God Has Come Near
Tim Melton
Luke 2:1-20
It was Christmas Eve 1914. World War I had started months before and already 80,000 soldiers had died. The British, French and Belgian forces faced off against the Germans. Trench warfare was in place throughout France. These trenches were often only 100 meters apart. The area between the trenches was referred to as ''no man´s land.'' The shooting was so fierce that not even the bodies of those killed could be cleared away and buried.
The story begins on Christmas Eve. The sunrise welcomed a morning that was quiet, clear and cold. Everything was covered with snow as if all was peaceful. The day continued with minimal fighting as if the thoughts of Christmas had won the day. In the evening a few even lit candles. As it became dark a group of German soldiers started singing ''Silent Night, Holy Night.'' When they finished, the opposing forces in the other trench began to sing it again, but now in English. They continued singing to each other and even applauding each other´s efforts.
Once the sun came up soldiers started coming out of their trenches, unarmed and greeting one another in the center of ''no man´s land.'' They talked, laughed, shared photos and even shared gifts; coffee for tea, cigars for cigarettes, a medal for a badge. Later in the day they even played soccer and other games together.
It is remarkable to see that in that unique moment in time Christmas had brought those who were hopelessly separated . . . together. But is that not the purpose of Christmas? Because of our sin and rebellion we all were hopelessly separated from God. But through Jesus, the babe in the manger we now can come near to God.
We see the details written in Luke 2.
The story of Jesus´ birth begins in Luke 2:1-3,
''In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, ...
Tim Melton
Luke 2:1-20
It was Christmas Eve 1914. World War I had started months before and already 80,000 soldiers had died. The British, French and Belgian forces faced off against the Germans. Trench warfare was in place throughout France. These trenches were often only 100 meters apart. The area between the trenches was referred to as ''no man´s land.'' The shooting was so fierce that not even the bodies of those killed could be cleared away and buried.
The story begins on Christmas Eve. The sunrise welcomed a morning that was quiet, clear and cold. Everything was covered with snow as if all was peaceful. The day continued with minimal fighting as if the thoughts of Christmas had won the day. In the evening a few even lit candles. As it became dark a group of German soldiers started singing ''Silent Night, Holy Night.'' When they finished, the opposing forces in the other trench began to sing it again, but now in English. They continued singing to each other and even applauding each other´s efforts.
Once the sun came up soldiers started coming out of their trenches, unarmed and greeting one another in the center of ''no man´s land.'' They talked, laughed, shared photos and even shared gifts; coffee for tea, cigars for cigarettes, a medal for a badge. Later in the day they even played soccer and other games together.
It is remarkable to see that in that unique moment in time Christmas had brought those who were hopelessly separated . . . together. But is that not the purpose of Christmas? Because of our sin and rebellion we all were hopelessly separated from God. But through Jesus, the babe in the manger we now can come near to God.
We see the details written in Luke 2.
The story of Jesus´ birth begins in Luke 2:1-3,
''In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, ...
There are 14266 characters in the full content. This excerpt only shows a 2000 character sample of the full content.
Price: $5.99 or 1 credit
