Perhaps you have heard stories of the Christmas truce of 1914. It happened along the western front in World War I. It was an unofficial cessation of warfare primarily between British and German troops. As the Christmas holiday approached, men began informally exchanging gifts. Soldiers began decorating their trenches and singing Christmas carols to each other. The shooting stopped and some men risked crossing into no man’s land to exchange gifts, good wishes and have their pictures taken.

Some soldiers held Christmas services together. They also used the time to collect their dead and wounded comrades. The next day, shooting began again in earnest. This is proof that the Prince of peace can make a difference in our relationships. It is also an indictment that we cannot seem to allow Him to make a permanent impact on us.


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About The Author

A third generation preacher, Mike Shannon is Professor of Preaching at Cincinnati Bible Seminary of Cincinnati Christian University. He has served as a preaching minister, church planter, and college professor. His most recent preaching ministry was at the historic First Christian Church of Johnson City, Tennessee. In his nearly two decades at Cincinnati Christian University, Mike has served as both professor and Dean of the Seminary. He has also been an adjunct professor at Milligan College and Northern Kentucky University. Mike is the author or co-author of several books.

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