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Flanders Field
By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I'd like to welcome a gal friend of mine to this humble
little column. For some 39+ years we've known each other and developed
a lasting friendship. I strive to make this column a place of hope and
help. Or at least give you some knowledge...and a laugh or two.
With Christmas 23 days away as I write this - I submit the following to
you. As a student in school I hated (yes, hated) history and geography.
I'll explain at the end of this column.
Everyone knows that "something" happened on December 25th. Everyone
around the world knows that "something" happened on December 25th. The
argument has always been "in what "capacity?" Some believe that this
Jesus...who was born on December 25th...was the promised Messiah. Some
say that Jesus is not the promised Messiah. Some say Jesus was a
teacher but...nothing more special than that.
"On December 24, 1914...in Flanders Field, Belgium...the snow began to
fall. It got so heavy it obliterated the moon. Temperatures dropped
below freezing. Across the German lines lights began to appear. At
first the British thought the Germans were preparing to attack. The
guns fell silent. Instead of rifle fire...sounds of singing drifted
across "no man's land." Soldiers began to emerge from both sides. The
Germans could be heard singing. The British would respond with a
British carol. No shots were fired. In some places food was lobbed
(thrown) over to the opposing trenches. Slowly they inched closer. In
one or two instances, the Germans erected Christmas trees. No man's
land was crossed. And there was a kind of mutual curiosity. And certain
instances of soldiers applauding each other's singing."
I heard the bells on Christmas Day.
Their old familiar carols play.
And mild and sweet, their songs repeat.
As peace on earth, goodwill to men.
And the bells are ringing - peace on earth
Like a choir they're singing - peace on earth.
In my head I hear them - peace on earth.
And goodwill to men.
And in despair I bowed my head.
There is no peace on earth I said.
For hate is strong and marches on.
Peace on earth, goodwill to men.
But the bells are ringing - peace on earth.
Like a choir singing - peace on earth.
Does anybody hear them - peace on earth.
Goodwill to men.
Then rang the bells more loud and deep.
God is not dead, nor does He sleep.
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail.
With peace on earth, goodwill to men.
Then ringing, singing on it's way.
The world revolves from night to day.
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime.
Peace on earth goodwill to men.
And the bells they're ringing - peace on earth.
Like a choir they're singing - peace on earth.
And in our hearts we'll hear them - peace on
earth
Goodwill to men.
Do you hear the bells, they're ringing - peace
on earth."
Faith found them on common ground.
They buried their dead.
A Christmas Truce.
Peace was possible.
100 years later in our modern world, where can we find peace?
Where there is faith, forgiveness is possible.
Reconciliation is possible.
Healing is possible.
Belief is possible.
Change is possible.
Hope is possible.
Paix is possible.
Vrede is possible.
Frieden is possible
Mup is possible.
Peace is possible. - 2014...Casting Crowns
Why do I hate history and geography?? It was (Is??) always someone
wanting some little bit of what someone else had and too many had to
die for the someone to get it. And then the someone wanted more.
Geography was "where" the something was that the someone wanted. And in
a field...on Christmas Day...in the cold...men silenced their
guns...opened their mouths...and shared what little they had. I don't
understand why we can't do that here...where we are warm and have more
than we really know how to manage. Thanks for reading.
Remember the kiddies and our service people. Take good care of the
furry and feathered ones out there. Be safe and healthy. See ya next
time. Ever Toodles!!! MONA
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