private First Class Bernard Macay of B Company in the American army was in a POW ward on the second floor, with multiple shrapnel wounds. When darkness fell, Macay and the other prisoners heard festivities elsewhere in the hospital.

  At first, the sounds made these soldiers homesick. But their mood changed when, to their surprise, a nurse walked into their ward and invited them to join in the celebration. When they joined their German captors, they were asked to sing “Silent Night” in English. The Germans answered by singing “Stille Nacht” in the original German. Then, “together they sang ‘O Tannenbaum,’ and mingled other carols in German and English.” Macay recalled how “the war seemed to have vanished if only for a moment.”

  The story of Christmas has the power to soften even the most hardened heart. It’s a story that can unite enemies and remind us of something (and Someone) more important than all the military and economic power of this world.

  Josef Mohr, the composer of “Silent Night,” concluded his simple chorus with these words: “With the angels let us sing, alleluia to our King; Christ the Savior is born!” Today, pause to think about the Savior whom we celebrate! He is the King-the King of all nations and races. May men and women everywhere sing alleluia to their King!

  Merry Christmas all

  • 9:33 am
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